While there are never any guarantees when it comes to Marine Corps Base assignments, some bases are simply better than others. If you are anticipating your next assignment as a Marine Corps member, which bases have the best reviews and come highly recommended by your peers?
From Japan to California, Florida to Hawaii, here are some of the best Marine Corps Base assignments in the world.
Camp Pendleton, California
©"Sailors conduct a patrol during the final exercise for the Field Medical Service Technician Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
Occupying over 100,000 acres of prime Southern California land, Camp Pendleton is one of the most revered and requested assignments in the Marine Corps. This Base is located between Los Angeles and San Diego, making it ideal in terms of its weather as well as its access to local amenities.
Camp Pendleton, California
©"171223 019 Oceanside CA - Oceanside Beach, looking north towards the harbor, Harbor Village and Camp Pendleton" by cultivar413 is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
There are training facilities and services available for both active and reserve members of the Army, Navy, and Marines. The housing available at Camp Pendleton is suitable for nearly 40,000 individuals with a daytime population of roughly 70,000. Local housing options are even better, especially when you consider that the Pacific Ocean is always right outside your door.
Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan
©"180709-O-N0842-3003" by U.S. Department of Defense Current Photos is licensed under PDM 1.0. - Original / License
Part of the Butler Marine Base collection of military facilities located on Okinawa, Camp Foster occupies a good portion of Okinawa City as well as the smaller city of Ginowan. It’s home to over 100,000 people, making it an ideal assignment for anyone seeking a more laid-back living situation and slow-paced lifestyle.
Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan
©"Taimo ginowan okinawa" by Amoriver Information is licensed under BY-SA 3.0. - Original / License
While amenities are more limited on this base compared to larger facilities, the weather, food, and overall quality of life on Okinawa can’t be beat. It’s a great choice when it comes to Marine Corps Base assignments. After all, this is one of the few Blue Zones in the world, a location known for longer lifespans and healthy living.
Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California
©"A Sailor trains in the Mountain Medicine, Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) in Bridgeport, Calif." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
South of Lake Tahoe, the Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC for short) is all about cold-weather training. While a stark contrast to Okinawa and Southern California, MWTC is a fantastic location for those of you seeking seclusion, gorgeous national forest exploration opportunities, and serene mountain living.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
©"U.S. Marines cope out their terrain during an amphibious assault exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
Family members are more than welcome at MCBH, with a thriving school and many other practical facilities available. Located on the island of Oahu, Marine Corps Base Hawaii is as lush and temperate as you might imagine. Besides plenty of hiking and outdoor activities, this base is close enough to all of the amenities and entertainment you may want, no matter your age.
Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Louisiana
©"Architecture, New Orleans" by La Citta Vita is licensed under BY-SA 2.0. - Original / License
Given its proximity to New Orleans, Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans is best for single military personnel looking for nightlife and excitement in their free time. Facilities are reportedly limited on this particular base, though not neglected. When it comes to Marine Corps Base assignments, this one’s ideal for those seeking temperate weather, low costs of living, and the best that New Orleans has to offer.
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California
©"downtown San Diego aerial" by sanvin1 is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
The Marine Corps Air Station known as Miramar is an attractive offering because of its weather and proximity to great cities. Much like Camp Pendleton, Miramar is located extremely close to San Diego. Not only does this location help with entertainment and dining- Miramar also has top-notch facilities on Base. From commercial dining options to comfortable barracks, Miramar is the place to be.
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California
©"MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR,Calif." by aeroman3 is licensed under PDM 1.0. - Original / License
This is one of the most requested Bases in Marine Corps history and among the most sought-after Marine Corps Base assignments. There are countless reasons why Miramar is a Marine Corps favorite– reasons you should count and feel lucky for should you get assigned here!
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
©"Shutomachi Yoda, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture 742-0416, Japan - panoramio" by 田村淳 is licensed under BY 3.0. - Original / License
Just west of Hiroshima, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is a prime assignment because of its convenience. Located on mainland Japan, Iwakuni offers the best of everything this country has to offer once you learn the train schedules and how to get around. The weather is fair and this base is ideal for anyone seeking an international experience while serving.
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba
©"Overall view of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay from John Paul Jones Hill the morning after Hurricane Matthew." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
The Guantanamo Bay Naval Base may not have much to offer in terms of nightlife, but outdoor activities and adventures can’t be beat. With unique wildlife, boating and diving opportunities, and much more, Guantanamo Bay may be ideal for those of you seeking gorgeous scenery– and the opportunity to hop over to Florida or Jamaica when you have the time.
Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida
©"The Blue Angels arrive at Naval Air Station Pensacola." by Official U.S. Navy Imagery is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License
Known as an initial training base, the Naval Air Station located in Pensacola, Florida has a great location for anyone seeking the fantastic weather of the Gulf Coast. In between Mobile, AL and Tallahassee, Pensacola’s Base is affordable, approachable, and a gorgeous spot to spend your time– especially if it ends up being your first assignment.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©"180709-O-N0842-3003" by U.S. Department of Defense Current Photos is licensed under PDM 1.0..
