1st Marine Division

191206-M-WQ429-1165

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, repel an attack from a defensive position during exercise Steel Knight 20 (SK20) on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, December 13, 2019. SK20 increases the ability of all participants to plan, communicate and conduct operations against a capable near-peer adversary with a focus on major combat maneuvers and sustainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Sgt. Miguel A. Rosales)

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U.S. Marine Corps 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, posts 360-degree security during Steel Knight 2020 (SK20) at an undisclosed location, Dec. 8, 2019. SK20 is an annual training exercise executed by approximately 13,000 Marines and Sailors designed to improve and assess the 1st Marine Division’s ability to fight and win a complex, dispersed fight against a peer or near-peer threat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tayler P. Schwamb)

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U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conduct an amphibious landing and assault through a combat town during Steel Knight 20 (SK20) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California on 6 Dec. 2019. SK20 is an annual training exercise executed by approximately 13,000 Marines and Sailors designed to improve and assess the 1st Marine Division’s ability to fight and win against a peer or near-peer threat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ana Madrigal)

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U.S. Marines with Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer during exercise Steel Knight 20 (SK20) on Marine Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 9, 2019. SK20 increases the ability of all participants to plan, communicate and conduct operations against a capable and near-peer adversary with a focus on a major combat maneuvers and sustainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sabrina Candiaflores)

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U.S. Marines with Company C, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepare and execute training during Steel Knight 20 (SK20) at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California on Dec. 2, 2019. SK20 is an annual training exercise executed by approximately 13,000 Marines and Sailors designed to improve and assess the 1st Marine Division’s ability to fight and win a complex, dispersed fight against a peer or near-peer threat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Aulick)

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U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Glatt, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, rehearses a counter-attack drill during exercise Steel Knight (SK20) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 9, 2019. SK20 is an annual training exercise executed by approximately 13,000 Marines and Sailors designed to improve and assess the 1st Marine Division's ability to fight and win against a peer or near-peer threat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexa M. Hernandez)

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A U.S. Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion conducts a night raid during Steel Knight 20 (SK20) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 12, 2019. SK20 is an annual training exercise executed by approximately 13,000 Marines and Sailors designed to improve and assess the 1st Marine Division’s ability to fight and win a complex, dispersed fight against a peer or near-peer threat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Teagan Fredericks)

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A U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division provides security during the Sappers Leadership Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 5, 2019. The Sappers Leadership Competition is an annual event attended by combat engineers from across the Marine Corps in order to determine the most proficient unit. (U.S. Marine Corps by Cpl. Teagan Fredericks)

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U.S. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division participate in the Sappers Leadership Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 3, 2019. The Sappers Leadership Competition is an annual event attended by combat engineers from across the marine corps in order to determine the most proficient unit. (U.S. Marine Corps by CPl. Rhita Daniel)

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Eddgar Cabrera, an assaultman with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, performs a pull-up for a physical fitness test, during a Command Sponsored Corporals Course (CSCC), at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 3, 2019. The CSCC was hosted by 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, to provide students with basic knowledge and skills to become successful small-unit leaders. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Roxanna Ortiz)

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U.S. Marine Corps Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense specialist Marines with CBRN Defense Platoon, 1st Marine Division, prepare to locate and identify radiological isotopes at Guardian Centers training facility, Georgia, May 22, 2019. The CBRN Marines are conducting a two week course that allows them to detect, identify and mitigate or neutralize CBRN threats and receive hands-on training with hazardous materials, simulating real world threats in a controlled environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mason Roy)

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Frederick C. Bailey III, a team leader with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 7, sights in using a M4 carbine rifle, part of the units' squad competitions, during exercise Northern Edge (NE), May 22, 2019 at Fort Greely, Alaska. Approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel participate in exercise NE 2019, a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces that prepares joint forces to respond to crises in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Gabriela Garcia)

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. George C. Schreffler III, commanding officer of 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, receives a wreath during a ceremony at the Aisne-Marne Memorial near Belleau, France, May 26, 2019. The ceremony commemorated the 101st anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood, which marked the first occasion in World War I for U.S. forces to operate on a large scale against the German Army.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roxanna Ortiz)

