Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in 2014

To all friends and family of the Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions: this is our holiday post for this year, unfortunately, bereft of photos and such, the cranky old google machine has frizzled and I'm lucky to get this out. Any ho, the mates and I are jumping in the Pork Chop Express and pushing off the Island to Florida for Christmas with our family and will  return next year for more rock 'em sock 'em items following the Adventures of the War Pigs.  Next year,  will make ten years since I started this blog!  Its a surprise to me that  the blog is still here. Be advised if you leave any comments,  I will not be here to push the publish button until next year.  Sorry. I had to lock the comments department down to keep out the left wing nut jobs that are not potty trained from coming in here and making a mess of things when no one's about to watch 'em.  Until then

Have a happy, happy, happy Christmas!

War PIGS,  Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Exercise Steel Knight 201429 Palms

Lance Cpl. Mark Tarrant, mortarman, Delta Company, 1st LAR

Lance Cpl. Mark Tarrant, mortarman, Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Corunna, Miss., preps mortar rounds for live fire training in support of Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2013.  photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Moore

LCPL's Mark Lopez and Brian Sykora Delta First LAR

 Lance Cpl. Mark Lopez,  Butternut, Wis., left, and Lance Cpl. Brian Sykora, Albuquerque, N.M., mortarmen, Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, fire their M252 81 mm mortar system in support of Exercise Steel Knight 2014 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2013.   photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Moore

Staff Sgt. Chad Collins, Toys For Tots, 4th LAR

Interview with Staff Sgt. Chad Collins , the Toys for Tots coordinator, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in the Frederick News Post

Corporal Stephen Womer,Mech, 1LAR

Corporal Stephen Womer, Light Armored Vehicle Repairman, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, New Castle, Del.,
ARMY NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FORT IRWIN, Calif.
pix by C.J. Moore

Sergeant Christopher Clifton, Delta 1 LAR

Sergeant Christopher Clifton, light armored vehicle crewman, Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, prepares to execute a night maneuver during a weeklong field exercise ARMY NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FORT IRWIN, Calif.Nov. 18 through 24, 2013. PIX C.J. Moore

Lance Cpl. Tyler Smith, scout, Delta Company, 1LAR

Lance Cpl. Tyler Smith, scout, Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion,Oklahoma City, fires his rifle at unknown distance targets at night during a weeklong field exercise ARMY NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FORT IRWIN, Calif Nov. 18 through 24, 2013.  pix by LCPL. C.J. Moore

Fog and War Pigs

Jacksonville Daily News--War Pigs in heavy fog from Delta Two LAR collided and were cited for failure to reduce speed Dec. 7, 2013.

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation. "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor -- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'" So, the first paragraph of Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation is essentially thanking God for the Constitution. (interruption) It was! Don't smirk in there, Dawn. Washington was thanking God for our founding and our Constitution."Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks -- for His kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation -- for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed -- for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased to confer upon us."And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions -- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed -- to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn [sic] kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease [sic] of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. -- Given under my hand at the City of New York, the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789."

Tyler Knight Forces First LAR Fumble

Tyler Knight, Falcons linebacker, forces a fumble against the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Highlanders at Paige Field House aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 12. The Falcons advanced to the final round of the playoff with the 29-6 victory over the Highlanders.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Owen Kimbrel

Maj. Christopher McGuire, XO 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

In Defense One,  Major McGuire is interviewed  for their article on "A Marine Grunt's Take on GPS, Compasses, Radios and the Golden Hour"

Marine Corps Birthday 238!

Marine Corps Birthday 238 War Pig Escort
 PHOTO CREDIT CPL. ADAM JOHNSTON

Warren Jones, Scout 1st LAR-2002-06, On Alaska "Hooligan Runs" Indie Film

Warren Jones in the Anchorage Daily News is featured in a 6min. Indie Alaska film clip on Alaska's Hooligan Fish Runs aka "candle fish" also talks about his service as a 1st LAR Scout. Anchorage Daily

Private First Class Tairyn Dease, rifleman, Alpha First LAR

Private First Class Tairyn Dease, rifleman, Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Hamden, Conn., running buddy rushes with his fireteam on  live-fire exercisesRange 210F Camp Pendleton, Oct. 23, 2013. photo LCpl. C.J. Moore

Private First Class Michael De Vries, rifleman, Alpha Company, First LAR

Private First Class Michael De Vries, rifleman, Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and a native of Rhinebeck, N.Y., teaches basic infantry skills during a live-fire exercise on Range 210F  Oct. 23, 2013. photo LCpl. C.J.Moore

