Marines

Unit HomeMain MenuBase AccessSelect Veterans Access

MCB Camp Pendleton

MCB Pendleton Seal

Effective Jan 1, 2020, all service-connected disabled veterans, Medal of Honor & Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, VA benefits eligible veterans & primary veteran caregivers will be eligible to shop at the commissary, MCCS retail stores & participate in select MCCS recreational activities.

Those seeking access will need to bring the appropriate identification and documentation, if required.

For more information on the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), VA benefits eligible veterans or VA Authorized Caregiver letter holders follow the below links.

VHIC Card: https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic/index.asp
   (VHIC holders must register with the Visitors Center before gaining initial access.  Afterwards, VHIC holders can present the card to the gate sentry for access.)
 

VA benefits eligibility letter or VA Authorized Caregiver letter + Government Issued Photo ID (Real ID): 
        https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters/
        https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/comprehensive-assistance/
  (VA benefits eligible veterans & authorized caregivers must present above documentation & ID to obtain a DBIDS credential from the Visitors Center for access.)

For questions about eligibility & access, contact the Visitors Center at (760) 763-8435.

___________________________________________________________
DoD answers top 10 questions on expanded commissary, exchange, MCCS/MWR access.
Fact Sheet
Press Release

 

Collapse All Expand All
Expand List item 5511Collapse List item 5511  • Who will benefit from the extension of the commissary, military exchange and MCCS privileges?

Veterans awarded the Purple Heart or Medal of Honor, who are former prisoners of war, or have service-connected disability along with their caregivers are permitted to use the commissary, military exchange and MCCS facilities on the same basis as a member of the Armed Forces entitled to retired or retainer pay.
 

Expand List item 5512Collapse List item 5512  • I am a qualified veteran. How can I access the base to shop at my local commissary/exchange?

Veterans will need to enroll their VHIC or bring there VA Benefits Eligibility Letter and Real ID to the Visitor Control Center for DBIDS registration and installation access. Upon verification of the VHIC or letter by the Visitor Center, veterans will be required to enroll their Real ID driver’s license in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS). Those who do not possess a Real ID will be issued a DBIDS credential.

Expand List item 5520Collapse List item 5520  • Does registering your VHIC in DBIDS at another Navy or Marine Corps installation not allow you to use your VHIC for entry into Camp Pendleton?

Correct - Separate VHIC enrollment is required at each installation.

Expand List item 5519Collapse List item 5519  • How can I obtain a VHIC and enroll for VA health care or benefits?

To learn more, visit your local Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

 

Expand List item 5524Collapse List item 5524  • What if I'm an eligible veteran & don't have a VHIC, can I access Camp Pendleton?

Yes - Bring your VA Benefits Eligibility Letter and Real ID to the Visitors Center to register in DBIDS for access.

Expand List item 5513Collapse List item 5513  • I am an official caregiver of a veteran and I qualify as a new patron. How can I obtain base access?

Authorized caregivers are required to obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicating eligibility for access to installations to utilize the commissary, exchange or MCCS facility. Upon verification of the letter by the Visitor Control Center, caregivers will be required to enroll their Real ID driver’s license in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS). Those who do not possess a Real ID will be issued a DBIDS credential.
 

Expand List item 5521Collapse List item 5521  • Is there any waiting period once I am registered at the visitor's center until I can access the base?

No.

Expand List item 5523Collapse List item 5523  • Does my access expire? How frequently will I need to re-register?

Yes - Access does expire and re-enrollment is required.

    - Veterans with an enrolled VHIC, Real ID, or DBIDS Credential will be afforded access for 3 years.

    - Caregivers with an enrolled Real ID or DBIDS Credential will be afforded access for 1 year.

Expand List item 5522Collapse List item 5522  • May I bring friends and family on the installation with me using my VHIC or Real ID once I am registered?

Authorized Veterans and Caretakers are afforded Trusted Traveler privileges on MCB Camp Pendleton and can escort visitors.  Per installation policy, adult escorted visitors must be in possession of an acceptable identity source document such as a valid government issued photo ID (e.g., Real ID Act compliant [or state approved extension] driver's license, state ID card, or passport) to establish their identity.  Minors do not require identification and are the responsibility of Veterans, Caregivers, or adult visitors who accompany them.

Expand List item 5514Collapse List item 5514  • What ID cards can be used to access an installation?

In addition to the Command Access Card and Uniformed Services ID card, the following credentials will be accepted after verification and enrollment in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS):
   (1) DBIDS card
   (2) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
   (3) Real ID driver's license
   (4) Veteran's Health Identification Card (VHIC)
   (5) Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card
   (6) Personal Identity Verification Interoperability (PIV-I) card

Expand List item 5515Collapse List item 5515  • What MCCS facilities will the new patrons be allowed to access?

Qualifying veterans and caregivers will have access to Category “C” revenue-generating MCCS activities. This includes golf courses, bowling alleys, movie theaters, food and beverage facilities, campground and lodging facilities, marinas, recreational cottages and cabins as well as tickets and travel offices. Access to outdoor recreation facilities and special events will be at the discretion of the installation commanding officers based on capacity. 

Expand List item 5516Collapse List item 5516  • Are there any MCCS facilities or programs that the new patrons will not be allowed to use?

The patronage expansion does not include access to facilities and programs that are primarily subsidized with appropriated funds. This includes fitness centers, swimming pools, libraries, Single Marine Programs, and Child and Youth Programs (Child Development Centers, School Age Care, Youth Programs and Child Development Homes).
 

Expand List item 5517Collapse List item 5517  • What is the difference between the categories of MCCS programs?

MCCS policy is governed by DOD Instruction 1015.15 (Establishment, Management and Control of Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities and Financial Management of Supporting Resources). Per the instruction, MWR programs and activities are classified into one of three funding categories:
  - Category A: Activities have virtually no capacity for generating nonappropriated (NAF) revenues and are supported almost entirely with appropriated funds (APF).
  - Category B: Activities are financed with a combination of NAF and APF resources.
  - Category C: Activities have the highest capability to generate NAF revenues and generally receive only indirect APF support, except as authorized by law.
 

Expand List item 5518Collapse List item 5518  • What are nonappropriated & appropriated funds?

Nonappropriated funds, or NAF, are monies derived from sources other than congressional appropriations and commissary surcharge funds, primarily from the sale of goods and services to Department of Defense military personnel and their family members that are used to support or provide MCCS programs.

Appropriated funds, or APF, are monies allocated by legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President.