1st LAR Battalion

The 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, activated in May 1985, is a mechanized infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Tasked with providing reconnaissance, security, and economy of force operations, the battalion is equipped with Light Armored Vehicles (LAV-25s), enabling rapid mobility and firepower. The 1st LAR Battalion has participated in major operations including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, often serving as the tip of the spear for Marine ground forces. Over its history, the battalion has earned a reputation for adaptability, speed, and effectiveness in a wide range of combat environments.