3:12th Marines

• Formation and World War II Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines (3/12) was first activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, California, as part of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II. • Pacific Campaigns: 3/12 participated in major Pacific battles, including Bougainville, Guam, and the pivotal Battle of Iwo Jima, providing critical artillery support. • Occupation of Japan: After World War II, the battalion was deployed to Japan as part of the occupation forces, helping maintain stability during the early postwar period. • Vietnam War Service: 3/12 saw extensive combat in Vietnam, supporting Marine infantry operations from 1965 to 1969, and earned several unit commendations for its actions. • Flexible Artillery Deployments: The battalion is unique in that it has a headquarters based in Okinawa, Japan, but its firing batteries rotate in from other Marine artillery units in the U.S.—a system called the Unit Deployment Program (UDP). • Modern Equipment: 3/12 operates the M777A2 155mm lightweight howitzer, which is transportable by MV-22 Osprey and CH-53E helicopters, allowing rapid deployment and mobility. • Humanitarian Assistance: The battalion has frequently supported humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief in the Asia-Pacific region after events like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. • Bilateral Training: 3/12 regularly trains with regional partners and allies, including the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, as part of exercises like Fuji Viper and Artillery Relocation Training Program (ARTP). • Nickname and Motto: The battalion is nicknamed "Thunder," a nod to the powerful impact of artillery, and its motto is "Semper Fidelis"—Always Faithful. • Continued Forward Presence: As a key component of the 3rd Marine Division, 3/12 provides forward-deployed artillery support in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining readiness and deterrence in a strategically vital region.