Lance Cpl. Luis Maganapetrana, crewman, Alpha Company First LAR

Lance Cpl. Luis Maganapetrana, crewman, Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion,  Merced, Calif., throws a practice M67 fragmentation grenade during a live-fire exercise on Range 210F MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON Oct. 23, 2013. Photo LCPL. C.J.Moore

Alpha 1LAR Marines on Live Fire Practice

 Alpha Company Marines, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, throw M67 fragmentation grenades during a live-fire exercise on Range 210F here, Oct. 23, 2013. The Marines fired light anti-armor weapons, M203 grenade launchers and conducted buddy rushes. Photo LCpl. C.J.Moore

Sgt. Jason Michael Simms, Delta Co. 3rd PLT., 2LAR awarded Dickies American Hero award

From the Daily Times News: "Retired Marine Sgt. Jason Michael Simms,  a member of Delta Company, Third Platoon, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance,  Haverford native who was critically injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq in 2004 as  a member of Delta Company, Third Platoon, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance, will be awarded $25,000 Tuesday as the winner of the Dickies American Hero of the Year Contest during a ceremony at Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. 

Retired Major Jennifer Marino meets with Gold Star families across America

Retired Marine Major Jennifer Marino (third from the right) poses for a picture with a gold star family and supporters, along with Lt. Col. Patrick Keane, the commanding officer of 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 22, 2013. Marino rode a bicycle across the country to meet with gold star families about loved ones the families lost in the military. photo LCpl. Scott Whiting

3LAR at Pioneer Days Celebration

Marines with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion drive a Light Armored Vehicle down Adobe Road during the 77th annual Pioneer Days parade Oct. 19, 2013.  Photo LCpl.  Pioneer Days celebration began Oct. 17 and lasted till Sunday.  Photo LCpl Alejandro Bedoya

The multi-day event consisted of a parade, a carnival, a pancake breakfast hosted by the Twentynine Palms fire department, a chili dinner, a K-9 demonstration by the Combat Center’s military police dog handlers and a static display by the explosive ordnance disposal unit.

The CMC presents Staff Sgt. Jon E. Osborn, acting first sergeant Delta Co., 2nd LAR, with Bestwick Award

General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, presents the Sgt. Maj. Wilber Bestwick Award to Staff Sgt. Jon E. Osborn, acting first sergeant, Delta Co., 2nd LAR  for his contributions to Delta Co. combat readiness, Sept. 25, 2013.  Osborn has worked tirelessly to keep his unit combat ready.  The Bestwick Award is named for the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and is  given to an enlisted Marine in  ground combat  operating forces who has made an outstanding contribution to increased combat readiness.  (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl Sonia N. Rodriguez)

30th Anniversary Celebration for 2D LAV, LAI, LAR BN-- AUG 2014

The Destroyers Chapter will be celebrating 30 years of the battalions history  August 5th-9th, 2014 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC in conjunction with the 2D Marine Division Associations 65th Annual Reunion. 

More information will be available at www.thedestroyerschapter.com orhttps://www.facebook.com/events/572197492817279/.  I

UPCOV, unknown platoon, company, or volunteers from 2LAR are in Romania getting some training

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania - Marines assigned to Black Sea Rotational Force 14, from the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and Airmen with the 352nd Special Operations Group, joined forces for C-130 training at the airfield in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, Sept. 12th.

Lance Cpl. Taylor Janis, Echo Company, 4thLAR, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

 Lance Cpl. Taylor Janis, a light-armored vehicle crewman with Co. E, 4th Light-Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, is pinned by his company commander at an awards ceremony, Sept. 14, 2013. Janis was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for saving an 8-year-old boy from a crashed car accident in March. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tiffany Edwards)

 Lance Cpl. Taylor Janis risked his life to pull an 8-year-old boy named Matthew from a badly damaged vehicle. 
 in a head-on collision that claimed the lives of the boy’s mother, brother and a family friend, in addition to putting his 2-year-old sister in critical condition.

