1:5 M INF, 5:18 FA, JOTB, 1:9 INF

• 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5 M INF): • 1/5 is one of the most decorated infantry battalions in the United States Marine Corps, earning two Presidential Unit Citations and numerous campaign streamers. • The battalion played a pivotal role in the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I, helping to cement the Marine Corps’ reputation as an elite fighting force. • 1/5 was the first unit to land at Guadalcanal, marking the beginning of the U.S. offensive in the Pacific during World War II. • During the Vietnam War, 1/5 participated in the famous Battle of Hue City in 1968, engaging in fierce urban combat. • The battalion was part of the initial assault into Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. • 5th Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment (5:18 FA): • 5-18 FA traces its origins back to World War I, providing artillery firepower for American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. • During World War II, the battalion supported armored and infantry divisions across the European Theater, including the Normandy invasion. • The battalion has been equipped with the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), allowing it to deliver powerful rocket artillery strikes. • 5-18 FA has participated in recent deployments to the Middle East, supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Joint Operations Training Base (JOTB): • JOTB facilities are designed to provide integrated training for multiple branches of the military, enhancing joint interoperability. • These bases often host multinational exercises, fostering cooperation with allied forces. • 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1:9 INF) "Manchu": • The 1/9 INF earned the nickname "Manchu" after serving in the China Relief Expedition during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, marching 85 miles in 24 hours. • In Vietnam, the battalion was known as "The Walking Dead" due to its high casualty rates and its reputation for being sent to the most dangerous areas. • 1/9 INF participated in the Korean War, earning multiple Presidential Unit Citations for its valor in combat. • The "Manchu Mile," a 25-mile ruck march, is a tradition commemorating the unit’s historic march in China.