The Epic & Unusual Story of FORT ORD, California

[@elagc]

Fort Ord changed my life. I enlisted in 1963 at the age of 17 and was immediately sent to Fort Ord for basic training. It was not an easy thing for such a young boy but I managed to graduate Basic and eventually spent three years in the Army. Now, 55 years later, I live about fifty miles from the old base and I visit the place and my company area (B-5-1)several times a year. For me it's sort of a pilgrimage. The Army gave me much more than it took. It gave me tools and the grit necessary to succeed and flourish. For that I am grateful.

[@ggsgib]

Same brother. Except I did basic training at Fort Knox, 1972, and then was stationed at Fort Knox 1972-1976, and then stationed at fort ord, 1976-1979.

[@williamanderson4999]

Roger that. Sounds like you moved to Gilroy?

[@ChrisBarnette-zk8iy]

Thanks for serving and your story.

[@scotanderson255]

D-2-3. April 1972 - November 1972. Remember the cold mornings then baking heat on the inland courses. The fog rolling in in the afternoon. And trying to stay awake during all those training films. Been back a few times over the years .... yes it’s really changed. Honorable mention, miss that SOS at the mess hall.

[@frankgoodwell1261]

I was drafted out of San Diego in October of 1972, took a Greyhound Bus to the induction center in L.A. then straight to Fort Ord all in 1 day ! For a long haired and bearded 19 year old Hippy it was a rude awakening to say the least, but in retrospect it was to become an event that shaped the rest of my life in a profoundly positive way. I am proud to be A US Army Veteran . My Father was drafted in WW2 and his Father was drafted in WW1, so I guess you could say it was a family tradition of sorts to do our part for the country when needed. I fear that the concept of serving our great country appears to be a distant memory lost in the history books and that it will have grave consequences for us all in the future.

[@dmkext1]

this makes this old vet so sad. I was there in 1971. it pisses me off to see what it has become. Why did they just walk away like all the time we served and trained and died there was for nothing ?

[@berzerker1100]

Kind of like Afghanistan, it was all abandoned 🫢

[@johnnybadillo8209]

Took my training at fort ORD Nov.1974 thru July 1975. Vietnam era basic training made you strong and a mind set beyond any thing I had expected at only 18 years old. I have always remember Fort ORD through out my life, I'm 64 years old now. Thank You, Fort ORD.

[@leerivers1497]

My dad was stationed back in 86/87. I was about 4yrs old at the time. The years I lived in Ft Ord/ Marina (Montere Bay) was the happiest times of my life. I often catch myself telling my daughter how beautiful it was that I could see the ocean from my home and school. ❤

[@Bluewater9]

My dad was drafted in 1964 He was stationed in Korea. He's now 80 Hope to have him around for alot longer. awesome history video Thank-you friend God bless all...

[@JosephCamacho-df1jz]

I was there 85-89 Bravo 2/9Inf

[@BusterKitten]

very sad to see Ft. Ord the way it is today... I went there as a smart ass teenager, thought I knew everything. After 8 weeks I left Ft. Ord a man (over 50 years ago) and damn proud to be a member of the United States Army. Good memories, especially those sand dunes... those hellish sand dunes.

[@Bongo_Fury]

I was born in Fort Ord in 1982 at a hospital on Giggling Rd. I lived there until I was 6. I lived on Luzon Rd. and went to Stilwell Elementary. I can remember going to the beach and playing outside. After that my dad got transferred to Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. I’m living in Sacramento now so maybe I’ll take a drive out there and check it out.

[@williamparis5303]

Silas B Hayes Hospital..

[@popomomo12]

Hello neighbor! 👋 my great uncle was there before Vietnam and I would also love to visit someday. It's very interesting that you were born there and thanks for sharing!👍

[@steve21742]

took basic training in 1970, made a man out of me. great training. lots of great memories and many tears.

[@Marcfj]

Steven Graven Well, I took my basic training there in 1960 and met some great people and have some very good memories as well. However, I have no respect for the Army brass who served there at that time because in my neck of the woods a man puts his cards on the table if he wants to know something about me. He does not tell lies and go sneaking around behind my back like an old woman.

[@anthonylovavto3228]

I WAS THERE IN 68, I LIKED THE SHOOTING BUT HATED THE INCESSANT running!! I'm burnt just looking at this video 52 yrs later!

[@nascariscool5093]

That’s sad go back and explore

[@ggsgib]

Fort ord was one of the best bases ever. Stationed there in 1976 and 1979, it changed my life. Salute to service.

[@williamanderson4999]

Awesome base. No doubt. One of the best bases the US military could provide. I was a truck driver while their and thank goodness I didn't have to deal with the rattlesnakes I heard the post , outter post had.

[@gayleleavitt8335]

So sad! It was such a beautiful Post. I lived there in Officers housing and had my daughter there on that base. 1970. Of all the bases I saw it seems like this should have been the one that would be worth preserving.

[@williamparis5303]

Ft Ord was Home for me since 1990... 14th Engr Bn Cco & 375th Engr Resv.I still live here and its growing up to be a economical part of Monterey County 10/4/20 Thank you for making this film...

[@michaelhughes3472]

I was at Fort Ord in 1972 and loved it just like a family member..It is sad to see it all run down after the thousands of young men spent at least 8 weeks of their lives there before going on to the next post..Some never came back the ones that did spent their time in the relocation barracks listening to men scream at night reliving what they had been through..Fort Ord holds a lot of memories for me..

