Presidio of Monterey?

[CombatEngineer]

I am a Combat Enginner Corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton, and about two weeks ago I reenlisted with a lateral move option to 2676 (Cryptologic Linguist - Eastern European). I got orders this week to report to Defense Language Institute at Presidio of Monterey, CA. For some reason, I've been assigned to the Basic Pashto course. I spoke with the 2600 monitor and he said that language falls under the Eastern European category, which still doesn't make sense to me, but I'm not complaining. The reason I am writing this post is to ask who on these forums has been to DLI? Is there anybody on here who has been to, or graduated from, the Pashto course? What should I expect at Monterey as a married geo bachelor second term Corporal?

[SailorDave]

Originally Posted by CombatEngineer

I am a Combat Enginner Corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton, and about two weeks ago I reenlisted with a lateral move option to 2676 (Cryptologic Linguist - Eastern European). I got orders this week to report to Defense Language Institute at Presidio of Monterey, CA. For some reason, I've been assigned to the Basic Pashto course. I spoke with the 2600 monitor and he said that language falls under the Eastern European category, which still doesn't make sense to me, but I'm not complaining. The reason I am writing this post is to ask who on these forums has been to DLI? Is there anybody on here who has been to, or graduated from, the Pashto course? What should I expect at Monterey as a married geo bachelor second term Corporal?

If you haven't already, check out this link: http://www.monterey.army.mil/tenants/mcd/mcd.html

Will give you some info on the unit and some contact info. Also, check out the FAQ regarding bringing your family, should you choose to.

[CombatEngineer]

I've already checked out the DLI web site, the Monterey city web site, the DLI USMC detachment web site, and the base housing web site. Thanks anyway, though. What I'm looking for are real first hand accounts, because they can tell me a lot more about the overall experience of the place and describe more accurately what to expect.

[Combat correspondent]

I am not sure I can track her down, but I had a Russian Linguist in my NCOA who may be able to provide insight - no promises. If I can track her down, I'll PM you later.

[Copecwby20]

DO NOT STAY IN BASE HOUSING AT DLI! Base housing at the time I was there (2005/2006) was basically condemed housing over on Ft. Ord which is down the highway from the base. There is no "base housing" on site unless you are very high ranking and part of the command staff for the base. Friends of mine that were in my Farsi class lived out there and they had constant problems with vagrants and homeless people in the abandoned homes around their house or trespassing on their property. I am curious as to why you will be a geo bachelor there as DLI FLC is one of the few places in the Marine Corps you are allowed to take your spouse while in MOS school as it is usually at least a year long if not more. As far as what you can expect, unless it has changed, be looking forward to a very laid back enviroment. The command there is aware of the fact that you are there to learn your language, not spend all day playing "catch me, fuck me" games all day. Typical day is accountability formation at 0630, get cut loose, go to chow, class by 0730. Class till 1130 and then chow. If you are struggling academically, you get chow time till 1230 when you have to be back for "tutoring" until 1300. If not, you will be off till 1300. From there you have class again until 1530. After class head back to the barracks for another formation and PT (PT varies by what platoon you are in, platoons are chosen based on your language) Once PT is over you are cut loose. Almost like being in the fleet. It is an army base so it's not super nice, but it's pretty well taken care of. There are a shit load of deer so be careful when you are driving. There are a bunch of cool little bars within walking distance of the base (Alvarado St.) My favoriate was the Britannia Arms (The Brit) but alot of Marines ended up at the Crown and Anchor. There's a crap load of eye candy on base (air force girls) and I actually ended up meeting my wife there. (She was the hottest zoomie in the chow hall) Monterey is a beautiful town and consider yourself lucky, it is probably one of the best, but little known, places to get stationed at while in the Marine Corps.

[CombatEngineer]

Thanks a lot for your input, that's exactly what I was looking for. I was looking at the "base" housing, actually, because it seemed to be the only affordable option. All apartments I found around that area are at least $2000/month, plus I'm really sick of living in an apartment. You think there's any chance they'll let me move into the E5/E6 housing since I'm second term and been a Corporal for over a year?

[Copecwby20]

That won't really help you out. You have to understand that you are a student, as with most bases/posts the better housing is set aside for SNCO's and Officers as well as permanent personnel. Check Seaside and Sand City or maybe Marina. The rent should be a little bit less out that way.