About this Unit
The 2nd Radio Battalion is a communications intelligence unit of the United States Marine Corps, first activated in 1958. Tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare, the battalion has played a pivotal role in supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. Throughout its history, 2nd Radio Battalion has deployed in major conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the unit continues to provide critical intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities in support of Marine Corps missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 2nd Radio Battalion traces its origins to World War II, when US Marine Corps radio intelligence units operated in the Pacific, intercepting and decrypting Japanese communications.
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Official Activation: The unit was officially activated on 15 September 1958 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as the 2nd Composite Radio Company.
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Vietnam War Service: 2nd Radio Battalion played a significant role in the Vietnam War, providing signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare support to Marine combat units.
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Gulf War Contributions: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the battalion deployed detachments to support Marine forces in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Specialized Vehicles: The battalion has used specialized vehicles such as the Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System (MEWSS) to intercept enemy communications on the battlefield.
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Global Deployments: 2nd Radio Battalion has supported operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and numerous other locations worldwide, often being among the first Marine units deployed.
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“Silent Warriors” Nickname: The unit is often referred to as "Silent Warriors" due to its secretive and highly technical intelligence work.
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Role in Counterterrorism: After 9/11, 2nd Radio Battalion was integral in providing SIGINT support for counterterrorism operations, tracking enemy communications and networks.
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Joint Operations: Members of the battalion regularly work alongside other U.S. and allied intelligence agencies, highlighting their importance in joint and combined operations.
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Cutting-Edge Technology: The battalion is known for rapidly adopting and innovating with the latest in electronic warfare and intelligence-gathering technologies, maintaining a vital edge in the modern battlefield.
