Location
Marine Corps Base Quantico is located 35 miles south of Washington, D.C. in Prince William County, Virginia. Located at Exits 148 (South Entrance) and 150-A (North Entrance), Main Gate.
Mission
Develop Marine Corps warfighting concepts and determine associated required capabilities in the areas of doctrine, organization, training and education, equipment, and support and facilities (DOTES) to enable the Marine Corps to field combat-ready forces; and participate in and support other major processes of the Combat Development System (CDS).
Forwarding Mail to Quantico
Fill out two "Change of Address" cards at the mail room at your present command. Note your EDA (estimated date of arrival) on the card. Address all mail going to Quantico to General Delivery, Quantico, VA 22134. The Postmaster will retain your mail for 30 days from your stated EDA to check in with the post office. Please be sure to check the appropriate boxes for temporary or permanent assignment, single or family mail so that all mail for the family will be kept together. If you desire a permanent address, contact the Postmaster at the civilian post office at your present duty station for assistance in making arrangements for rental of a Post Office Box at Quantico. Quantico Post Office (703)630-2951.
Relocation Assistance
Our Relocation Assistance Program Office is located within the Community Service Center, Little Hall (Base Theater), Bldg 2034. You can find welcome aboard packets, maps, and other local information. We also maintain a Loan Locker that provides temporary kitchen equipment, futons, ironing boards, irons, and baby items. You may borrow these items while waiting on your arrival of household goods. Contact the Relocation Assistance Office for additional information at (703)784-4961/2, DSN: 278-4961/2, or 1-800-336-4663.
Population
Active Duty: 6,560; Family Members: 3,460; Students: 1,227; Civilian Employees: 2,232 (excluding contractors).
Telephone Access
When making phone calls aboard Quantico, please follow these guidelines: If you are calling a Quantico base number from a base number, you must dial either 784 or 432 and the last four. Phone numbers that begin with 640 or 630 must first be preceded by the area code (703). The DSN prefix for Quantico is 278. Base Information: (703) 784-2121 or 278-2121. Command Duty Officer: (703) 784-2707.
History
The U. S. government acquired Quantico in 1917. The Marine Corps desperately needed an east coast base to train both officer and enlisted Marines. During its infancy, the base was known as Marine Corps Schools Quantico. It is the most unique post in the Marine Corps because it is truly the "Crossroads of the Corps." It is here that all Marine Officers begin their careers and where many thousands of Marines attend professional military education schools throughout their careers. In 1968, the name was changed to Marine Corps Development and Education Command (MCDEC), reflecting the command's dual mission of military education and the development of new concepts and weapons. Since 1987, however, the command has been known as the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC).
Uniform
All military personnel reporting aboard should check-in wearing the "Alpha" uniform, regardless of the uniform season.
Commander's Welcome Brief
The Commander's Welcome Aboard Brief is normally held the second Tuesday of each month at the Clubs at Quantico (located adjacent to the Crossroads Inn). Although it is mandatory for all personnel O-5 and below, it is highly recommended for all newcomers and family members. It is a fast-paced overview of Quantico and the facilities and services aboard. Don't wait to "officially" check in to attend. Reservations are not required. The brief is held from 0930-1130. Contact the Relocation Assistance Office for additional information at (703)784-4961/2, DSN: 278-4961/2, or 1-800-336-4663.
Area Traffic
Newcomers should be aware that I-95 is a very busy link between Florida and Maine as well as the commuters' link to Washington DC from this area. One can expect all the characteristics of "rush hour" near any large city: delays, accidents, construction. While there is mass transit available (i.e. train, bus, vanpool, carpool in HOV [High Occupancy Vehicle] lanes), traffic is extremely busy during peak hours. It generally takes up to an hour or more to commute between the Quantico area and the Pentagon or DC.
Important Documents to Hand Carry
Some important documents that you may want to keep with you during your PCS transfer are; School transcripts/transfer packages, Medical/Dental records, Official documents, e.g. birth certificates, marriage/divorce/adoption decrees, Passports/Naturalization papers, religious documents, e.g. baptismal certificates, Household goods inventories and related documents, Original Orders, Appraisals of antiques/high-value items, and insurance policies.
Cost of Living
Cost of off-base housing is relatively high in the Quantico area due to close proximity of the base to Washington, D.C. Be sure to check-in with the Housing Office prior to negotiating any off base housing agreements. The Housing Office is located in Bldg 3049, (703) 784-2711/2291.