[@donaldclifford5763]

I was 1972 also. Basic and AIT. Such a fond memory.

[@alonzocalvillo6702]

I was stationed here from October 1969 to January1970 after my stint in Nam.I was in a Basic Training Company. Our job was to train new recruits in Basic and AIT. My job was the Quick Kill and Night Fire rifle ranges.I remember the new recruits asking me a lot of questions about how it was over in Nam and feeling sorry for them.I was lucky cuz I lived in San Jose which is about an hour away and I could go home on weekends and see my girlfriend ( my wife now). So sad to see my old home base in such conditions.

[@johnscloud]

We may have crossed paths.. I was in basic and Ait from the end of Feb to June of 1970. A13. When I arrived I remember there was a major outbreak of meningitis going on!

[@namewithheldbyrequest1218]

About 100 miles south of San Francisco is the Monterey peninsula. I went to Seaside High School 1969-71. Seaside High School is on Ft.Ord property. One hundred miles south is Camp Hunter Ligget near King City. A lot of Viet Nam war training was here because of the ruggedness of the Hunter Ligget area and the California coast for training. Ord was a boot camp and virtually every day the rat-a tat sounds of the sand dunes gun range and distant booming of big guns was the norm and I have vivid memories of sitting in my 10am Civics class in a modular classroom in the parking lot, listening to the gun range and booming of distant cannons. These were the days of psychedelics and I remember one morning in Civics class I had taken some psilocybin mescaline and the rat-a tat from the gun range and booming of big guns was getting to me. During the Viet Nam war protests and discontent the students would demonstrate and when the cops got called they were MPs. Ord was a closed base and had gate guards. My dad was retired Air Force officer and my mother was a nurse at Ft.Ord hospital. When I had a reason to go to Ord I used to get saluted because our car had officer's stickers. Sometimes the gate guards were on contract. One of my party buddies had a job there as a gate guard. On the weekends in Monterey the streets were full of young GIs. For some reason we all called them "doggies" and we used to sell them pot down at the pavilion court yard at the Fisherman's Wharf entrance. Jimi Hendrix did his basic at Ord.

[@juliecramer7768]

This made me sad. My dad was here around 1954. We were visiting about his time here in advanced infantry.

[@lout3377]

Was stationed there in October 1969 C41 and it was absolutely beautiful and the place to be. So sad to see what it is today.

[@ericatchley3482]

I did boot there in 74. Pretty tough but i learned alot. Thanks DI Bell and the craziest bastard i ever met DI Haney. To bad the closed it. I was 17 5'4" 123 lbs when I got there. When I left I was still short but weighed 150 and had learned to do what the army does best. I lost a couple of friends while there but it gave me the determination to do anything I was asked to do.

[@kingbee17able]

Sad to see, deployed there in 89 for an exercise found the troops and the locals friendly saw my first bobcat and humming bird in the wild as well as those little prairie dogs was a great place to see and have fond memories for as long as I live.

[@lauraanneborsoff6224]

Unless you served there! You cant understand Thee feeling of this once jewel of a post rotting and falling down how that soldier feels! They should of gave it to Calif Military Dept and used as a hub for the Guard and reserves! It kills me to see this! went their a few years ago and they tore down Still Well hall! so sad!

[@yosemite2405]

I never thought of preserving a military base as a historic site. After tromping around fort Ord though, now I do.

[@donaldclifford5763]

I did BCT and AIT at Ord in '72. My barracks had a perfect view of Stillwell Hall, and the Pacific.Too bad they didn't at least preserve Stillwell. Sad.

[@usmarine51519563]

Lau. where you there in 63 ? Mojave Desert 12th EVAC

[@dmkext1]

I did BCT there in 1971 I was just a young kid. My Son and my wife both died and my wife and son loved the area so we scattered them both near there. I decided to go back and check out the old Fort. That we a big mistake, I just could not believe the condition it was in. TO think of all the people the had trained and served there and then just to walk away and leave it to gangs and vandals to destroy.I did not have the time to make it "up the hill" to see my old company, A-1-2 probably just as well. I walk around the old Chapel and receiving area and that was about all I could take.

[@ascolari]

I was born and raised there. I moved in 94 and came back 10 years later and was just astonished how dilapidated everything was. A thriving post now dwindled to a liberal college and shopping centers. How sad. The WWII barracks should've been made into museums as should have Stillwell Hall. No respect. It should at least go back to the Ohlone Tribe which is part of the Indian Treaties, that federal land that is not federal anymore should go back to the tribe from which it was taken. But hey, there's no money in it...

[@dapperdan3204]

I was there in August, September and into October of 1970 for BCT. I can’t say I got to enjoy much of the post. We were kept busy with training with no time off. My first weekend off was after I graduated from basic training. I’m saddened to see what has happened to Fort Ord. I have a lot of memories from my time spent there, some good, some not so much. C Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd platoon.

[@rafaelmramirez291]

Crazy how much this place has changed! I live in Salinas so Fort Ord is a common view for me and Ive always wondered what it used to be like. I have an uncle who was stationed here in Marina years ago, and once I became a mechanic in Monterey, I ended up working with an older guy who had been stationed here and whenever we would do lunch at the blaze pizza thats built there now, he would tell me stories of how different the area used to be to what it is now.

