About this Unit
The 6th Marines Headquarters TOW Platoon is a specialized anti-tank unit within the Headquarters Company of the 6th Marine Regiment, United States Marine Corps. Established to provide the regiment with mobile, long-range anti-armor capabilities, the platoon is equipped with Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile systems mounted on vehicles such as the HMMWV. The unit has supported the 6th Marines in a variety of operations, from training exercises at Camp Lejeune to major deployments in conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The HQ TOW Platoon continues to play a vital role in the regiment’s ability to engage and defeat armored threats on the modern battlefield.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 6th Marine Regiment, including its Headquarters elements, was formed in 1917. The regiment played a critical role in iconic World War I battles such as Belleau Wood, Soissons, and Meuse-Argonne.
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Anti-Armor Evolution: The Headquarters Tow Platoon (TOW stands for Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) was established during the Cold War era, reflecting a shift toward enhanced anti-tank capabilities within Marine infantry regiments.
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Heroic Actions in Belleau Wood: The 6th Marines earned the French Fourragère for their extraordinary bravery at Belleau Wood, a decoration still worn by members of the regiment today.
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Desert Storm Deployments: The HQ TOW Platoon participated in Operation Desert Storm (1991), providing anti-armor support during the liberation of Kuwait and facing Iraqi armored units in the desert.
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Advanced Weaponry: The TOW missile system used by the platoon is capable of defeating modern main battle tanks at ranges exceeding 3,000 meters, making it one of the most effective anti-armor assets in the USMC arsenal.
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Expeditionary Role: Throughout its history, the 6th Marines and its support platoons have served in expeditionary roles, from the Caribbean and Pacific campaigns in World War II to peacekeeping missions in Lebanon in the 1980s.
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Urban Combat Experience: Members of the HQ TOW Platoon saw urban combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where TOW missiles were used not only against armored vehicles but also to destroy fortified enemy positions.
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Decorated Legacy: The 6th Marines is one of the most decorated regiments in Marine Corps history, with the HQ TOW Platoon contributing to the unit’s legacy of valor in both combat and peacekeeping roles.
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Training Rigor: Marines assigned to HQ TOW Platoon undergo specialized training to master the TOW system, vehicle operations (often Humvees and later JLTVs), and combined arms tactics.
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Community and Camaraderie: The close-knit nature of the HQ TOW Platoon is legendary within the regiment, with many veterans maintaining lifelong friendships and regularly attending 6th Marines reunions to honor their shared service and sacrifices.
