In January 1943[1], the zone for the California/Arizona Maneuver Area was set. Under the command of “Col. James B. Edmunds, a 25-year veteran of the Army who accompanied Lt.-Gen. Leslie J. McNair to North Africa. the headquarters communications zone of the California-Arizona maneuver area, is based at a camp site at Sierra Way and Forty-sixth street.”[2] Colonel James B. Edmunds was a notable Army figure. He was severely injured on his tour to Tunisia, North Africa alongside Gen. McNair. Before World War I, he participated in the Mexican Campaign. His resume proceeds himself with his experienced service with engineers, calvary, and quartermasters.[3] Those who staffed Col. Edmunds goes as follows: Col. G.A.M. Anderson, chief of staff, Lt. Col. John C. McCawley, Lt. Col. Hugh H. Sargent, Lt. Col. Charles T. Senay, and Lt. Col. Staten E. Rail.[4] At this camp, an estimated one hundred officers and nearly one thousand enlisted soldiers ran this installation in San Bernandino, California following its move from Banning, California. 

The purpose of this training post was to act as a supply and service function as well as tactical training that was like what they would experience overseas. The Army wanted all training soldier to experience realistic training operations. To accommodate their location, they supplied the local area with installations of hospitals, general stores, and supply bases. Supplies were brought in daily to aid combat troops training within the area. Wounded and sick soldiers were sent to hospitals built by the Army by way of railways, planes, and ambulances. The California/Arizona Maneuver Area became the Base General during World War II.

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