[@jasonpayne1240]

Just visited here today. I was absolutely floored by the “blight”. No one is benefiting from Ft Ord’s historic buildings in their current state of disrepair. Graffiti and vandalism and arson damage is everywhere. A big opportunity to spare some of the historical buildings has been missed...in my humble opinion. Hopefully they attract the developers back sooner than later 🤨

[@davisworth5114]

Area Congressman can be contacted, this should be veterans homes and housing, rehabbing some of the barracks as a construction apprentice jobs program, the vets on this thread could make a lot of noise, if we don't get too tired. Any vet in the country could have a crib to jump in for free.

[@marydehart4569]

my father raymond l englebrecht just passed away he was stationed here and trained here we lived such a great life here always at the dunes was the most beautiful place i was so heart breaking to see it go down hill and abandoned a dishonor to my father and all of the men and women who were stationed here but so glad there are those took pictures and films for us memories i will never forget

[@beachbum3432]

I enlisted in the Army Jan 20, 1968 via the LA Induction Center. Same day we were drove overnight to Fort Ord. We did our testing there and were shipped out for further training. I was in Vietnam all of '68, and spent my last year of 3 at Ft. Ord in '69. It was much different than ever due to the massive influx of drugs around the base. Troops returning from Nam had heroine problems, my generation of Vietnam soldiers went through the Tet Offensive and the subsequent revolt; Fort Ord was riddled also with much anti-war dissent, and many Vietnam vets were counseling AIT trainees to split to Canada. It was during the rise and fall of the US Army that I was in. Book by Captain Shelby Stanton, "The Rise and Fall of the US Army"; sorry, but that war was part of Ft Ord's history. My last year at Ord, I goldbricked like the rest of us Vietnam Vets. I look back on those days as nothing short of fantastic.

[@moodischill5801]

My grandpa trained there in 68'

[@aspringwind]

I was a hippie hitchhiking from New Jersey to California in 1969. The local authorities had agreed to let us freaks camp and hang out on Mission Beach if we stayed off of the other beaches. Fort Ord soldiers we come in the evening, bringing steaks from the commissary and Red Mountain wine. We would build a bonfire and eat drink and smoke pot while listening to the breaking waves. Like paradise.

[@anthonylovavto3228]

I was there from august 68 to november and shipped out to AIT at Ft. LEE Virginia. I joined the Army because I was About to be drafted with no choice for Ait.cant say I was fond of that place as a trainee.The DIs were absolute dicks they treated us pretty badly especially when we went thru CS gas, they took our masks off from behind as we were about to crawl under the wire. They say there and laughed at a guy who freaked out when they took off his mask.(not tear gas but CS gs) I was glad to leave that nightmare but I never did my mos, instead sent to 4thinf div in central highlands from 3/69 -3/70......A 1 1 fng

[@frankgoodwell1261]

Thanks for your sevice.

[@ronmitchell859]

Bottom line to me, it should have remained Fort Ord. That was likely the highest and best use it will ever have known. But you never know what you've got till it's gone.

[@davisworth5114]

Fifty-seven years ago today, 11Jan. 1966, I got off the bus from Seattle and reported for basic training. I was scared when I realized that my civilian identity was being crushed and recognized that I needed to accept the reality situation and make a total commitment to the Army. Thirteen months later, I was a trained infantry mortarman and a newly commissioned 2LT in the Signal Corps. On 17 Jan. 1968, I reported to Vietnam and was an eyewitness to the first firefight of the Tet Offensive. I was in H-1-1 at Fort Ord and we were the first basic training class in post history to set new records for both marksmanship and physical training. This vid. brings many emotions, sadness that these buildings are being neglected when they could be used to house the homeless. I feel a great deal of pride to be one of the legions of young GIs to train hear, and a lot of anguish that so many of my friends died in Vietnam and never lived past their twentieth year. That includes my best friend from basic, Michael Mitchell from Richmond, CA. who was killed in Vietnam in the "Summer of Love", 1967. RIP Mike Mitchell.

[@davidabernathy4553]

I took my AIT training at fort ord, California. When I was drafted in 1968 I took my basic training at fort Leonard Wood Missouri and then after that I went to fort ord for AIT. Then after fort ord. I went to Vietnam and was assigned to the 25th infantry division.

[@smithdog4770]

Who wants to go to a college surrounded by a ghost town? I was stationed there from 88 to 91, two of my children were born at the hospital there. I was deployed twice with my infantry unit from there as well. Looking at it like this is just sad. There was so much there that could have been saved and used by the people. Instead of opening it up for use for the people they allowed it all to simply fall apart. What an incredible waste. Heck there were building for family housing that they had just finished building the year it was closed. They were literally boarding them up right after they finished building them. Most of them are now falling apart with nobody in them. Who decided to simply let all these useful building fall into scrap? I was back about ten years ago and even then many of them could have been saved and used. They could have held a lottery and given away the building and done better than what they did. Can you imagine if they had simply allowed it to be squatted on by homeless vets? They would have taken care of it and it would have helped thousands and thousands of people. But even if all they did was simply give it back to the people for homesteading in general it would have been better. These "Eco" people are simply full of crap. Who gives these people the right to decide to NOT USE those buildings? It's not theirs they don't own it, it's the people's property so give it back to them. Who are these "developers" anyway? How did they get their hands on it? What a complete and total mess they made of this project and what a shame that they didn't trust actual simple people like us vets or a lottery of civilians to just take it over. You guys proved yourselves completely incompetent and should be ashamed.

