Twentynine Palms

Twentynine Palms, California – also known as MCAGCC (Combat Center) – is run by the Marine Corps and located in the San Bernardino County. By the 2010 census, the base hosted 8413 individuals. The terrain consists of small, yet abrupt mountains, turning the place into a perfect training field for troops under severe conditions. Believe it or not, the unauthorized travel in the area is not forbidden because of the military objectives only, but also due to the dry lakes, ancient lava flows and abandoned mines and unexploded missiles. Other than that, the place is very dangerous during the autumn, when excessive rains can cause severe flooding because of the arroyos. Such a flood is powerful enough to move a tank.

History

The base was built after 1949, as part of a preparation process for the Korean War. It became fully functional in 1953. The spot belonged to a small camp used during World War II. The camp was disestablished after the war, leaving behind an abandoned field that seemed excellent for a new military base. In 1953, the new construction was nothing but a camp. By 1957, it was upgraded enough to be considered a base. The first inhabitants were 70 Marines. Their objective was not to train or to prepare for any wars. Instead, they had to prepare the site for the upcoming deployment of permanent units. In other words, the Marines took over a working and maintenance job.

By the end of the ’70s, Twentynine Palms was turned into a real base willing to take over any potential conflict, especially after the airfield built as part of the infrastructure improvement plan. After switching a few commanding units over the decades and receiving new upgrades from each of them, the base turned out to be the largest training site in the United States of America. At the same time, it is the widest and largest US military base in the world, not to mention about the most advanced, detailed and complete training programs. The current training sessions prepare the soldiers for the Iraq fights.

The base is so popular that is starred in the first minutes of Doom, a popular production in Hollywood. At the same time, the community was the subject of a 2003 movie directed by Bruno Dumont. However, this movie has nothing to do with the military aspect of this place.

Units

There are currently 11 units inhabiting Twentynine Palms. The most important ones are the 7th Marine Regiment, the 3rd LAR Battalion and the 1st Tank Battalion. There are also some tenant units hosted at the base.

Housing

The newcomers discharged at the base are always welcomed and treated like if they were there for ages in an attempt to make them feel like home. There are multiple accommodation possibilities in the area, depending on your preferences, necessities, budget and family. You can opt to rent or to buy a home. Simply get in touch with the housing office and express your requirements.