Presidio of Monterey
The Presidio of Monterey is renowned for hosting the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), a world-class educational hub for military personnel. This prestigious institution provides advanced foreign language training to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, ensuring that U.S. forces are linguistically and culturally prepared for assignments worldwide.
With its focus on fostering language proficiency and global readiness, the Presidio plays a crucial role in U.S. military operations. Set in the scenic Monterey Bay area, this base also offers robust amenities, recreational opportunities, and support services for active-duty personnel and their families.
Presidio of Monterey Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at the Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California, or preparing for a move, our comprehensive veterans guide has all the information you need. From exploring housing options in one of California’s most scenic coastal towns to discovering local attractions such as Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this guide is specifically designed to help military families make the most of their time at the Presidio of Monterey. Access resources for veterans, financial assistance, and local businesses offering military discounts to ensure a smooth transition and successful stay.
Presidio of Monterey Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (831) 242-6000
- Housing Office: +1 (831) 242-6245
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (831) 242-6101
- Family Support Office: +1 (831) 242-6385
- Legal Office: +1 (831) 242-6115
Address: Presidio of Monterey, 1759 Lewis Rd, Monterey, CA 93944, United States
Mission
The Presidio of Monterey is home to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), a premier institution for military language education. It provides critical language and cultural training to support military operations worldwide.
History
- Established: 1846 during the Mexican-American War
- Historical Significance: Initially a Spanish military outpost, it became a U.S. Army post following the annexation of California.
- Key Milestones:
- Transitioned to focus on language education in 1946.
- Expanded to support modern military needs with advanced facilities and training programs.
Location and Contact Details
- Location: Monterey, California, USA
- Coordinates: 36.5935° N, 121.8747° W
- Website: Presidio of Monterey Official Website
- Phone: +1 (831) 242-5000
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
- Address: Presidio of Monterey, 1759 Lewis Rd, Monterey, CA 93944
- Driving Directions:
- From Monterey Regional Airport: Take CA-68 W, then merge onto Highway 1 N. Follow signs to the Presidio of Monterey (approx. 15 minutes).
- From Downtown Monterey: Take Lighthouse Ave to the Presidio’s main gate (approx. 10 minutes).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,500
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 1,200
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 4,500
- Total Population Served: Over 9,000
Base Resources and Information
- Housing Options: The Presidio of Monterey offers limited on-base housing. Off-base housing is available in nearby cities such as Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Marina. Contact the Housing Office for assistance at +1 (831) 242-6245.
- Nearby cities such as Seaside and Marina offer additional off-base housing options.
- Current median home prices in Monterey: $850,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: The Presidio of Monterey is conveniently located near California Highway 1, providing easy access to the surrounding Monterey Bay area. Public transportation is available through Monterey-Salinas Transit.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Medical services at the Presidio are provided by the Presidio of Monterey Army Health Clinic. For more information, contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (831) 242-6101.
- Dining Facilities: The base offers the Combs Dining Facility for military personnel. Additionally, the city of Monterey has a wide range of dining options, from seafood restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf to casual eateries in downtown Monterey.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: The Price Fitness Center at the Presidio of Monterey offers fitness equipment and group classes. Additionally, Monterey’s coastal location provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: The Presidio of Monterey is home to the Defense Language Institute (DLI), one of the premier language training institutions in the world.
- Off-Base Schools: Families living off-base typically send their children to schools in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Higher education opportunities are available at Monterey Peninsula College and Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
- Child Development Center (CDC): The Presidio of Monterey operates a Child Development Center offering daycare and preschool services. For enrollment details, contact the CDC.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Located on California’s scenic central coast, the Presidio of Monterey offers outdoor activities such as hiking and biking along coastal trails, with nearby attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur.
- Shopping and Dining: The base has a commissary and exchange for everyday needs. Off-base, the Monterey area offers a variety of shopping centers and restaurants, including Cannery Row and Del Monte Shopping Center.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local VFW and American Legion posts in Monterey provide support and resources for veterans and their families.
- Family Support Office: The Family Support Office offers a variety of services including financial counseling, deployment support, and family advocacy. Contact the Family Support Office at +1 (831) 242-6385.
- Legal Services: The Legal Office provides assistance with legal matters, including wills and powers of attorney. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (831) 242-6115 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Established in 1902, the Presidio of Monterey is home to the Defense Language Institute (DLI), providing foreign language education to military personnel. The base’s mission is to train linguists in critical languages needed for national security and intelligence efforts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the mission of the Presidio of Monterey? | The mission is to provide foreign language education to military personnel. |
| Which military branches attend DLIFLC? | Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps personnel attend DLIFLC. |
| How long are language courses at DLIFLC? | Course lengths vary by language, ranging from 6 months to over a year. |
| Can family members live on base at the Presidio of Monterey? | Yes, family housing is available for military families. |
| Is there a commissary or PX at the Presidio of Monterey? | Yes, there is a commissary and exchange available on base. |
| Are there recreational activities at the Presidio of Monterey? | Yes, the base offers gyms, pools, and access to nearby hiking and outdoor activities. |
| How do I enroll in DLIFLC? | Enrollment is managed through military assignments and educational pathways set by each branch. |
| Does the Presidio of Monterey offer daycare services? | Yes, the base has childcare services available for military families. |
| Can civilians visit the Presidio of Monterey? | Civilians must have proper clearance or be sponsored by military personnel to access the base. |
| What languages are taught at DLIFLC? | The DLIFLC teaches over 25 languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. |
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- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton – Major Marine Corps Training Facility
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow – Logistics Support Hub for the Corps
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- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake – Navy’s Weapons Development Center
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- Naval Base San Diego – Major Navy Operating Base
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- Presidio of Monterey – Defense Language Institute Headquarters
- Travis Air Force Base – Major Airlift and Logistics Hub