[@erickagrant7646]

It was Bill Clinton.

[@cavsnation831]

Do you not know what asbestos is?!?! Because that's what all those old building are full of....asbestos clean up if they were to demolish the old buildings would be very expensive to the many cities that fort ord is in (marina, seaside,etc)

[@danf.6319]

In the summer of 1973 I did my Basic Training there. For the first time I visited it during the summer 2013. Graffiti on the walls and broken windows, I think I found the barracks where I did not 2+ month there. I'm not surprised it is gone. Being beach front property, it is a developers dream. Still, however, with the decay of the buildings and site, this it is no way to leave an area that warriors walked through.

[@wcharliewilson7004]

There earlier that year, C-4-1. Our Platoon photo is dated 29 January, 1973

[@hoofgripweightlifting6872]

My high school Junior ROTC unit trained at Fort Ord in 1991. I eventually joined the real US Army upon graduating HS that same year. I have been to many army posts all over the US and overseas. Fort Ord was my favorite because it was close to the beach. It's a shame it was shutdown.

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

The splintered barracks, who cant forget those cold mornings in formation looking at those old buildings.....no VOLAR barracks for this guy. Fire watch sucked and a blanket party for all who didn't assimilate with the rest of us. We had to do 10 chin-ups before going into the mess hall and once inside had only 10minutes to eat. I was the lucky one because I was the company Gideon. I never got KP and guard duty was riding around with a MP making sure the nurses and wac's curtains were closed. Then came AIT at ORD for this 63B20 wheeled vehicle mechanic, trying to stay awake during those training films was the challenge. Then it was off to Krabbenloc Kasern in Germany that has changed my life forever (but that's another story)I ended up be the company wreaker driver "LURCH" which was the best job on the post.And Fort Ord is where it all started.

[@sarahmccormick3525]

An excellent video! I was so impressed that I'm going to share it with my students. They worked with Bruce Delgado and CSUMB to help plant native plants out on the open land in Fort Ord.

[@PlasmaCoolantLeak]

My dad had his basic training at Ord in the 1950s. His great-granddaughter attended and was graduated from CSUMB.

[@myself4198]

i was 707th infantry support unit & 1st of 51st A.D.A. 77,78. being from the midwest what a beautiful area to experience.

[@gerardconroy1914]

How about Senior and disabled Veterans Housing. Seniors and disabled Veterans would spend in the community and a VA hospital would provide all kind of jobs.

[@mkjgry]

They have built a VA Hospital in Marina and a Veterans cemetery.

[@LexFelron]

Hey! Thanks for making this! I was born at Fort Ord in '81. Got curious and found this epic video!

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

I remember that first morning October 15th 1971. after a couple hours I was ready to go home. That's when I asked myself what in the hell did I get myself into.. Looking back little did I know I would be the company Gideon (great spot to be) serve for 3 years and make so many life long friends who I still talk to today. I've got to see one more time. A co 34th Sig BN.

[@davisworth5114]

I remember there were no mirrors in the latrine in the reception barracks, and eight shitters, four on a side, no privacy, you had to drop trou. in front of these other guys, hard to squeeze one off with an audience, everybody was weirded out but you had no choice. After we got haircuts the only image of what you now looked like was your shadow, I said to another guy, I think they're trying to take away our identities. A very painful reality that I confronted by deciding to give it my all, I was trained as an infantry mortarman in Georgia. promoted to 1st. Lt. during the Tet Offensive and medivacced to Japan with falcip malaria, and got home in Dec.68. Sad to see Ft. Ord like this but they're doing it right, we will pass and new life will flourish. We don't need any stinking wars. Don't forget boys Jesus still loves your freaky ass.

[@johngillespie3409]

@@davisworth5114 I was an 11C at Ft Ord from 92-93. Was supposed to be there until 95. Total shame how it is now.

[@michaelhaskins3038]

I took Basic and A.I.T before going to Vietnam. Harold Moore was Base commander. A Great life Adventure.

[@kevinellis9332]

And I Just LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT

[@johnsantelli1079]

I was stationed there June of 1961 to March of 1963 sad to see it closing what a great tour how is the 270th single core sad to hear it's gone

[@fredmarsy5876]

I loved my time there. June 1981 to November 1982.

[@scottebear]

Drafted 66 A 2 1 Lean and mean. INFANTRY!.. FAREWELL SALUTE FORT ORD!Sad to see it go like this. But It put out great soldiers.

[@whoknows335]

I was stationed there from 1986-1990,It is depressing to see the state the post is in.I heard that the biggest reason the post was closed was that the surrounding communities didn't want the post to lengthen the runway to accommodate the c141.We had to go to oakland to deploy

[@davidhoj]

great memories when I was stationed there 89 - 92

[@confucius2616]

I was there in 82-83. 7th light fighter

[@irenecarrillo9779]

My great grandpa was here for basic training somewhere between 64-67. I don’t quite remember, but he was only there for two months and wasn’t able to graduate because he got polio. His portrait got lost in storage, and I’ve been on the hunt for it ever since. Billy Easley, is his name. He died a few years ago so unfortunately I can’t ask him anymore questions.

