U.S. Marine Corps

The 1st Marine Corps Recruiting Division is a vital component of the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Command, responsible for enlisting qualified individuals from the eastern United States. Established to streamline and coordinate recruitment efforts, the division has played a crucial role in sustaining the Marine Corps' force readiness through various conflicts and peacetime periods. Over the decades, recruiters from the 1st Division have adapted to changing demographics, technologies, and societal trends to ensure the Marine Corps attracts and retains top talent. Their ongoing mission supports the Corps’ legacy by continually supplying highly motivated Marines to serve around the globe.

The 1st Marine Logistics Group (1st MLG) was activated in 1947 as the 1st Combat Service Group at Camp Pendleton, California, to provide vital logistical support to the 1st Marine Division. The unit saw extensive service during the Korean War, supporting combat operations and ensuring the sustainment of Marine forces. Over the decades, the 1st MLG has participated in major conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the 1st MLG continues to deliver combat logistics, supply, and maintenance support to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces as a critical component of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

The II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) headquartered at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Established in 1962, II MEF has played a key role in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. As the largest of the Marine Corps’ three MEFs, it provides combat-ready forces for rapid deployment worldwide. II MEF regularly trains with allied nations and supports humanitarian and disaster relief missions, contributing to global security and U.S. national interests.

The 2nd Marine Logistics Group (2nd MLG) is a major logistics unit of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Established in 1947 as the 2nd Combat Service Group, the unit has provided critical combat service support to the II Marine Expeditionary Force in numerous operations, including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Over the decades, 2nd MLG has delivered vital logistics, engineering, health services, and supply support to Marine and joint forces, ensuring operational readiness and sustainability. The group continues to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of the modern battlefield.

Headquarters and Service Battalion, Communications Company, 2nd Force Service Support Group (H&S Bn Comm Co 2nd FSSG) has a distinguished history of providing vital communications support to U.S. Marine Corps operations. Activated as part of the 2nd FSSG, the unit specialized in establishing, maintaining, and securing command and control networks during both training exercises and real-world missions. Over the years, H&S Bn Comm Co played key roles in supporting logistics and command elements during operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Their commitment to reliable communications has been essential to the success of Marine Corps missions across the globe.

Headquarters and Service Support Battalion (H&S SPTBN), The Basic School (TBS), Quantico, Virginia, serves as the backbone for the training and support of newly commissioned Marine Corps officers. Established to provide essential administrative, logistical, and operational support, H&S SPTBN ensures that TBS can efficiently conduct its mission of developing new leaders for the Marine Corps. Over the years, the battalion has evolved to meet the changing needs of Marine officer training, embracing modern technology and updated doctrine. Located at Marine Corps Base Quantico—known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps"—the unit continues to play a vital role in shaping the future leadership of the United States Marine Corps.

Headquarters Battalion, 10th Marines was activated on November 15, 1940 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as part of the 2d Marine Division. During World War II, the battalion participated in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing crucial command and control, communications, and logistical support. Following the war, the battalion was relocated to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where it remains today. Over the decades, Headquarters Battalion has continued to support 10th Marines and II Marine Expeditionary Force operations, both in peacetime and during deployments such as Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism.

HMH-362, known as the "Ugly Angels," was a United States Marine Corps heavy helicopter squadron established in 1952. The squadron initially flew the Sikorsky HRS and later transitioned to the CH-53 Sea Stallion family of helicopters. HMH-362 was the first Marine helicopter squadron to deploy to Vietnam in 1962, playing a significant role in support, transport, and medevac missions throughout the conflict. The unit continued to serve in various operations until it was deactivated in 2012 after 60 years of distinguished service.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMLA-269), known as the "Gunrunners," was activated on February 22, 1971, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. Originally designated as a light helicopter squadron, it was the first Marine Corps unit to receive the AH-1J Sea Cobra attack helicopter. Over its history, HMLA-269 has supported numerous operations, including deployments to Lebanon, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron has established a reputation for excellence in close air support, armed escort, and utility missions, operating both AH-1 attack helicopters and UH-1 utility helicopters until its deactivation in 2022.

Marine Air Control Squadron 7 (MACS-7) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit. Activated during World War II, the squadron provided air surveillance and control of aircraft and surface-to-air weapons for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Over the decades, MACS-7 participated in significant operations, including the Vietnam War, where they played a crucial role in airspace management and early warning missions. The unit continued to serve with distinction in subsequent conflicts, adapting to advancements in radar and communications technology to support both training and combat operations.

Marine Air Control Squadron 7 (MACS-7) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit originally activated during World War II in 1944. The squadron played a critical role in providing aerial surveillance, airspace management, and air defense in the Pacific Theater, notably supporting operations in Okinawa. Over the decades, MACS-7 was deactivated and reactivated several times, adapting to evolving military needs during the Cold War and beyond. The unit was ultimately decommissioned in 1993, leaving a legacy of excellence in Marine Corps air control operations.

