2nd Light Armored Recon Battalion

• Origins: The 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (2nd LAR) was activated on 15 September 1985 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, becoming one of the first units to operate the new Light Armored Vehicle (LAV). • Operation Desert Storm: 2nd LAR played a key role in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, conducting aggressive reconnaissance and screening missions for the 2nd Marine Division during the ground war. • First into Kuwait: Elements of 2nd LAR were among the first coalition forces to cross into Kuwait during the ground assault, earning the nickname “Desert Rats” for their swift movement and desert operations. • Peacekeeping in Somalia: The battalion deployed to Somalia in 1993 as part of Operation Restore Hope, supporting humanitarian efforts and security operations in the region. • Iraq War Deployments: 2nd LAR deployed multiple times to Iraq between 2003 and 2010, participating in the initial invasion, the Battle of Nasiriyah, and subsequent stabilization operations. • Afghanistan Operations: The battalion served in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, conducting patrols and combat operations in support of counterinsurgency and stabilization missions. • “Fox” and “Delta” Companies: 2nd LAR is organized into several companies, including the historically distinguished “Fox” and “Delta” companies, each with their own unique traditions and call signs. • Expeditionary Capability: The unit’s LAV-25s provide rapid mobility, firepower, and reconnaissance capability, allowing the battalion to operate independently or in support of larger Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. • Unit Motto: The battalion’s motto is “Victory Through Mobility,” reflecting its emphasis on speed, flexibility, and aggressive reconnaissance. • Decorations: 2nd LAR has received numerous awards and commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Navy Unit Commendations, for its valor and performance in combat operations.