For his heroic actions, Janis was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Sept. 14 at his unit’s drill center in Syracuse, N.Y.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113914/every-day-american-hero-lance-cpl-taylor-janis#.Ujw_qRbhCow#ixzz2fR3tbdnA

2LAR War Pig on Lejeune firing line

 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion,  during annual gunnery qualification training Sept. 3, 2013 at training range SR-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C photo. Pfc. Jose Mendez Jr.
Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1014100/lar-conducts-annual-gunnery-training#.UjQ7UBbhCow#ixzz2erWfd3bN

Lance Corporal Michael Cerbo, 2LAR

Lance Corporal Michael Cerbo, a mortorman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Alpha Company, 1st platoon and Rochelle Park, NJ  executes a left hand punch during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training aboard Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, Sept. 10th. photo Lance Cpl. Krista James

09/11/2001

http://www.iwar.org.uk/news-archive/9-11/america-attacked-9-11.htm

 September 11, 2001, 19 hijackers took control of four commercial airliners (two Boeing 757 and two Boeing 767) en route to California (three headed to LAX in Los Angeles, and one to San Francisco) after takeoffs from Boston, Massachusetts;Newark, New Jersey; and Washington, D.C.^[4] Large planes with long flights were intentionally selected for hijacking because they would be heavily fueled.^{[5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks}

Charlie Co, 2 LAR on Raid Course

Thanks to a reader, Charlie Company,Two LAR was the phantom unit light armored reconnaissance company that completed the motorized raid course at Lejune, Aug. 22, 2013.  

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/112971/22nd-meu-lar-marines-complete-motorized-raid-course#.UiYjJxbhCow#ixzz2eCWHIQkf

20 Unidentified War Pigs from Unknown LAR Unit complete motorized raid course

"Approximately 120 Marines in more than 20 light armored vehicles (LAVs) worked alongside Alpha Co., BLT 1/6, during the weeklong field exercise." This is Pfc. Connor Lowry, {Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU),} a light armored reconnaissance company scout from a mystery war pig unit  more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/112971/22nd-meu-lar-marines-complete-motorized-raid-course#.UiYjJxbhCow#ixzz2dr1WwXH2
Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/112971/22nd-meu-lar-marines-complete-motorized-raid-course#.UiYjJxbhCow#ixzz2dqzkD3QI

War Pigs Down Under, mate

Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicles with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, on a 379 mile push into the Australian outback  Aug. 31.photo Cpl. Dominic E. Ferguson
Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1008400/31st-meu-inserts-battalion-sized-force-exercise-koolendong-13#.UiR4OxbhCow#ixzz2djbaGleu 

Lance Cpl. Dominic E. Ferguson,. Delta 3rd LAR

Lance Cpl. Dominic E. Ferguson on  security for his fire team during a platoon-level military operations in urban terrain and counterinsurgency exercise Aug. 15 at the Combat Town.  Ferguson is a Light Armored Vehicle driver with Weapons Platoon, Company D, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1006221/combat-town-tests-lar-marines-readiness#.UiCcvRbhCow#ixzz2dSUKX0zC

Lance Cpl. Dominic E. Ferguson, Lance Cpl. Beck A. Blevins Delt ahree LAR

Lance Cpl. Dominic E. Ferguson assists Lance Cpl. Beck A. Blevins over a wall during a platoon-level military operations in urban terrain and counter-insurgency exercise Aug. 15 at the Combat Town. Ferguson is a Light Armored Vehicle driver and Blevins is a LAV crewman with Weapons Platoon, Company D, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion,  photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1006219/combat-town-tests-lar-marines-readiness#.UiCbUBbhCow#ixzz2dSTCpGx0

Cpl. Nikolas C. Wurdelman 3rd LAR

Cpl. Nikolas C. Wurdelman,Aug. 15, on platoon-level  operations in urban terrain and counterinsurgency operations training at the Combat Town.  Wurdelman is a team leader with Weapons Platoon, Company D, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1006218/combat-town-tests-lar-marines-readiness#.UiCaBhbhCow#ixzz2dSROcRZP

Bravo 2LAR

Bravo Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, begin firing the 25mm M242 Chain Gun on a light armored vehicle 25A2, as part of a gunner exercise at Shooting Range 7, August 5, 2013. The exercise consists of five different courses of fire including still and moving fire. photo LCPL. Krista James

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/993398/2nd-lar-marines-compete-top-gun#.Ug_P1hbhCow#ixzz2cFyahRBE

Gregory "Mac" MacDonald Bravo, 4th LAR KIA

In remembrance of Gregory"Mac" MacDonald,   Bravo Company,  4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, at 29, the "old man" of Bravo, a scholar with a degree in philosophy, graduate training in Near East Studies, killed in action  06/25/2003 near  Hilla, Iraq, ten years ago. 

