The Visitor’s Security Office must send a visit request to MCTSSA’s Security Management Office (SMO) code via the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) to receive an appropriate level visitor’s badge upon arrival. Visit Requests are not required for unclassified visits. The following information is provided to assist you with submitting a visit request to MCTSSA.
***Visit request should be submitted at least five working days prior to the proposed visit date.
VISIT REQUEST WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED VIA DISS
MCTSSA’s SMO code is 304256.
MCTSSA’s SCI SMO code is 304253.
Classified Material: All visitors hand carrying classified material to MCTSSA must have in their possession, a Courier Authorization Letter or courier card issued by their command or agency. Upon completing the check in process at the Visitor Control Center they will be directed to the MCTSSA Classified Material Control Center (CMCC) for further processing.
As a prerequisite to accessing MCTSSA, you must first have access to Camp Pendleton. Please contact the Base Access Control Branch at (760) 763-7602 or visit the below link for base access requirements.
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton > Base Access (marines.mil)
Upon arrival at MCTSSA the gate guards will direct you to the Visitor Parking Lot and Visitor Center. Once you are in the Visitor Center, be prepared to present a picture ID, state the nature and duration of your visit and provide the name of your MCTSSA point of contact (POC).
For any questions the MCTSSA Visitor Control Center can be reached by phone at (760) 725-2289.
Foreign Nationals: Visits by foreign nationals must be initiated through the respective country’s embassy. An approved foreign visit must be received prior to any visit by a foreign country. For more details about foreign visits to MCTSSA contact the Security Manager at (760) 725-2365.
Take Interstate 5 North to the "Camp Pendleton" exit.
This exit will take you through the Camp Pendleton Main Gate onto Vandegrift Blvd.
Continue on Vandegrift Blvd (stay in left lane) until you reach the third stop light (located at the bottom of the hill). This is the intersection of Vandegrift Blvd and Stuart Mesa Road.
Turn left onto Northbound Stuart Mesa Road.
Follow Stuart Mesa Road, past Housing Complex on your left, past the turn-off to Edson Range on your right.
Turn left before the large wooden MCTSSA sign (see Figure 1).
This road leads you over the bridge and directly to the MCTSSA Guard Gate. MCTSSA's Security and Visitor Control trailer is on the right as you enter the compound. All visitors, military, civilian, and contractors must stop here to register and to call their point of contact.
Take Interstate 5 South to the "Las Pulgas" exit.
Turn left, go under the freeway and proceed to the Camp Pendleton guard gate. Stay on this road as it veers to the right and enters a slow downhill curve to the left.
The cross street is Stuart Mesa Road. Turn right onto Southbound Stuart Mesa Road and follow this road for approximately 5 miles.
After you pass the LCAC Complex on your right, you will see a small metal MCTSSA sign (See Figure 2).
Map and Traffic Advisories
Immediately after passing a bus stop (See Figure 3), turn right onto a small road. This road leads you over the bridge and directly to the MCTSSA Guard Gate. MCTSSA's Security and Visitor Control trailer is on the right as you enter the compound. All visitors, military, civilian, and contractors must stop here to register and to call their point of contact.
I will be visiting MCTSSA in the near future; what do I need to do? It is strongly recommended that you have a Visit Request (VR) sent to MCTSSA, by your security staff, in advance of your arrival. The visit request not only validates your visit but it also provides information that will enable us to confirm your security clearance status which will determine the type of badge you will be issued. You may confirm that we received your VR by calling (760) 725-2289. You are required to have a current classified VR on file if your visit is of a CLASSIFIED nature. Is a Visit Request required for unclassified visits? No. However, there is an internal MCTSSA process your sponsor will be required to complete prior to your arrival. What is the procedure for sending my VR to your activity? Your Security staff is responsible for sending your VR in advance of your arrival. Please do not send your own VR. There are two methods of sending a VR. It has been mandated that all DOD agencies send VRs via the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). MCTSSA’s Security Management Office (SMO) code is 304256. If your agency does not have JPAS capability, you may fax a Visitor Authorization Letter (VAL) using your company letterhead. Fax your VAL to our Visitor Control Center at (760) 725-2933. Can I sign and fax my own VR? No; Your Security department is the authorizing agent. It is their responsibility to verify and validate your current clearance status and send it via JPAS. What happens if you receive a faxed VAL without the Authorized Signature? The VAL will not be processed. It will either be re-faxed back to the requesting agency with a note of non-acceptance or a phone call will be made to the requesting agency informing them that an authorized signature is required. May I hand-carry or e-mail my VR to your activity? VRs that are hand-carried or e-mailed will not be accepted for any reason. VRs must be sent by your security agency and received by MCTSSA’s security dept only! I am a Contractor with IMEF and I have a MEF badge. Do I still need to get a badge from your Visitor Center? MCTSSA recognizes the IMEF badges of active duty and DOD civilian personnel only. MCTSSA’s standard visitor badge guidelines will apply to all other IMEF visitors. I am a Contractor and I have a VR on file good for a year. I will be visiting MCTSSA intermittently for the next 6 months; any chance I could get a long-term badge? Visiting contractors are issued a badge, valid only for the duration of their specific visit.
Is it ok for me to bring my personal/company laptop onboard MCTSSA? You may bring personal or company laptops aboard MCTSSA, however, there are restrictions that apply to their introduction into a classified environment. Prior to your arrival, notify your Point of Contact (POC) if you will need to take your company laptop into a restricted area. Prior approval must be granted before company laptops can be taken into a restricted area. Personal and company laptops can be brought aboard MCTSSA for use in non-secure areas. Can I access a restricted area with my PED? ABSOLUTELY NOT. PEDs are strictly prohibited from being taken into restricted areas. Exceptions are made when there is a critical requirement for the use of that equipment in a restricted (Level II) area. The MCTSSA Technical Support Officer (TSO), your MCTSSA sponsor, must initiate and validate the request for access. The request will go through an official approval process involving Security Personnel. Can I use my cell phone while aboard MCTSSA? Cell phones can be used in most areas of MCTSSA; however, there are restricted Level II areas where cell phones are prohibited. Cell phone boxes are available outside restricted areas for safekeeping while you are inside the restricted area. You may retrieve your cell phone upon exiting the restricted area. Who can I contact if I have additional questions? Call the MCTSSA Visitor Control Center at 760 725-2289. Visitor Center hours are 0700 -1630 PST.