About this Unit
1st Radio Battalion (1ST RADIO BN) is a United States Marine Corps signals intelligence unit established in 1958. Originally activated at Camp Smith, Hawaii, the battalion has played a critical role in providing electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and communications support to Marine forces. It saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, supporting combat operations with tactical SIGINT and direction finding. Over the decades, 1ST RADIO BN has continued to support operations worldwide, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, maintaining its reputation as a premier Marine Corps intelligence asset.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The lineage of 1st Radio Battalion traces back to the 2nd Radio Intelligence Platoon, formed in 1943, which supported operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
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First Activation: The unit was officially activated as 1st Radio Company in 1958 at Camp Smith, Hawaii, marking its formal designation as a specialized signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit within the US Marine Corps.
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Vietnam War Service: 1st Radio Battalion played a crucial role in the Vietnam War, providing SIGINT and electronic warfare support to Marine and allied forces, often deploying small teams deep into hostile territory.
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First Marine Corps Unit in Desert Shield: Elements of 1st Radio Battalion were among the first Marine units to deploy to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield in 1990.
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Nickname "Radio Bn": The battalion is commonly referred to as "Radio Bn" within the Marine Corps community, reflecting its specialized focus on radio and signals intelligence.
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Multiple Deployments: Over the decades, 1st Radio Battalion has deployed to numerous hotspots, including Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pacific, supporting major Marine expeditionary units.
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Innovative Tactics: The battalion pioneered the use of mobile signals intelligence teams, often operating in small, highly mobile units to intercept enemy communications on the front lines.
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Support to Special Operations: 1st Radio Battalion often augments Marine Special Operations Forces with linguists, electronic warfare experts, and intelligence analysts.
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Advanced Training: Marines assigned to 1st Radio Battalion undergo rigorous language, cryptologic, and electronic warfare training, making them some of the most highly skilled intelligence professionals in the Corps.
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Motto "Hear All, See All, Know All": The battalion's unofficial motto reflects its mission to intercept, analyze, and exploit enemy communications to give Marine commanders a decisive advantage.
