TWENTYNINE PALMS
MARINES
Twentynine Palms, CA
United States
TWENTYNINE PALMS
MARINES
Twentynine Palms, CA
United States
Twentynine Palms
Home of the Marine Air Ground Combat Center
Base Essentials
The Marine Corps' largest training installation — 1,100 square miles of Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, CA. About 12,500 active-duty Marines plus families and civilians live and work at Twentynine Palms.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1952
Acres
635,812
Active Duty
12,500
Civilian
21,000
Population
57,500
Economic Impact
$2 billion
Twentynine Palms History
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California's Mojave Desert was established in 1952 and is the largest Marine Corps installation in the world. Its vast desert terrain supports the largest live-fire combined arms training exercises in the Marine Corps. The installation hosts the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, which conducts pre-deployment training rotations for Marine units. Twentynine Palms is irreplaceable for large-scale maneuver and live-fire exercises and is being modernized to support training for Force Design 2030 concepts.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command
—
—
7th Marine Regiment
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Marine Corps Begins Mojave Desert Training
1952
Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms Established
1978
MAGTF Training Concept Developed
1979
First Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercises
2000
Redesignated Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1942
Marine Corps Begins Mojave Desert Training
The U.S. Marine Corps began using the vast Mojave Desert terrain near Twentynine Palms, California, for desert warfare training during World War II. The extreme heat, aridity, and open terrain were recognized as ideal for preparing forces for combat in desert environments worldwide.
1952
Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms Established
Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms was formally established in the Mojave Desert, providing a permanent installation with airfield, live-fire ranges, and maneuver areas. The base became the largest military installation on the U.S. mainland by land area, offering unmatched space for combined arms training.
1978
MAGTF Training Concept Developed
The Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) training concept was formalized at Twentynine Palms, establishing the doctrinal framework for combined arms exercises that integrated ground, aviation, and logistics elements into a unified combat force — the cornerstone of Marine Corps warfighting doctrine.
1979
First Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercises
The first formal Marine Corps combined arms live-fire exercises were conducted at Twentynine Palms, pioneering the simultaneous integration of artillery, close air support, and maneuver in training. This capability would define Marine Corps warfighting for every conflict that followed.
2000
Redesignated Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms was redesignated the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), reflecting its unique status as the only installation in the world where a full Marine Air Ground Task Force can conduct live combined arms training simultaneously at scale.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Twentynine Palms.
Twentynine Palms Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Twentynine Palms.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Visitor Access
What you need to know to get on Twentynine Palms.
REAL ID Required
Visitor Pass Required
How are you entering the base?
I have a DoD ID / CAC
Active duty, civilian employee, retiree, or dependent.
I'm visiting someone
Sponsored visit — a DoD ID holder will vouch for you.
I need a day pass
No sponsor — process through the Visitor Control Center.
Commercial / Delivery
Truck drivers, contractors, and vendors.
Quick summary
Visitors must obtain a pass at the Visitor Center (Building 901, Main Gate) during Mon-Fri 0530-1630. You need valid identification and a military sponsor. The Visitor Access Web Page includes a full list of acceptable IDs.
Guest policy
Visitors to MCAGCC require a military or DoD civilian sponsor to obtain a Visitor Pass. Temporary passes are issued to contractor employees, authorized guests of MCAGCC, and personnel who rate a permanent DoD decal but only have a temporary driver's license, temporary registration, or temporary proof of insurance.
Parking information
Vehicles permanently assigned to MCAGCC must be registered with the Vehicle Registration Office within three working days of reporting. To obtain a Temporary or Visitor Pass, required documents include a valid military/civilian ID card, valid state operator's or chauffeur's license, evidence of vehicle licensing or registration in a state or territory of the United States, proof of motor vehicle liability insurance meeting California minimums, notarized written permission if the applicant is not the registered owner, and proof of compliance with California Smog Inspection. Permanent DoD Decals require a permanent state driver's license, permanent vehicle registration, proof of insurance, California smog inspection report or waiver, DoD or government ID card, Driver Improvement Certificate (military under 26), and Motorcycle Safety Course certificate if applicable. Cell phone use by the driver of a moving motor vehicle is prohibited on all DoD installations unless using a hands-free device.
Latest News
Our coverage, local headlines, and upcoming events around Twentynine Palms.
