U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro was commissioned in 1942 in Orange County, California, serving as a major United States Marine Corps air base during World War II and throughout the Cold War. The station played a pivotal role in training pilots and supporting Marine aviation units during conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Over the decades, El Toro became one of the largest Marine air stations on the West Coast, hosting a variety of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. MCAS El Toro was officially closed in 1999 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, with its functions transferred to other bases and much of its land repurposed for civilian use.

The Fleet Marine Force (FMF) is a principal operational component of the United States Marine Corps, established in 1933 to provide a permanent organization capable of conducting amphibious operations alongside the U.S. Navy. The FMF played a pivotal role during World War II, spearheading assaults in the Pacific Theater, including at Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Over the decades, the FMF has continued to serve as the Marine Corps’ forward-deployed force, participating in major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and operations in the Middle East. Today, the FMF remains vital to U.S. expeditionary power, integrating Marines and Navy personnel to project force from the sea.

The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7), was activated in August 1917 and has distinguished itself in numerous conflicts throughout its history. During World War II, 2/7 participated in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. In the Korean War, the battalion fought in key engagements, including the Chosin Reservoir. More recently, 2/7 has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, maintaining its reputation for valor and effectiveness as part of the 1st Marine Division.

The 7th Communication Battalion (7th COMM BN) is a vital United States Marine Corps unit specializing in communications support. Activated in 1957, the battalion has played a key role in enabling command and control for III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Over the decades, 7th COMM BN has supported numerous exercises, humanitarian missions, and combat operations, including deployments to Okinawa, Japan, and the broader Indo-Pacific theater. The battalion’s expertise in tactical and strategic communications continues to ensure seamless connectivity for Marine Corps missions worldwide.

Parris Island, located in South Carolina, is home to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, one of the primary training sites for the United States Marine Corps since 1915. The island was first used by the Navy as a coaling station in the late 19th century before becoming a Marine Corps training facility. Throughout both World Wars, Parris Island saw massive expansions to accommodate the surge of recruits needed for combat. Today, it continues its legacy as a vital institution, shaping thousands of new Marines each year through rigorous basic training.

The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW) is the reserve aviation component of the United States Marine Corps. Activated during World War II in August 1942, the wing provided vital air support in the Pacific Theater, including participation in major campaigns such as the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, the unit was deactivated but reestablished in 1962 as part of the Marine Forces Reserve. Today, the 4th MAW consists of various squadrons and support units across the United States, providing combat-ready aviation forces to augment and reinforce active-duty Marine aviation operations.

The 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines (1/23) is a distinguished infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, originally activated in November 1942 during World War II. The unit participated in key Pacific campaigns, including Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, earning a reputation for tenacity and valor. Reactivated and reorganized through subsequent decades, 1/23rd Marines have supported operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Today, headquartered in Houston, Texas, 1/23rd continues to provide trained combat-ready Marines in support of both national defense and community missions.

2ND RECON

96 members

The 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (2ND RECON) is a distinguished unit of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated during World War II. It is part of the 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and specializes in amphibious reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. Over its history, 2ND RECON has participated in major operations such as the Invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), Operation Desert Storm, and multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism. Renowned for its rigorous training and adaptability, the battalion continues to provide critical battlefield intelligence and support to Marine Corps operations worldwide.

The Marine Security Guard Battalion (MSG BN), established in 1948, is a specialized unit of the United States Marine Corps tasked with providing security at U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions worldwide. Its formation followed a series of security incidents at U.S. diplomatic posts, prompting the Department of State and the Marine Corps to formalize the assignment of Marines to protect American personnel and classified information abroad. Over the decades, MSGs have played critical roles in crisis situations, such as evacuations and attacks on embassies, including the 1979 Tehran embassy crisis. Today, the battalion remains a vital component of U.S. diplomatic security, with Marines serving at over 150 posts in more than 130 countries.

The 1st Battalion, 26th Marines (1/26th Marines) is a storied infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Activated during World War II in 1944, the unit saw its first major combat on Iwo Jima, contributing significantly to the island’s capture. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, 1/26th Marines participated in several key operations, including the siege of Khe Sanh in 1968, where the battalion played a vital defensive role. Over its history, 1/26th Marines has demonstrated valor and resilience in some of the Marine Corps’ most challenging battles before its eventual deactivation.

The 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines (2/10) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, established in 1941. During World War II, the unit provided vital fire support in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In subsequent decades, 2/10 has supported operations in conflicts such as the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, 2/10 continues to serve as a key component of the 2nd Marine Division, providing artillery support and enhancing the combat effectiveness of Marine forces.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE (NMCB-1), known as the "First and the Finest," was originally commissioned in 1942 during World War II as part of the U.S. Navy Seabees. The unit played a critical role in constructing bases, airfields, and other vital infrastructure in the Pacific Theater, supporting major operations such as those in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Since World War II, NMCB-1 has deployed globally, participating in operations and humanitarian missions in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, and disaster relief efforts worldwide. Today, NMCB-1 remains an essential component of the Naval Construction Force, continuing its legacy of readiness and excellence in both combat and peacetime operations.

