Contact Information
Base Contact Information
Marine Corps Base Quantico Base Operations: (703) 784-2121. DSN: 278-2121
DEERS, ID Card Center: (703)-784-2750
Security Office: (703)-432-3964
Geography and Area Information
Marine Corps Base Quantico is located at 38°30′7″N 77°18′21″W near Triangle Virginia and is spread across three different counties. The 64,000 acre (100 square mile) facility falls in the southeastern portion of Fauquier County, northern Stafford County and southern Prince William County. The eastern border of the base is marked by the Potomac River and spills westward over Interstate 95, stopping at Brent Tower and Fleetwood Road on its western edge. The northern border is marked by Aden Road just south of George Hellwig Memorial Park. The southern edge of the base is marked by Garrisonville Road and Smith Lake. The area around Quantico is heavily forested and classified as a humid subtropical climate. Quantico experiences warm humid summers and mild winters with an average precipitation of 25.9 inches.
History
On May 14 1917 then Commandant of the Marine Corps, Brigadier General George Barnett, established the Marine Barracks Quantico with 4 officers and 91 enlisted men. Thousands of Maries were trained at Marine Barracks Quantico during World War I and following the end of hostilities in Europe Marine Corps Schools was established at the base. The intention of Marine Corps Schools was to further the professional development of Marines, officer and enlisted, and turn the Marine Corps into “a great university”.
In the 1920’s Marine Barracks Quantico was the site of amphibious warfare tactical development and close-air support tactics and techniques for ground troop support. In 1935 units employing the new amphibious operations were designated as the Fleet Marine Force, which was the predecessor to today’s Marine Corps. Marine Barracks Quantico became the headquarters for Fleet Marine Force operations and in anticipation of hostilities in the Pacific the base perfected the tactics and equipment needed for an amphibious war. In 1941 the headquarters of the Fleet Marine Force were moved from Quantico and the main focus of the base shifted from tactical training to education of Marines with an emphasis on new officers. During World War II over 15,000 2nd lieutenants were trained at Quantico and sent into the Pacific Theater.
In 1947 Marines at Quantico developed the idea of using helicopters to transport Marines from ship to shore and established Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1). Helicopter transport and combat techniques that would later be vital in the Korean and Vietnam War were developed and perfected by Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 at Quantico.
At the start of 1968 Marine Barracks Quantico was redesignated as the Marine Corps Development and Education Command to emphasis the mission of educating Marines. 1987 saw Marine Corps Base Quantico solidified as the frontrunner in the education and leadership development of Marines and new officers. The Marine Corps Combat Development Command was established at Quantico with the mission of developing new tactics, concepts, equipment and training for Marines. In the following years the Marine Corps Combat Development Command would spawn umbrella units like the Marine Corps University, Marine Corps Systems Command, and the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.
In 1998 Marine Corps Base Quantico expanded dramatically with the addition of Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Manpower and Reserve Affairs from the Navy Annex in Arlington VA. In 2001 Marine Corps Base Quantico was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Primary and Ancillary functions
The primary mission of Marine Corps Base Quantico is to provide logistical and operational support for Marine Corps units and base tenants stationed on the facility in addition to providing career development and education for enlisted and commissioned Marines. Marine Base Quantico is the first stop for all new officers entering the Marine Corps starting with Officer Candidate School (OCS) and then The Basic School (TBS). In addition to officer training and career development Marine Base Quantico is home to several active duty combat and axillary Marine Corps units. Units stationed at Marine Base Quantico include:
Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment
Marine Corps Network Operations Security Command
Officer Candidates School
The Basic School
Marine Corps University
Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Staff Training Program
Marine Corps Training and Education Command
Marine Corps Systems Command
Manpower and Reserve Affairs Division, Headquarters Marine Corps
Marine Corps Recruiting Command
Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Marine Corps Marathon
Marine Corps Embassy Security Group
Marine Base Quantico is also home to offices and training facilities for multiple Federal agencies including;
AFOSI Headquarters.
Army CID Headquarters,
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Headquarters
FBI Laboratory
FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)
FBI Academy
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) training academy
The base is also home to the Marine Corps Memorial a replica of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial.
Public Access
Access to Marine Base Quantico requires a valid military Common Access Card (CAC). Non-military visitors are required to check in and register with the base security office prior to being granted access. Visitors can check in at the security office at the main gate directly off I-95 exit 148, Building 27404 MCB 1. Visitors will need a valid government issued form of identification, valid vehicle registration and current insurance.