Lance Cpl. Paul Vielkind, Scout Alpha 1LAR

Lance Cpl. Paul Vielkind,  light armored vehicle scout, Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, spots for his partner firing the M107 Special Application Scoped Rifle during a weeklong SASR training course here, July 10 2013. Photo:Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Moore

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/975860/light-armored-reconnaissance-marine-trains-with-50-cal-sniper-rifle#.Ueqep5XhCow#ixzz2Zb1L9EHe

Cpl. Mark Bradley, Sgt. Michael Henderson, Sgt. Jay Hewlett,Cpl. Alex Louser, 1LAR

Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Moore

From left to right, Cpl. Mark Bradley, Sgt. Michael Henderson, Sgt. Jay Hewlett and Cpl. Alex Louser,  1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, practice using the scope on the M107 Special Application Scoped Rifle during a weeklong SASR training course here, July 9, 2013. 

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/110517/light-armored-reconnaissance-marine-trains-with-50-cal-sniper-rifle#.UeqdkJXhCow#ixzz2Zb07yBS4

Pixs Link: Two LAR Echo Weapons Platoon Afghanistan

Photos of deployment with Light Armored Reconnaissance ...
2D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Echo Company Weapons Platoon in ... 500 10 User submit: deploy with Light Armored Reconnaissance (45 Photos.
thebrigade.thechive.com/.../user-submit-deploy-with-light-arm...

War Pigs on Dawn Blitz

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (June 18, 2013)A 3rd LAR war pig  (LAV-25), off loads  from a landing craft air cushioned (LCAC) during Dawn Blitz 2013. Dawn Blitz is a lets-see-whatcha-got-driven exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexander Quiles)

Lance Cpl. Bryan N. Ray, LAR scout, on PMINT a three week pre-deployment exercise

“It’s been nice to put some of the stresses of garrison life behind and focus on working with my Marines, focus on getting better,” said Lance Cpl. Bryan N. Ray, a scout with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 13th MEU and Champaign, Ill. native. “I’ve definitely been tested a lot through the past months of training, but this is nothing new; just building on what we’ve learned.”

Fire and Maneuver-Make'em holler

2nd platoon, Company A., 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion participated in a live-fire training exercise in the Black Top training area June 19. They were supported by 4th LAR and conducted fire and maneuver exercises.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/109497/3rd-lar-conducts-live-fire-maneuver#.UekcyZXhCow#ixzz2ZUKnkvQR

Cpl. Mark Bradley, C Co.1LAR

Cpl. Mark Bradley, team leader, Charlie Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, on using a .50 caliber sniper rifle AKA  the M107 Special Application Scoped Rifle.

Cpl. Alex Lauser,chief scout 3rd PLT,Charlie Company, 1st LAR

Cpl. Alex Lauser, chief scout for 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, on training with the M107 Special Application Scoped Rifle. video 

Sgt. Michael Cifuentes

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/296432/light-armored-reconnaissance-marines-train-with-50-caliber-sniper-rifle-interview-lauser#.UebmipXhCow#ixzz2ZKWaN4yH

Sgt. Michael Henderson, chief scout Charlie Company, 1LAR

Sgt. Michael Henderson,  chief scout for Charlie Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, on  training with the M107 Special Application Scoped Rifle, a .50 caliber sniper rifle.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/296327/light-armored-reconnaissance-marines-train-with-50-caliber-sniper-rifle-interview-henderson#.UebkrZXhCow#ixzz2ZKVymMRn

Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Williams, 3LAR RPS

Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Williams, a religious program specialist, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and a native of Kansas City, Mo., checks a window for insurgents during the culminating field exercise of the Urban Leaders Course here, July 11, 2013. During the exercise, students in the course drew upon all their training to clear buildings as fire teams against instructors simulating insurgents.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/110234/urban-leaders-course-equips-religious-program-specialists-combat#.Uebj_5XhCow#ixzz2ZKTzvACz

Alpha 3rd LAR on Operation Scimitar training

 Company A, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion on 1st Marine Division’s annual Desert Scimitar training exercise  conducted a route reconnaissance mission from check point 47 at the Lava training area to check point 38 at the Delta training area, May 3, Their mission role-to  determine enemy presence  and the route’s availability for  other Marine units.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/107135/3rd-lar-conducts-route-reconnaissance-mission#.UZteHpXhCow#ixzz2TvZPsRUr. USMC photo Cpl Ali Azimi


Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/107135/3rd-lar-conducts-route-reconnaissance-mission#.UZteHpXhCow#ixzz2TvYHL9Ag

29 Stumps War Pig News

Light Armored RECON: 3rd LAR conducts route reconnaissance mission Hi-Desert Star Marines with Company A, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion took part in 1st Marine Division's annual Desert Scimitar training exercise when they ...