1ST RADIO BN

89 members

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.

7TH MARINES

88 members

The 7th Marine Regiment, known as "The Magnificent Seventh," was activated in 1917 and has served with distinction in multiple conflicts. The regiment gained fame during World War II, participating in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. In the Korean War, the 7th Marines played a critical role in the Inchon Landing and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Since then, the unit has been deployed in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, earning a reputation for valor and excellence within the United States Marine Corps.

The 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines (3/12) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, activated in 1942 during World War II. It played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. During the Vietnam War, 3/12 provided vital fire support for Marine and allied forces throughout the conflict. Today, 3/12 is stationed at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, and remains a key component of the 3rd Marine Division, providing artillery support and rapid-deployment capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) was established on August 29, 1916, as part of the Naval Appropriations Act, to provide a ready force of trained Marines available for active duty in times of war or national emergency. The USMCR played a significant role in both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror, augmenting and reinforcing active-duty Marine units. Reservists have participated in every major conflict since World War I, often deploying alongside their active-duty counterparts. Today, the USMC Reserve continues to provide operational flexibility, strategic depth, and community engagement, upholding the Marine Corps’ motto of “Semper Fidelis.”

2nd Marine Division

86 members

The 2nd Marine Division, activated on February 1, 1941, at Camp Elliott, California, is one of the United States Marine Corps' most storied combat divisions. It gained fame during World War II for its pivotal roles in the battles of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, suffering heavy casualties but achieving crucial victories in the Pacific Theater. During the Cold War, the division remained a key component of America’s rapid deployment forces, participating in operations such as the Multinational Force in Lebanon and Operation Desert Storm. In the 21st century, the 2nd Marine Division has been actively engaged in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, maintaining its reputation for excellence and readiness.

8TH MARINES

86 members

The 8th Marine Regiment, known as the "8th Marines," was activated in 1917 and is a distinguished infantry unit of the United States Marine Corps. It gained fame during World War II as part of the 2nd Marine Division, participating in key battles such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. In the decades since, the 8th Marines have served in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Renowned for their courage and adaptability, the regiment has played a vital role in projecting U.S. military power and upholding Marine Corps traditions around the world.

The 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1), known as the "Thundering Third," was activated in March 1941 and saw extensive combat during World War II, including battles at Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. During the Korean War, 3/1 participated in key engagements such as the Inchon Landing and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. In the Vietnam War, the battalion was heavily engaged in operations throughout the northern provinces, notably during the Tet Offensive. More recently, 3/1 has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, playing significant roles in the Second Battle of Fallujah and counterinsurgency operations.

The 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment (3/7), part of the 1st Marine Division, has a distinguished history dating back to its activation in 1941. During World War II, 3/7 participated in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, earning a reputation for valor and effectiveness. The battalion saw extensive combat in Korea and later in Vietnam, where it took part in numerous operations such as Operation Starlite and Operation Harvest Moon. In recent decades, 3/7 has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, playing key roles in operations like Phantom Fury in Fallujah and counterinsurgency missions in Helmand Province.

**1/10 Charlie** is a designation commonly referring to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, a unit in the United States Marine Corps. The 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10) was activated in 1941, and its subordinate companies, including Charlie Company, have served with distinction in major conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. As an artillery unit, 1/10 Charlie has provided close and continuous fire support for Marine infantry and armored forces, utilizing various artillery systems over its history, including the M777 howitzer. The company is renowned for its readiness, adaptability, and commitment to the Marine Corps’ mission, demonstrating excellence during both combat operations and peacetime training exercises.

Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1 Alpha Co), known as "Alpha Raiders," is a storied infantry unit within the United States Marine Corps. Established in 1941, 1/1 has participated in some of the most pivotal conflicts in modern history, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror. Alpha Company distinguished itself in battles such as Guadalcanal, Inchon, and Fallujah, earning a reputation for valor and effectiveness in combat. Today, the Marines of Alpha Company continue to uphold their legacy of excellence, serving as a rapid response force capable of deploying worldwide in defense of U.S. interests.

The 11th Motor Transport Battalion was an integral logistics unit of the United States Marine Corps, established in 1950. Activated during the Korean War, the battalion provided essential motor transport and logistical support to Marine forces, ensuring the rapid movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. Throughout the Vietnam War, the 11th Motor Transport Battalion played a critical role in supporting combat operations, often operating under hazardous conditions. The battalion was eventually deactivated, but its legacy endures through its significant contributions to Marine Corps mobility and combat effectiveness.

The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5), is a storied infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, part of the 1st Marine Division. Activated in 1917, 1/5 earned distinction during World War I at battles such as Belleau Wood, Soissons, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In World War II, the battalion fought valiantly in the Pacific, including at Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Since then, 1/5 has participated in major conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Operation Desert Storm, and more recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout its history, 1/5 has built a reputation for courage, discipline, and effectiveness in combat.