About this Unit
Company I (Co I), Marine Support Battalion, has a distinguished history within the United States Marine Corps' signals intelligence and communications support community. Established to provide direct and specialized intelligence support to Marine Corps operations, Co I has served in various global theaters, delivering critical signals intelligence, electronic warfare, and communications security. The unit has participated in both peacetime and combat operations, supporting Marine Expeditionary Units and joint task forces worldwide. Renowned for its technical expertise and operational flexibility, Co I continues to play a vital role in enabling the Marine Corps’ mission success through superior intelligence support.
Historical Facts
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Origins in Signals Intelligence: Company I (Co I), Marine Support Battalion, was part of the United States Marine Corps' cryptologic and signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations, supporting the National Security Agency (NSA) and joint intelligence efforts.
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Strategic Locations: Co I was notably stationed at varied overseas locations, including the Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) in Kunia, Hawaii, and Camp H.M. Smith, providing critical Pacific theater signals intelligence.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, Co I Marines played a pivotal role in intercepting and analyzing Soviet and other adversarial communications, aiding national defense and intelligence assessments.
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Integration with NSA: Marines in Co I frequently worked side-by-side with NSA civilian and military personnel, highlighting the unit’s unique joint service collaboration.
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Specialized Training: Co I Marines underwent specialized training at the Navy and Marine Corps intelligence schools, becoming experts in electronic warfare, cryptology, and language skills.
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Support to Fleet and Commanders: The unit provided real-time intelligence support to fleet commanders and Marine Expeditionary Forces, enhancing operational readiness and situational awareness.
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Transition and Reorganization: In the early 2000s, Marine Support Battalion, including Co I, was reorganized into Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion (MCSB), reflecting changes in intelligence community structure.
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Decorations and Honors: Members of Co I have received numerous individual and unit commendations for their vital contributions to national security and successful SIGINT missions.
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Women in Intelligence: Co I, like other SIGINT units, included female Marines in both enlisted and officer roles, reflecting the integration and critical contributions of women in Marine intelligence.
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Legacy and Alumni: Former members of Co I have gone on to distinguished careers in military intelligence, national security, and civilian intelligence agencies, with a strong alumni network and enduring esprit de corps.
