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Camp Pendleton, California is the most important base located on the western side of the United States. It is the base with the most ambitious, intense and successful amphibious training activities. Located close to the ocean in South California, the camp is in the middle of nowhere, close to the Cleveland National Forest.
History
The base was supposed to be a temporary facility at the beginning of World War II. Its one and only purpose was to train marines for the war. It soon became one of the US bases with the best results, not to mention about the large number of applicants. Less than 2 years later, in 1944, the US government decided to turn this base into a permanent base, under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ruling. The name comes from Joseph Henry Pendleton, who died in 1942 after a lifelong advocation for a military establishment in the area. The first years of this camp are simply fulminating. It was built in a very short time, which is actually why it was declared to be permanent. At the same time, it turned out to be the home of the 1st Marine Division in only 4 years, in 1946.
A few decades later, Camp Pendleton was proven to be just as useful during the Korean war. The government didn’t forget how much it helped in World War II, therefore it pumped not less than $20M in various facilities and upgrades. The two Asian wars – Korean and Vietnam – counted over 200,000 marines trained by this camp. Therefore, the camp stood up to the expectations. Besides, the huge refugee operations from Vietnam represented the largest and most important airlift in the history, with over 50,000 Vietnamese refugees hosted at the base.
These days, the base is way different than what it was decades ago. The tent camps are now replaced by hundreds of buildings, while the dirt roads are covered by over 800 km of streets.
Units
These days, Camp Pendleton is one of the largest in the United States, with over 40 different units spread throughout its 506 square km area. Each of them has a specific activation area. Among the most important units, you can count the 1st Marine Division headquarters, the 1st Radio Battalion, the Combat Logistics Regiments, the 1st Intelligence Battalion or the Marine Corps Installations West Headquarters. However, the list is way longer and each of these units has a specific role in the good run of the camp.
Housing
Most individuals are now hosted in the camp. Camp Pendleton was significantly improved in time, being able to provide most of its trainees and workers with the proper accommodation. However, once you arrive, you will have to get to a hotel. Not all the newcomers can be hosted in the camp due to the limited space. If your application is not accepted, you will have to rent a hotel room.
Other than that, the facilities are excellent for a small community. You have the highest medical and social services at your disposal.
