CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division relieved Lt. Col. Rafael A. Candelario II and Sgt. Maj. M. A. Chestnut, the Commanding Officer and Sergeant Major of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, May 21. Maj. Gen. Eric Smith relieved Lt. Col. Candelario and Sgt. Maj. Chestnut because he lost confidence in the command team’s ability to lead the battalion. 3rd LAR Battalion is a fast and mobilized armored unit that conducts reconnaissance-in-force ahead of infantry forces. The unit is based on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

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