[@jeffreywilliams3944]

I was at Fort Ord as a Specialist and my Dad was a Sargent major stationed at the same time. My sister and mom and dad lived in NCO house. I lived in my own room. in the barracks. for 1 year then dad and family were gone again. 1978 my family transferred with my Dad SGT Major Williams for the next permanent duty station.

[@kevinellis9332]

How can something so Beautiful Go Down In Smoke. OMG Loved This Base IT Changed My Very Life.. I would have not been the same if I'd never Gon to FT ORD

[@dizareewilliams6371]

It looks a lot better since the video was made. Google maps still shows barracks by the Target in Marina, but those are gone now.

[@bonnieruth8820]

What a beautiful place. Wish I lived there

[@joemendiola7345]

I took my basic training may 1965-july 1965.

[@richardgrimes4440]

My first taste of Army life. I took BCT (C-4-1) there in 1971. Little did I know at the time it led to 20 year career. I Still have great memories of that freezing fog rolling in of Monterey Bay and the afternoon heat. Yeah, great memories. And last, but not least, "Get off my F-ing ice plant!".

[@kevinellis9332]

I love this Base. Please Government Bring it back I want to live there

[@jonathanward1527]

My father was assigned to a training company here for a time after returning from the Korean War. I served here from 1987 until 1991. I think everyone was served here miss it.

[@leonazosrev6824]

The best times of my life was in fort ord... 1984-1987...Made lots of civilian friends there and still in touch with most of them.

[@CalifgalCindy1]

By brother was one of those 50,000 troops at Fort Ord, the great thing was he was close to home. I was stationed in Germany at the same time but when I would return home on leave he would also return home. I couldn’t be home as much as Ben but he was able to be h9me for the holidays. It is sad to see these once vibrant buildings and think of the historic significance they played in our history. Now’s the solemn sound Taps has sounded on a once proud base.🇺🇸 God Bless America

[@georgealdridge9453]

Drafted 1969, Basic training at Ft. Ord. Drill sergeant called us his Cong killers. We all knew where were headed.

[@myko396]

My father and other relatives went to basic there in the 60s. I had an intermediate language class in the old hospital building in 2009-2010.

[@maryhult959]

stationed there in 1963-1964. Film Soldier in the Rain was being filmed there.

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

I saw that Movie a few times, again just a few months ago. Never knew that's where it was filmed!

[@donaldsolem9993]

@@BETTERWORLDSGT ø

[@donaldsolem9993]

@@BETTERWORLDSGT p

[@donaldsolem9993]

@@BETTERWORLDSGT på

[@dinocrest1946]

I have grown up here and it is strange seeing the roads and business's that you know and then realizing that there is this backyard of nature right behind you!

[@hershbrown2342]

I went in at 17, in 1962

[@williamanderson4999]

I just wanted to go to Ft Ord after basic training in Ft Dix NJ 1980 because my brother one year older than me complain so much about Ft Polk LA. Calling home all the time and worrying my mother that I made sure if I felt the same way he did I at least could go home on long weekends at Ord and go back home to LA. The Greyhound bus ride one way back and forth was about 6 hours. The Ft Ord Greyhound bus stop to Downtown LA. .

[@josephbobbie7898]

Joe Bobbie I just recently found out that Fort Ord has closed. Being a kid from Philadelphia and joining the Army in January of 1974 my first assignment was Fort Ord. So many times I've thought of how nice it would be to travel back to visit but never got a chance. I'm now living in the Phoenix area , so close but yet so late. I have many great memories of the time spent there and hope the political nonsense stops .This place where so many solders lived, trained and in many cases have died shortly after leaving.be Honored . I plan on visiting soon and hope to see at least a Memorial Honoring all of those that have left there and gave their lives for this Country of Ours.

[@MandieTerrier]

I was born their, many, many winters ago.

[@txskid1]

I was stationed at Planet Ord 83-85. Field Artillery

[@terryream6778]

BCT H51. Was there Jan 71 went to basic training there. My fist time in CA. It was tough, but it was awesome too. So sad to see it fall apart

[@williamanderson4999]

Ft Ord was the last post I remember that had an active CCF unit. From what I've heard from people who unfortunately were sent their, it worked and they didn't ever wanted to go back to it. I seen them in action around the old WWll barracks 1980 -81.

[@thomasthompson6378]

Many, many thanks for this. I was at Ft. Ord in Mar. -- Aug. 1967 (H-1-1), and of course I and everybody else really hated the training we got there. Yet this video somehow makes me feel a bit nostalgic about the whole experience.

[@davisworth5114]

Hello Thomas, this is a great thread, I was in H-1-1 for Basic in Jan.-March 66, went to inf training at Ft.Gordon, Signal OCS there, got to Vietnam 15 Jan. 68. Have bitter-sweet memories, Ft. Ord where I made my first manly decision to make the most of the situation I had signed myself up for my best friend there Michael Sydney Mitchell from Santa Cruz was killed in the summer of 1967, still anguished about all the guys I knew that got killed, and the Vietnamese too, It's shameful what they've done to this historic place, should be turned over to veterans for housing and recreation, we don't have adult leadership anymore. God bless you and yours.

