2d Battalion, 11th Marines (callsign “Patriot”) have served as an integral component of the Marine Corps since 1918 when the battalion was formed in France at the end of World War I. Participating in every major conflict of the 20th and 21st century, the unit has primarily served as a cannon artillery battalion since the beginning of World War II. Today, the battalion is comprised of three cannon batteries (Battery E, Battery F, and Battery G), a headquarters battery, and a fire support battery. Each firing battery fields the M777A2 howitzer capable of firing a 100-lb explosive projectile over 15 miles with precision accuracy. Within headquarters battery the unit’s staff and support sections are formed into administrative, intelligence, operations, survey, logistics, motor-transport, medical, supply, maintenance, and communications elements. Each support section enables the battalion to field multiple combat formations in order to deploy worldwide in support of combatant commands and Marine Corps objectives. The Fire Support battery is comprised of Fire Support Teams that liaise with infantry/maneuver units and provide critical sensing, planning, coordination, and execution of supporting arms fires for the maneuver commander. The battalion is part of the historic 11th Marine Regiment (callsign “Cannon Cockers”) and the legendary 1st Marine Division (callsign “Blue Diamond”) and is currently stationed in the 43 Area of Camp Pendleton, CA.