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A U.S. Marine with 1st Platoon, Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, patrols during exercise Platinum Ren at an undisclosed location, Norway, May 13, 2019. The evening patrol was conducted to acclimatize the team to the harsh Artic climate and mountainous terrain, increase interoperability within the allies and partners of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and prepare the integrated teams for their future demanding operations during Platinum Ren. Exercise Platinum Ren is a theater security cooperation training evolution held with Norwegian Coastal Ranger Commando to sustain mission essential tasks in harsh operating environments and strengthen coalition partnerships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tayler P. Schwamb)

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A U.S. Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division fires downrange amid an immediate action drill during exercise Platinum Ren at Fort Trondennes, Harstad, Norway, May 13, 2019. Exercise Platinum Ren is a theater security cooperation training evolution held with the KJK to sustain mission essential tasks in harsh operating environments and strengthen coalition partnerships. The main technique the Marines executed was “buddy rushing,” a system where appointed Marines fire at the target, while other Marines rush in the designated direction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tayler P. Schwamb)

190509-M-VB761-456

U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marines with 1st Platoon, Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Norwegian Coastal Ranger Commando (KJK) conduct CB90-class fast assault craft drills during exercise Platinum Ren at Fort Trondennes, Harstad, Norway, May 8, 2019. The CB90 is a 500 horsepower class of fast military assault craft that can execute extremely sharp turns at high speeds and decelerate from top speed to a full stop in 2.5 boat lengths allowing the boats to operate in close proximity to one another. Exercise Platinum Ren is a theater security cooperation training evolution held with Norwegian Coastal Ranger Commando to sustain mission essential tasks in harsh operating environments and strengthen coalition partnerships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tayler P. Schwamb)

190426-M-IP473-0164

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (MARDIV), provides security during the Urban Leaders Course (ULC), at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 22, 2019. The ULC enhances Marines' skills and leadership abilities as small unit leaders in urban combat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Audrey M. C. Rampton)

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Autumn Taniguchi, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fireman carries Cpl. Antonio Garcia, a fire support Marine with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, during an Urban Leaders Course (ULC) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 24, 2019. The ULC provides Marines an opportunity to improve their leadership skills and abilities as small unit leaders in an urban combat environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ana S. Madrigal)

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U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, hike through a simulated chemical attack at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 12, 2019. Marines trained in extreme environments in order to achieve maximum lethality during the intensity of future deployments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rhita Daniel)

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Soldiers from the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conduct individual and small-unit maneuver exercises during Iron Fist at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, February 6, 2019. Exercise Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral amphibious training exercise designed to improve U.S. Marine Corps and the JGSDF’s ability to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious operations.

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U.S. Marines with the 1st Marine Division (MARDIV) band, play during the division's 78th Anniversary Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 1, 2018. 1st MARDIV veterans, Marines, Sailors, friends and family members celebrated the Division's heritage and lineage during the ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Kierkegaard)

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert F. Castellvi, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division (MARDIV), shakes hands with a veteran of the division during the 1st MARDIV 78th Anniversary Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 1, 2018. 1st MARDIV veterans, Marines, Sailors, friends and family members celebrated the Division's heritage and lineage during the ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Kierkegaard)

190201-M-WQ429-1019

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Terrence C. Whitcomb, the sergeant major of 1st Marine Division (MARDIV), gives a tour of the unit's Headquarters Building to Division veterans during the week of the 1st MARDIV 78th anniversary at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 1, 2019. The building, commonly referred to as the white house, has been the workplace for numerous commanding generals and staffs of the 1st MARDIV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Miguel A. Rosales)

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A U.S. Marine gives the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, the go ahead for the assault amphibious vehicles to enter the water and travel to the USS Somerset (LPD 25) during Iron Fist 2019, Jan. 30 on U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA. Exercise Iron Fist is an annual, multilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cutler Brice)

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paul Stephenson participates as part of a 1st Marine Division 78th Anniversary feature collection at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan.14, 2019. Stephenson served 32 years and fought with 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 1st Marine Division, during the Korean War. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roxanna Gonzalez)

