1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion conducts multi-domain reconnaissance, counter-reconnaissance, and security operations in order to shape the battlespace for the supported unit commander.
1985-1988
First Light Armored Vehicle Battalion was activated in May 1985 and began receiving the first of its LAV-25 light armored vehicles in July 1985. On October 9, 1988, the battalion’s name was changed to 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion.
1990-1994
In August 1990, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion deployed to Southwest Asia in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. During Operation Desert Shield, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion was the forward unit of the 1st Marine Division, conducting screening and counter-reconnaissance operations along the Kuwaiti-Saudi Arabian border. During Operation Desert Storm, after breaching the Iraqi defensive positions, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion attacked north to locate and destroy enemy forces. On the third day of the ground offensive, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion was the first of the Allied Forces to enter Kuwait City, capturing Kuwait International Airport on February 28, 1991. The battalion redeployed to the United States in April 1991. On May 1, 1992, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion deployed to Los Angeles on a four-hour notice and assisted the Long Beach Police Department in quelling civil disturbances and looting. After a successful deployment as part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Los Angeles, the battalion returned once again to Camp Pendleton. On June 12, 1992, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion was redesignated as 1st Reconnaissance Battalion (Light Armored). Almost two years later, on March 1, 1994, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion (Light Armored) underwent another name change and was redesignated 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (1st LAR).
2001-2003
In December 2001, Bravo Company, 1st LAR deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The performance of the company again demonstrated the value of Marine Corps light armored reconnaissance assets as it performed a variety of combat missions in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan.
2003-2004
First LAR again answered the call to arms in January 2003 when it was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battalion, operating as part of Regimental Combat Team Five, was the first unit to cross the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border on March, 20, 2003. After a lightning attack northward through Iraq, 1st LAR was instrumental in securing the capital city of Baghdad. Due to its unique mobility and reconnaissance capabilities, the battalion left Regimental Combat Team Five and was assigned to Task Force Tripoli. As part of Task Force Tripoli, the battalion advanced further north, ultimately securing former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit. Following the cessation of major combat operations, 1st LAR moved from the northern portion of Iraq to the country’s extreme southern area along the Saudi Arabian border to halt and deter illegal smuggling into Iraq. First LAR redeployed to the United States at the end of May 2003. In February 2004, 1st LAR again returned to Iraq, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The battalion conducted security and stability operations in the Al Anbar province of western Iraq as part of Regimental Combat Team Seven. First LAR performed a wide range of critical missions, including key roles in regimental size operations, in order to capture or kill terrorist and insurgent forces. Additionally, the battalion was vital in patrolling the western borders of Iraq in order to prevent the infiltration of arms and insurgents. The battalion returned to the United States in October 2004. With its inherent mobility and lethality, coupled with high states of training and readiness, 1st LAR is prepared to be the “tip of the spear” for any future contingency.
2005-2009
First LAR once again deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to relieve 2nd LAR in September 2005, with their primary focus being counterinsurgency and stabilization operations in Al Anbar province. They were relieved by 3rd LAR in March 2006, and retrograded back to Camp Pendleton. In October 2008, 1st LAR deployed to Al Anbar province in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to relieve 2nd LAR. They operated primarily out of Camp Korean Village, Ar Rutba, and Sinjar Airfield conducting security and stabilization operations in preparation for the impending withdrawal of American troops and the sundowning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were relieved by 3rd LAR in April 2009 and returned stateside. Upon return, Echo Company was activated in June 2009.
2010-2013
With the focus turned back to Operation Enduring Freedom, 1st LAR deployed in June 2010 to southern Helmand province. The battalion was spread across the area of operations occupying multiple patrol bases and combat outposts. Their efforts resulted in the neutralization or destruction of multiple enemy strongholds that were strongly entrenched within multiple villages and towns. In December 2010, 1st LAR was relieved by 3rd LAR and returned stateside. In November 2011, 1st LAR returned to southern Helmand province to relieve 2nd LAR. They placed special emphasis on engaging with local officials to integrate with local law enforcement and military to clear and eradicate the enemy presence. Upon completion of their deployment, they returned to the United States in May 2012. In April 2013, Echo Company de-activated.
2014-Present
In July 2014, Alpha Company boarded the USS America in support of SPMAGTF South-14 in SOUTHCOM. Delta Company officially de-activated in October 2017. Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie companies continue a rotation by company in support of the rotating west coast Marine Expeditionary Units.
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LT Holliday, USN
Office: (760) 725-2612
Email: james.holiday@usmc.mil
RPSN Hunter Young, USN
Office: (760) 725-2612
Email: hunter.young@usmc.mil
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The Chaplain and the Religious Program Specialist are ready to serve everyone. You don’t need to have the same beliefs or any religious beliefs to speak with the chaplain. They directly provide religious services and facilitate access to other religious professionals and materials. They are ready to connect you with military & civilian resources, give guidance and counseling, offer suggestions and strategies, and ensure that you are successful and focused. They care about you and your well-being.
Camp Pendleton Chaplains
This link provides additional base chaplain contacts and base chapel schedules (DoD website):
https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Staff-Agencies/Chaplains/
US Navy Chaplain Corps
This link provides information about the US Navy Chaplain Corps (DoD website).
https://www.navy.mil/CHAPLAIN-CORPS/
SECNAV INSTRUCTION 1730.9A PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO CHAPLAINS
This link is to the SECNAV instruction that pertains to chaplain confidentiality (DoD website).
SECNAV INSTRUCTION 1730.9A
1ST LAR Equal Opportunity Advisor
Staff Sergeant Manuel A. Mejia
EMAIL: Manuel.Mejia@Usmc.mil
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER: 760-725-2405
"Every Marine and Sailor of 1st Marine Division will be treated with decency, dignity, and respect, and will be provided full and equal opportunity for professional development and success. We are an elite institution of warriors. It is our shared responsibility to ensure the continued health of our collective soul and identity."
Battalion Officer of the Day: (760) 207-1640
Battalion Chaplain: Office (760) 390-2688
Battalion Deployment Readiness Coordinator: Office (760) 763-4875
S-1 Administration/Legal: Office (760) 725-2896
S-2 Intelligence/Security Management: (760) 725-2656
S-3 Operations: Office (760) 725-2044
S-4 Logistics: Office (760) 725-2654
S-6 Communications-Electronics: Office (760) 725-2233
Headquarters & Services Company "Hellhound": Office (760) 725-2437
Company A "Arthur": Office (760) 763-4488
Company B "Blackwatch": Office (760) 763-1935
Company C "Warpig": Office (760) 725-2896
Camp Pendleton Directory Assistance: (760) 725-4111
Unit Mailing Address
1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
Box 555564
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055
1stLt Spencer Benn, (760) 763-9701
spencer.benn@usmc.mil
SSgt Julia Lee, (760) 725-2405
julia.realivazquez@usmc.mil