Marine Barracks New London was established in 1918 at the New London Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, to provide security and support for the growing submarine force. Marines assigned to the Barracks were responsible for base security, training, and ceremonial duties, playing a vital role during both World Wars as the base expanded its operations. Over the years, the unit adapted to changing security requirements and continued to uphold traditions of discipline and service. The Marine Barracks remained an important presence until its deactivation in 2008, marking the end of nearly 90 years of Marine Corps history at New London.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SIX (MCB-6), also known as "Seabees," was first commissioned during World War II in 1942. The unit played a vital role in constructing airfields, bases, and other critical infrastructure across the Pacific theater, supporting Allied operations from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Reactivated for later conflicts, MCB-6 served with distinction during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing essential engineering and combat support in challenging environments. Over the decades, the battalion has continued to uphold its motto, "We Build, We Fight," participating in humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts worldwide.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 (MWSS-272), known as the "Untouchables," was activated on June 6, 1986, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. As part of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, MWSS-272 provides essential aviation ground support to enable Marine aviation operations. The squadron has participated in major exercises and operations, including deployments in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. MWSS-272 continues to play a vital role in expeditionary airfield support, fueling, engineering, and logistics for Marine Corps aviation missions worldwide.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 12 (NMCB-12), known as the "Dirty Dozen," is a unit of the U.S. Navy Seabees with a distinguished history dating back to World War II. Commissioned in 1942, NMCB-12 played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure vital to Allied operations. Over the decades, the battalion has supported military operations and humanitarian missions worldwide, including deployments to Vietnam, the Middle East, and disaster relief efforts. As a Reserve battalion, NMCB-12 continues to provide vital construction and engineering support to U.S. naval and joint operations across the globe.

Submarine Squadron Ten (SUBRON 10) was established by the United States Navy on March 1, 1963, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. It played a pivotal role during the Cold War as the Navy’s first squadron dedicated to the support and maintenance of Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines (SSBNs), specifically the Polaris-class. SUBRON 10 provided operational, logistical, and technical support to these strategic deterrent submarines, helping to maintain continuous at-sea deterrence. The squadron continued its mission through the transition to more advanced submarines and remains a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities.

Marine Attack Squadron 331 (VMA-331), known as the "Bumblebees," was originally commissioned during World War II in 1943 as Marine Fighter Squadron 331 (VMF-331). The squadron saw action in the Pacific Theater, including operations in the Marshall Islands. After the war, the unit was deactivated and later reactivated multiple times, transitioning through various aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk and later the AV-8B Harrier II. VMA-331 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, becoming the first Harrier squadron to fly combat missions from an amphibious assault ship, before being deactivated in 1992.

Marine Attack Squadron 332 (VMA-332), known as the “Polka-dots,” was a distinguished U.S. Marine Corps attack squadron based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, under Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW). Activated during World War II, the squadron flew a variety of aircraft, including the F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, and later the A-4 Skyhawk. VMA-332 saw combat in the Pacific Theater, supported operations during the Korean War, and participated in Cold War readiness missions. The squadron was deactivated in 1992, leaving a legacy of excellence in Marine Corps aviation history.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251), known as the "Thunderbolts," was originally commissioned in 1941 as VMF-251. The squadron saw combat during World War II in the Solomon Islands campaign, supporting Allied operations in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VMFA-251 transitioned through various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F-4 Phantom II, and the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting the evolution of Marine Corps aviation. The unit participated in numerous operations, including Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom, consistently demonstrating its versatility and combat effectiveness before being deactivated in 2020.

Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6) was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit with a distinguished history dating back to its formation in 1920. Originally established as Division 6, Squadron 1 at Quantico, Virginia, VMO-6 operated observation and reconnaissance aircraft in support of Marine ground forces. The squadron saw significant combat during World War II at Guadalcanal, in the Korean War—where it gained fame for its use of helicopters in casualty evacuation—and later during the Vietnam War, conducting aerial reconnaissance and artillery spotting. VMO-6 was deactivated in 1977 after nearly six decades of service.

The 1st Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company (1st FAST Co) was established in 1987 as part of the United States Marine Corps Security Force Regiment. Designed for rapid deployment, 1st FAST Co specializes in providing security reinforcement for U.S. Navy installations, embassies, and other critical facilities worldwide in response to emerging threats. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous high-profile missions, including embassy reinforcement operations and counterterrorism deployments across the globe. Renowned for their rigorous training and readiness, 1st FAST Co continues to play a vital role in safeguarding U.S. interests at home and abroad.

The **1st Marine Corps District Recruiting** is a key unit within the United States Marine Corps responsible for recruiting and enlisting new Marines from the Northeastern region of the United States. Established in 1946, the district has played a vital role in sustaining the strength and readiness of the Marine Corps by identifying and preparing qualified individuals for service. Over the decades, the 1st Marine Corps District has adapted to changing demographics and recruitment challenges, employing innovative outreach and engagement strategies. Its efforts have ensured a steady flow of motivated recruits, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness and reputation of the Marine Corps.

The 1st Marine Division Communications Company, commonly known as 1st Marines Comm Co., was established during World War II to provide vital communications support for command and control operations. The unit played a crucial role in major campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, ensuring reliable lines of communication under intense combat conditions. Over the decades, 1st Marines Comm Co. has adapted to evolving technology, supporting operations in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Today, the company remains an essential asset to the 1st Marine Division, delivering advanced communications capabilities for both training and deployed missions.

Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), known as "America’s Battalion," has a distinguished history within the United States Marine Corps. Activated during World War II in 1942, the battalion participated in major Pacific campaigns, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. During the Vietnam War, Golf Company saw intense combat in operations such as Starlite and Hastings, earning numerous unit commendations. In the 21st century, 2/3 deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of service and sacrifice until its deactivation in 2022 as part of the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 restructuring.