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers with 1st Amphibious Rapid Development Regiment, Move simulated casualties to a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for medical evacuation training during Iron Fist,

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Jan. 22, 2019 on U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA. Exercise Iron Fist is an annual, multilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cutler Brice)

190114-M-OI329-1001

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division assist in the filming of television show “SEAL Team” on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 14, 2019. Camp Pendleton has been used as a filming site by a number of shows and movies in order to replicate the realism of the U.S. military services. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Prado)

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Gerardo, Parra, an Assault Breacher Vehicle Joint Assault Bridge Operator, with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division poses for a photo during exercise Steel Knight (SK) 2019 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Nov. 28, 2018. SK is an annual exercise used to showcase the Marines and Sailors skills, tactics, and combat readiness by performing in various dynamic scenarios, ground combat maneuver operations, and liver fire ranges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Miguel A. Rosales)

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A U.S. Marine drinks water from a canteen during exercise Steel Knight (SK) 2019 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 2, 2018. SK is an annual exercise used to enhance the Marines' and Sailors skills, tactics, and combat readiness by performing in various dynamic scenarios, ground combat maneuver operations, and l'ive fire ranges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Frank Cordoba)

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U.S. Marine Corps SSgt. Derek Andreas, an assault amphibious vehicle crewmember with 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion, participates in the final event of exercise Valiant Mark at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Sept. 09, 2018. Valiant Mark is an annual exercise conducted by U.S. Marines and the Singapore Armed Forces designed to increase interoperability and strengthen military-to-military relationships through combined-arms integration training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Rhita Daniel)

180830-M-IP473-1118

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John Marino, a machine gunner with 1st Marine Regiment, climbs over a log during the obstacle course portion of the 1st Marine Division (MARDIV) Super Squad Competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 30, 2018. The competition tests the Marines in a broad spectrum of infantry related skills to include offensive and defensive operations, patrolling techniques, and combat marksmanship, to determine the best squad within 1st MARDIV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Audrey M.C. Rampton)

180830-M-IP473-1041

U.S. Marines run through CS gas during the hike portion of the 1st Marine Division (MARDIV) Super Squad Competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 30, 2018. The competition tests the Marines in a broad spectrum of infantry related skills to include offensive and defensive operations, patrolling techniques, and combat marksmanship, to determine the best squad within 1st MARDIV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Audrey M.C. Rampton)

180517-M-OI329-1039

The photo depicts the 1st Marine Division Headquarters Building on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 17, 2018. The building, commonly referred to as the white house, has been the workspace for numerous commanding generals and special staff of the 1st Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Prado)

Mission

Today, 1st Marine Division is a multi-role, expeditionary ground combat force. The Division is employed as the ground combat element (GCE) of I MEF or may provide task-organized forces for assault operations and such operations as may be directed. The 1st Marine Division must be able to provide the ground amphibious forcible entry capability to the naval expeditionary force (NEF) and to conduct subsequent land operations in any operational environment.

1st Marine Division Stories

Aussies reconnect with U.S. Marines at the Blue Diamond By | November 4, 2019 Regimental staff members huddled around the command post of the ‘fighting’ 5th Marine Regiment at MORE

A 20-mile tactical march into a demanding combat eval ― this Marine regiment just did it By | October 10, 2019 Marines with the 5th Marine Regiment recently completed the largest combat evaluation of the unit MORE

Media Advisory By | October 7, 2019 Media Advisory October 1, 2019 MORE

1st Marine Division Arrests By | July 25, 2019 Press Release #19-009 MORE

3D printing in the Marine Corps: An industry of untapped potential By Cpl. Joseph Prado | February 26, 2019 1st Lt. Ryan McCormic sat in the middle of his 3D printing laboratory watching as the honeycombs, MORE

1st Marine Division Videos

Steel Knight 20

1st Marine Division participates in Steel Knight 2020 (SK20) in multiple training areas in southern California and Yuma, Arizona. SK20 is an annual training exercise executed by approximately 13,000 Marines and Sailors designed to improve and assess the 1st Marine Division's ability to fight and win against a peer or near-peer threat. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Mason Roy)

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