[@sclogse1]

I was placed at the photo lab in 1971 after taking a 15 week class back at Ft. Monmouth. Hell, I was from South San Francisco. Duty was primo, with sunsets in Carmel 7 days a week. Then that surprise notification to go off to Saigon....

[@wallyhobbs4017]

I served at Ft. Ord after Vietnam 69. I lived on Corregidor and became Supply Sgt. Post Confinement (Stockade) for 18 months. Left Apr 9,1971. I was 1st Air CAV Engr. This is where I ended up.

[@fredschloss9517]

I was at Ord from 1969 to 1972, assigned to the 54th MP Company. I was first assigned to the Stockade, and served as the OIC of Correctional Supervision. I lasted about a year, but left when a prisoner punched my boss, and I wound up in a fight with the prisoner. That wasn't so bad, but I choked the clown out, and the Army apparently had never seen that technique before. So I got forced to go to line duty as a platoon leader (Military Police Duty Officer). That was a lot more fun. The 54th had some problems, including a lack of duty weapons for the MP's. We didn't have anywhere near enough 1911's. I made Captain, and got moved to the Provost Marshall's Office, doing things that the army thought needed to be done. One of my jobs was liaison with local police departments. I went to Salinas PD one day, to show the flag and offer any assistance I might give them. On a whim, I asked if I could talk to the chief about employment there. All of a sudden, I was in the Chief's office, undergoing an oral interview on Army time. A couple of months later, I walked out of the MP Station and the next day, at 2000 hours, reported for my first duty day with Salinas. I spent 26 1/2 years, there, retiring as a sixth step detective. I loved it, especially working dope. Wally, we must have met. Remember we had a famous inmate or two, like Billy D. Smith. There was also an attempted escape while we were there, where a prisoner went over the fence at the main stockade, and a tower guard shot him.

[@wallyhobbs4017]

@@fredschloss9517 Fred! What a surprise! I remember you well, being at the Post Confinement. I was a 1st Air CAV, (Airmobile) Combat Engineer heavy equipment operator and typical Army at the time assigned us Vietnam guys to places knowing we were short timers. So! I was made Supply Sgt., you knew Lt. Elman the supply officer that’s how you met me. Several times you stopped by once with coffee. There was Maj. Short he was good to me, “Top,” from Missouri, Lt. Paul Garwood, and Sgt. Tommy Thompson we had quite a crew. I had escorted to Leavenworth two prisoners one being the killer of a Sgt., who got life. It was a duty station I did not enjoy. But, those I worked with made life good. I am 100% DAV from Agent Orange (Dioxin) lots of heart issues, so many of the boys I grew up with are dead and several with blood cancers. When I was discharged April 1970 my then wife wanted to go back to Indiana I hated the place, no jobs poor economy and being a Vietnam vet, places did not want to hire you. I suffered through and divorced in 1990 and went to San Diego. Being stationed at Ft. Ord, left me understanding California is where I belonged. I loved the Monterey area and just felt happy. I married my new wife, Mary Lou became a GS-13 step 9 as a Mgt. Analyst Program Manager for Navy Worldwide and retired after 31 years. Mary Lou traveled 30% of the time towards the end doing BRAC, we had opened our own mortuary and crematory early in San Diego. I specialized in shipping human remains domestically and internationally and conducted countless military services. I have served every race, custom and culture and religion to Indians on reservations. We sold our home, business, bought a diesel pusher motorhome and full-timed for nine years. We just traveled and cruised the world. We ended up here in Wesley Chapel FL I receive better medical care here than I did in San Diego. I have stayed away from VA I would have been dead long ago. I did sere in USAFR for 14 years Aeromedical Evacuation and taught ALS. My flying time C-130’s and C-9 Nightingales. I have been back to Ft. Ord three times and the area, looking I guess for what was that is not, I remember the hassles over me wearing my Bronze Star from young officers and a few Sgt’s troop pushers, nothing said when they saw the 1st CAV patch on my sleeve. I carried orders in a pocket anytime I wore my decorations. But, overall I was treated well. So! You made more than my day having reached out! Thank-you! I’m happy we are both here.

[@carmenisnichwichtig1374]

My Son was born at Ford Ord Salinas B.Hayes November 1990. We lived on Fort Ord in Napier Street. Long time ago but for me memories. Sad that it does not excist anymore i think.

[@dizareewilliams6371]

Lots of improvements. The 20 yr plan took 30. New homes shopping center and a VA clinic. Still some lead painted and asbestos near 12th street, but the rest looks great now.

[@jameswitt2981]

Took basic: Unit--D-3-3 September 1969 to December 1969. (Spent last week in hospital w/bronchitis before going to Ft. Gordon GA.. ah the memories 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂) Still, though, I was blessed... after Vietnam I lived in Monterey for a year.... beautiful area....

[@tommysch9]

I was stationed there 90 to 93...best years of my life being a light fighter... I got to know East Garrison, Fort Hunter Liggett,and good ole jrtc at Ft Chaffee... No One Believes Me we lived in the woods six months out of the year...lol

[@wallyhobbs4017]

After Vietnam, Jul-68-69 I was assigned Ft. Ord Post Confinement Facility (Post Stockade) 54th MP, until Apr1970 as Supply Sgt. I was a engineer 8th Engr 1st Air Cavalry. Ft. Ord was a real special place.

