Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Location: Twentynine Palms, California
Installation Type: Air Ground Combat Center
Status: Active

Overview

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, established in 1952, is the largest U.S. Marine Corps base in the world by land area, encompassing approximately 931 square miles in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. The installation is the Corps’ premier combined arms live-fire and maneuver training center, providing realistic desert warfare training for Marine units before deployment. MCAGCC supports large-scale exercises and serves as home to the 7th Marine Regiment and Combat Center Schools.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: To conduct combined arms live-fire and maneuver training to standards, certifying Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) for combat operations.
• Major Units: 7th Marine Regiment, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 (MWSS-374), Headquarters and Service Battalion, Combat Center Schools (including the Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group — TTECG)
• Tenant Units: Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (elements), Marine Corps Systems Command (elements), USMC Mojave Viper exercise units (rotational)

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Palm Springs, CA (approximately 60 miles southwest); San Bernardino, CA (approximately 90 miles west)
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), approximately 65 miles; Ontario International Airport (ONT), approximately 90 miles; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), approximately 130 miles
• Gate Access: Main gate on Adobe Road operates 24/7; CAC or valid government-issued ID required for base access; visitors must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center with valid photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance; REAL ID compliance required

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 11,000-15,000 (including rotational training forces)
• Family Members: Approximately 10,000-12,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 3,000-4,000
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 30,000-40,000 (fluctuates significantly with training rotations)

Key Facilities

• Medical: Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital — full-service military hospital serving MCAGCC; offers primary care, specialty care, obstetrics, mental health, and emergency care; the remote location makes this the primary medical resource for the community
• Commissary: Yes — one commissary on base serving the installation community
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) main store with full retail departments, food court, and specialty shops; MCX Express locations also available for convenience shopping
• Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, MWR recreational facilities, paintball course, skeet and trap range, bowling center, movie theater, golf course, outdoor recreation rentals, and unique desert adventure opportunities
• Schools: Morongo Unified School District operates schools serving dependent children; Twentynine Palms public schools are the primary option; limited private school options in the area
• Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; waitlists are common due to limited capacity relative to population; Family Child Care (FCC) providers supplement CDC availability; early registration upon PCS orders receipt is strongly recommended
• Veterinary Services: MCAGCC Veterinary Treatment Facility — provides routine wellness care, vaccinations, preventive care, and limited sick call for active duty members’ pets and military working animals; due to remote location, off-base veterinary access is limited
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Services Support Section located on base; legal assistance offered by appointment; contact the Staff Judge Advocate office for scheduling

Housing

• On-Base Housing: Managed by Hunt Military Communities; multiple residential neighborhoods on base; housing is particularly important given the remote location; mix of older and newer construction units
• Average Wait Time: Varies by rank; due to the remote location, on-base housing demand is high; some ranks may face waits of several weeks
• Off-Base Housing: Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and the Morongo Valley area; rents are significantly lower than most California markets — average 3-bedroom approximately $1,200-$1,800/month (2025 estimates); limited rental inventory
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining unit’s S-1 or unit sponsorship coordinator; sponsorship is particularly important at Twentynine Palms given the remote desert location and limited services compared to larger installations
• In-Processing: Report to unit S-1 or the Installation Personnel Administration Center upon arrival; in-processing includes medical, dental, housing, ID card, and installation orientation; typically 3-5 days
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Enrollment through Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital EFMP office; remote location may limit some specialty services — EFMP coordinators can assist with coordinating care; mandatory enrollment for qualifying family members prior to PCS

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Mojave Desert — extremely hot summers (temperatures regularly exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit), mild winters, very low humidity, and minimal rainfall; dramatic temperature swings between day and night; dust storms possible
• Cost of Living: Low to moderate — Twentynine Palms is one of the more affordable locations for California-based Marines; housing and general living costs are well below California averages; however, the remote location means more travel for major shopping and entertainment
• Nearby Attractions: Joshua Tree National Park (adjacent to the base), Palm Springs resort area (approximately 60 miles), Big Bear Lake (approximately 75 miles), Pioneertown and Old West historic sites; the Mojave Desert offers exceptional hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and off-road vehicle opportunities
• Spouse Employment: Limited local employment market due to remote desert location; Twentynine Palms and the High Desert communities offer limited opportunities; remote/telework employment has become the primary path for many military spouses; Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley (approximately 60 miles) provide broader employment options

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.29palms.marines.mil
• Main Installation Phone: (760) 830-6000
• MWR Website: https://www.mccs29palms.com
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Marine Corps Family Services: Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Twentynine Palms — Personal and Family Readiness (PFR) Division; contact through MCCS at (760) 830-4436

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: 29palms.marines.mil, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, mccs29palms.com, huntmilitarycommunities.com, militaryonesource.mil, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law