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Twentynine Palms.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
MCAGCC Visitor Center
Phone
(760) 830-6794Hours
Weekdays, 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In-Processing
All Marines (excluding C&E School students) must report to the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) at Building 1450, 1450 Fourth Street ((760) 830-1858) within 24 hours of receiving their reporting endorsement. C&E students report to the Customer Service Center at Building 1865 ((760) 830-5992). Navy personnel attached to FMF units report to the NAVPERS Office at Building 1433 ((760) 830-4988); those assigned to Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital report to the Hospital Quarterdeck at Building 1145 ((760) 830-2190).
Upon arrival, IPAC staff verify service record information and initiate travel claim processing. The in-processing cycle includes administrative record review at IPAC, medical and dental screenings, and attendance at the Commanding General's Welcome Aboard Brief held at Building 1526. Per MCO 1754.10, this orientation is mandatory for Marines E-1 through E-6, officers O-1 through O-2, and WO-1 (students excluded). Family members are highly encouraged to attend. Personnel arriving after hours should report to their unit's Officer of the Day or Duty NCO.
The Information, Referral & Relocation (IR&R) Office at Building 1526 ((760) 830-6344) is the central hub for settling-in services. The Lending Locker provides general kitchen items, pots, pans, coffee makers, toasters, silverware, dishes, and ironing equipment on 30-day loans at no cost while awaiting household goods. MCCS also offers child care assistance, employment resources, education services, and family advocacy programs through the Military and Family Support Center.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Twentynine Palms.
CA032
MHA
On-post housing at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms is managed by Liberty Military Housing, which operates communities across the installation in California's high desert Mojave region with 2- to 4-bedroom homes. Liberty Military Housing provides an online portal for applications and maintenance, with on-site resident services staff and 24/7 m…
Local Market
2026 BAH Calculator
Dependency Status
With Dependents
$XX,XXX per year
E-5
Location
Select a grade and location above
Data Sources
BAH rates: Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), effective January 1, 2026. Rates set annually by DoD based on rental survey data.
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around Twentynine Palms
95
5% Below National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Twentynine Palms.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison
3
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
2
High Schools
View schools
3
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
The Twentynine Palms area offers military families a relaxed desert lifestyle with a moderate cost of living. The small military community boasts clean air and acts as the gateway to the great California Outback. The surrounding area — including Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Barstow — provides a variety of housing, shopping, and recreational opportunities. Twentynine Palms has parks, playgrounds, a pool, world-class murals, and numerous restaurants. Rental and purchase options are available throughout the Morongo Basin. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median selected monthly owner costs for housing units with a mortgage in San Bernardino County is $1,941 and the median gross rent paid is $1,061.
Twentynine Palms (City)
Suburban
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Morongo Unified School District
Most affordable; BAH stretches furthest here; closest to base; limited amenities but covers day-to-day needs
Yucca Valley
Suburban
Commute: 25 min
Schools: Morongo Unified School District
More shopping, dining, and services; broader school options; preferred by families with children; slightly higher rent
Joshua Tree
Rural
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Morongo Unified School District
Artsy community near Joshua Tree National Park; rising home values; unique lifestyle; appealing to outdoors-oriented families
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Twentynine Palms.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty pay of California residents stationed within California at rates up to 13.3% — the highest…
Spouse Income Tax
California taxes military pay if stationed in CA. Spouses may claim domicile elsewhere under MSRRA.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military can keep home-state plates but may owe use tax on vehicle purchase.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption. Prop 13 limits assessment increases.
Combat Zone Exclusion
A servicemember who serves, or has served, in a combat zone can exclude up to 100% of combat pay from income.
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Pet Policies at Twentynine Palms
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Twentynine Palms.
Emergency Vet
90 mi
Veterinary Emergency Center of Redlands
1422 Industrial Park Ave, Redlands, CA 92374(909) 793-5999On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
5
Prohibited Animals
2
Dog Parks
2
Boarding & Kennels
2
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Pet-Friendly Housing
Local Pet Notes
Required Vaccinations
Pet Shipping Tips
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Twentynine Palms.
Commissary
1
MCAGCC Twentynine Palms Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
MCX
Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Weekends, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Medical
1
Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
2
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Twentynine Palms.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Twentynine Palms has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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03
What school district serves the base?
Morongo Unified School District (rated C (Niche)) serves most military families at Twentynine Palms. Visit morongousd.com for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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04
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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05
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Twentynine Palms.
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06
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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07
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Twentynine Palms.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.