[@bustermcadory7564]

Brings back many memories from the wood barracks in the reception station to the brick building on the hill. I was there in the summer of 1967 as a 19 year old with two years of college under my belt. Made lifetime friends that I wish I could see on the this earth but will definitely see some of them when all our lives are over. My drill SGT was SGT DeGrande from Detroit and his assistant was CPL Jackson. Hoping some of my fellow will read this and respond. God bless all.

[@imerrill53]

Buster, you might want to consider joining this Ft. Ord group: facebook.com/groups/817233908322323/

[@thomasthompson6378]

I was in H-1-1 (Mar. -- Aug. 1967) where Capt. Copedge held forth, with First Sgt. Archie S. Hodges and Sgt. Holmes. Thanks for your good thoughts.

[@danhouseholder6784]

Thanks for the video. C - 3 - 3 1973. I watched the whole video and couldn't help but notice, not a single yellow bird to be seen! Those who were there know what I'm referring to!

[@kurtvara4918]

I went thru AIT training at Fort Ord, then I got stationed there and went thru the Fort Ord Sniper School in 81 thru 82. It hurts to see how all the old barracks have been vandalized by the Collage students. Everyone of my friends who where there feel pretty much the same way as me. It was such a beautiful base to have people just destroying it and trashing every thing is a damn shame. I have talked to several people who went back to see it after retiring and they all said that they were all discussed by what people have done to all the barracks. So many people loved that base it's a shame to see it in such disarray. I would have rather seen the barracks torn down then to just be vandalized like they have been. What a shame.

[@donaldschaefer4861]

Basic in '65. We were one of the groups who were let back in right after the govt ordered shutdown because of spinal meningitis that swept thru the base, killing some. . After being in the old wooden barracks for several weeks, they took us up on the hill and gave us a rather nice looking 4 story dorm type building. We were 'gifted' 1" putty knives and had us scrape the 12" linoleum tiles ( there were thousands in those buildings) clean of the wax that had built up from previous years. We detailed those buildings from top to bottom for several weeks before we even got to see any basic training. Like many have said here , that fort was my introduction to becoming a man. .

[@MarcoPolo-zc6zo]

My Gramps was there when it was a range in the late 30’s, then for training with the 7th before eventually heading to Attu & the Pacific. He was always surprised how populated the area was in later years. He said cannons shot ordnance everywhere.

[@Gary-xv7fz]

My brother went through basic training at Fort Ord with B, 1, 3; 3rd platoon 2nd June 1971 and was deployed to Viet Nam with 327th Infantry, Company A, 1st Battalion 101 Airborne. Unfortunately he lost his life along with 35 fellow Americans aboard a CH-47C (68-15866) on November 28, 1971. RIP brother and all the young men and women of our armed forces who have given their all.

[@sandeewood2948]

I was drafted in March 1968 out of Los Angeles I remember the long bus ride up the coast from the induction center to fort ord..we stopped in Santa Maria Calif at a Denny restaurant for a bathroom break the old cranky bus driver said we didn’t have time to eat we were all pretty much hungry…one of the guys I don’t know who popped the rear tire well we now had time to eat…arrive at fort ord late that night the drill sergeants were yelling and screaming get off the bus..anyway I was assigned to..A/3/1 up on the hill…most of the draftees like me were all from Southern California..after eight weeks my mos was 11-bravo…after ord I was sent up to fort Lewis Washington for eight more weeks of ait infantry training then on to the nam…I looked on Google earth looks like my old barracks is still there I’m not sure for how long though…I have fond memories of fort ord….

[@RichardCockerill]

i was there April to Sept 67 Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training,and then off to .......

[@thomasthompson6378]

I was there at the virtually the same time (H-1-1).

[@alicd27]

Crazy to see that most of the barracks have been demolished today and are being replaced with homes. My grandfather trained here prior to WWII. I didn’t know that until recently when I mentioned I lived in Marina. The natural land is wonderful though, beautiful hiking and biking trails.

[@williamzschoche883]

I had Basic at Fort Leonard Wood and AIT at Fort Sill. OCS at Fort Belvoir, graduating 13 Feb 1970. I was the Fort Ord Post Chemical Officer in early 1970. Later I was on General Hal Moore's staff when he was Post Commander. I was a Stockade Duty Officer and an Interior Guard Commander...many times. I was married and we lived on-Post in a very nice duplex we shared with a Marine Captain. My daughter was born there in June of 1971. I left the Army in October of 1971 and went back to UC Riverside for a Ph.D....were I was drafted in April of 1969! I feel disgusted that Fort Ord has been closed and defaced. So many soldiers have great respect for this place which is sacred ground, having so many GI"s going to war and coming back wounded or in body bags.

[@dolphinguam9552]

It is sad that it turned out this way. It has a long and significant history. I had BCT, AIT and a permanent party assignment before I left to 3/7 US Cav in Germany (some troopers were from Gen Hal Moore’s Vietnam 1/7th US Cav). I returned to Ord in 75 and served 3.5 years, being one of first five personnel assigned to a reactivated 6/31 Inf Regiment (a mountain lion crossed my path while on maneuvers near East Garrison😳); after another tour in Germany, I returned to Fort Ord’s CDEC, which I left after serving seven years to deactivate an overseas MEPS. I returned to Fort Ord and retired from the MEDDAC at the Army Community Hospital. I can say, I am from Planet Ord.

