MCB Quantico – Crossroads of the Marine Corps
Located by the Iwo Jima statue and home to the Marine Corps Museum, the main side of Quantico houses the base’s downtown, MCX, commissary, gym, community events, and base housing. It also houses the Marine Corps Air Facility and HMX-1, the squadron that flies the President.
Knowing which side of the base you’ll be reporting to can help you decide where to live.
Location
Located in northern Virginia, Quantico is home to the Marine Corps Base (MCB) and is known as the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps.” Its professional military education and training helps to prepare the United States for any challenges it might face.
In the 1920s, in anticipation of a future war in the Pacific, Marines at Quantico developed revolutionary new amphibious warfare tactics and equipment. They also conceived and perfected close-air support techniques for ground troops. They trained the 15,000 2nd lieutenants who served in the Pacific theater during World War II.
The area around MCB Quantico is beautiful and offers a variety of local establishments, including the National Museum of the Marine Corps. However, the area is considered to be a high-cost location for both buying and renting a home. Luckily, a Certified Military Relocator Agent can help you find the best home for your budget. This includes determining the maximum Basic Allowance for Housing and other allowances that can be used to offset the higher prices in the region.
Amenities
MCB Quantico, known as the Crossroads of the Marine Corps, is the focal point for professional military training and leadership development. 26,000 military and civilians call the base home. The quaint town of Quantico, as well as nearby Dumfries, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Triangle and Woodbridge provide housing, employment and community events for military families stationed at MCB Quantico.
Whether you enjoy outdoor activities like bowling, golfing or hunting or indoor pursuits like museums, theaters and great restaurants and breweries, there’s plenty to see and do at MCB Quantico. And the area’s numerous historical hot spots and our nation’s capital are within easy reach.
The base offers a commissary, MCX, Inns of the Corps lodging and the Medal of Honor Golf Course with Mulligan’s restaurant. The 57,000 square foot Barber Physical Activity Center features group exercise rooms, a spin studio, three racquetball courts and a sauna. In the nearby Quantico Corporate Center (QCC), Merritt Properties is developing Class A flex/light industrial buildings.
Schools
Known as the “Crossroads of the Corps,” Marine Corps Base Quantico trains officer and enlisted recruits, conducts professional military education and researches future warfighting concepts. It’s also where new recruits train as a unit during Basic Field Training Course (BFTC).
The area around MCB Quantico is beautiful and historic, with lots of places to visit and explore. And of course, its close proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it easy to take in the sights when you’re on leave or a TDY assignment.
Located on historic Hospital Point, MCB Quantico houses the Marine Corps Information Operations Center, Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, HMX-1 presidential helicopter squadron and Marine Corps University, the Officer Candidates School and The Basic School. It’s also home to the FBI Academy, which has been featured in many films and TV shows, including The Silence of the Lambs, Criminal Minds and Hannibal. You can learn more about the schools available on MCB Quantico through the Prince William County Public School website.
Community
Marine Corps Base Quantico provides military and civilians with a variety of opportunities for community involvement. The base is committed to supporting its mission by working with local and national partners to provide quality of life services. This includes modernizing energy efficient facilities, providing model family support programs and fostering strong partnerships with the local communities.
Located along the Potomac River in Prince William County, Quantico is home to one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps bases, the FBI Academy and other federal agencies. The base trains Marines for professional military careers as well as conducting law enforcement training.
Its humid subtropical climate means that you’ll want to pack for a wide range of weather conditions. You can also explore the area’s many Civil War battlefields and museums or head to nearby cities for culture, shopping and nightlife. The base’s newcomer’s guide will help you make the most of your time at MCB Quantico.