[@mkjgry]

Great film, as a resident of the Monterey bay area this is one of my favorite places to go mtn biking or hiking.

[@MrBlue7171]

Took Basic Training there B-3-1 1973-1974 made a lot of friends so sad to see it all gone

[@lindagonzalez2128]

Bendiciones que nostalgia saludos canal de panama..

[@walterschiller8281]

I did my Basic and AIT at Fort Ord in 1968. My MOS was light weapons infantrymen. I was sent to Germany. Sad what this has come to!

[@dizareewilliams6371]

Lots of strides have been made since this video was made. Even Google maps shows barracks by the target that have been demolished with the other bldgs that had asbestos.

[@RugbyTony]

I loved Ft. Ord. The location next to Monterey and Santa Cruz. I was gone a ton though in Central America and of course Panama for Just Cause... Cheers.

[@toddbates444]

i was stationed there from 86 to 89 im very sad to see all this i was there in september 2014 a lot of it was very recognisable including my company area px is being used by presidio, very sad to see my past but also happy to visit my past

[@leahfox7076]

My dad and uncle went through basic here for the Ca National Guard in 1970.

[@jt2727]

I was there in April 1977 thru December 11th1979. I was part of the Buffalos battalion 2nd of 17th inf. yes, the big 7th hourglass division it was when they changed the division to a light infantry division. We learned air mobile tactics and light armor training. Sent us down to San Diego for amphibious training and repelling, we also learned to transfer off major war ships to landing crafts. then back on to ships. We were at sea with the navy and marines 3 weeks. I did not like it lol. I miss Fort Ord, paid it a visit 2012 and my Barracks were still up but really run down. glad I visited cause there gone now. took great pictures.

[@ralphwood8818]

Basic training in Ft Carson Colorado in June 1958 second 8 weeks driving school Ft Ord California. Hawaii for two years. Back to Ft Ord . Drove a new 1960 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance. Lived at the hospital. Got out May 1961. Soldiers club across highway on the ocean. Picked up a few drunk soldiers trying to get back across the highway. Marina beach was a good place for dune buggies. Lot of expensive sports cars for sale in Monterey. Friend got a 53 Ford Victoria hard top for 125.00. Looked new. Saw a 55 chevy convertible for 800.00. Too expensive for me. Ended up paying 50 bucks for a 53 Hudson Wasp. Bought the cars in Salinas. The hospital was making some strange sounds one day. It was an earth quake. Only lasted a few seconds. Never experienced one before.

[@Tell_me_something_good]

HHC Aviation Brigade 90-93. I looked on Google street view, the buildings we worked in are still there. Many of the nicer housing seems to be in use. Most of the plight is the WW2 era buildings that should have be torn down long ago. I left the Army because of BRAC. Beautiful station, wish I had been older and less poor then to have enjoyed it more.

[@pr8222]

First Sgt. Flemming.

[@Tell_me_something_good]

@@pr8222 got damn shitbirds. Lol

[@mortweiss3151]

I took basic ( first 8 weeks) there Nov 1954- they had just finished the permeant barracks (buildings) on the Hill. there were three in use I was in the third one up in Service Co. - along long time ago- like my youth - they (the barracks ) also have given in to time and the ever-changing flow of rebirth-We Old Men often cry when thinking of our youth. …..often. M

[@cadenmontoya5469]

iwas there 1959 was in the new first baracks was there when first air shots and left to belvoir va

[@juliecramer7768]

My dad was there about the time you were. He and I were visiting about Fort Ord today. Wish you could have been sitting with us and sharing your experiences. My dad and I both would have enjoyed that!

[@davisworth5114]

I was there in Jan 1966. You've said it for all of us Mort, an old nun once said to me, "God promises us Heaven, but we have to die first".

[@mikehardwick3619]

BCT & AIT there July-Nov ‘67 then off to jump school. Had to sleep at nite with the barracks windows open 1ft at the top and bottom because of meningitis and there was plenty of cold air coming in to keep you shivering and shaking all nite long. If they ever drain that bay out by the range they’ll probably find millions of spent rounds on the sea bed. All of us would get off our target and rip up the water just to see how high the water would go. 50 cal was the best show. Wish all the duty stations coulda been like Ord. Nice place, better than Benning or Bragg.

[@Sabrinaxoxo92]

I take care of resident that was in Vietnam that was stationed here. He can't talk cause he got injured. His picture says he was stationed here in 64.

[@jameswitt2981]

Sabri Thank you for yout service Sabri.. And a hello to your charge from former Ord person.

[@samseven5260]

Trained there a couple times in the 80’s when I was in a fast attack unit from Ft Lewis’s 9th ID. We once stopped there on the way to NTC. I was very disappointed at its closure. It was a unique and beautiful base that should have remained open. But, it was a way for the administration to balance the federal budget. Cut training, close bases and offer early out programs. Many of us left the military as the training became grossly substandard due to lack of funding.

[@huntgather2429]

My barracks was easy to find, it was the very last one on the corner at the top of the hill.

[@bboomer1948]

A 3 1 . Best damn Company on The Hill.... August '68.

[@leocruz1045]

Everyday I still see those houses thata are destroyed now, well whenever im heading to Salinas or Kohls, Old Navy,Target, or Party City. Once I asked my mom what those houses were and she told me that the military used to live there