What's a hero? Hi-Desert Star Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions are mobilized units that conduct reconnaissance missions ahead of battalion landing teams or infantry forces.

War Pig "seat glitch" Kills- BOLO

Documents: LAV seat glitch caused Marine's Afghanistan death Marine Corps Times After Cagle's accident, 21 other Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, out of Camp Lejeune, NC, told investigators they had seen LAV ... Probe Finds Combat Vehicle Malfunction Killed Marine KPBS 21 other Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, out of Camp Lejeune, NC, told investigators they had seen LAV seats rise quickly and ...

 Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, team up with Assault Craft Unit 5, a Navy unit based out of Camp Pendleton, CA, for an amphibious landing. The Marines learned how to tie down their light armored vehicles onto ACU-5's landing craft air cushion, a hovercraft class vehicle, in process known as "griping." Marines loaded their company of LAVs onto the LACs in the predawn hours and landed on Camp Pendleton's Red Beach at sunrise. Produced by Lance Cpl. Corey Dabney. 
Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/288766/light-armored-reconnaissance-marines-join-navy-amphibious-landing-part-2#.UYlLVZXhCow#ixzz2SdMwEGYO

First LAR-On America's Six

 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion practice loading and unloading light armored vehicles from C-17 Globemaster cargo planes during a training exercise April 24. Includes soundbites from Staff Sgt. Case Unfried from Tehachapi, Calif. and 1st Lt. Andrew Klawier from Louisville, Ky
Video-Cpl. Joseph Scanlan

Corporal Michael P. Toomey, Rifleman, 2/5 Bronze Star w/Combat V

Corporal Michael P. Toomey,  2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, receives congratulations from a fellow Marine after receiving the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat V during a ceremony here, April 18, 2013. Toomey, a native of San Francisco, was recognized for heroic actions on May 8, 2012, while deployed to Musa Qal'ah district, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Toomey led a fire team of Marines in a hasty ambush against an insurgent machine gun team firing from a  tree line. During the assault, Toomey shot an enemy fighter and threw a grenade at their position, causing the remaining insurgents to run from the Marines for the rest of the operation.
Photo-Sgt. Jacob Harrer

Alpha Two LAR on amphibious training

DVIDS-MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -  Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, trained with sailors of Assault Craft Unit 5 in preparation for an amphibious landing exercise here, April 30.

The training enabled the Marines and sailors to hone their skills in an effort to stay mobile and versatile during amphibious operations.

“When we hit the beach it’s got to be quick. When those doors drop, we have to hit the beach as fast as we can, that’s what Marines do,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Jennings, a light armored vehicle commander with 1st LAR and Los Angeles native.

As the initial day of training came to a close, the Marines of 1st LAR had mastered the art of griping, a method of securing their LAVs to the Landing Craft Air Cushion.

"It’s not difficult working with the Marines," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek Earhart a loadmaster instructor with ACU-5 and native of Fremont, Ohio. “The Marines are hardcore and motivated, and the sailors here are the same way."

The approximately 87 foot LCAC has the capability to transport 65 tons of military cargo, vehicles and personnel from ship to shore. The LCAC, which is a hovercraft, has the capability to maneuver on land as well as on water.

"You need the training because of safety and efficiency," said Chief Petty Officer Brian Rey, a craftmaster with ACU-5 and native of Ridgecrest, Calif., while commenting on the ability to transport Marine units. “The more we do training exercises here, the more we become more efficient in real life scenarios. The Marines need to know that LCACs are there to help and support them. The Marine out there on point needs to know that if needed, we can have LAVs, tanks or troops out to support quickly.”

Before the sun had risen on the morning of April 30, an LCAC approached the beach. The Navy beachmaster gave the signal to the LCAC pilots to come ashore and offload Marines with 1st LAR. Once grounded, the Marines secured the perimeter of the landing site and pushed out to the trails of Red Beach. Within moments, the LCACs pulled back into the ocean and headed toward the horizon to bring more Marines and their LAVs to shore.

“First Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion really has the capabilities to keep the Marine Corps at large in touch with its roots,” said Sgt. Corey Collison a native of Kennewick, Wash., and an LAV-AT (anti-tank variant) vehicle commander serving with 1st LAR. “Exercises like this are how we make sure to always perform and to hold on to our abilities to be amphibious.”

Transporting Marines and supplies from ship to shore is an important role for LCACs and LAVs during both combat and humanitarian efforts. The Marine Corps, with units still deployed in Afghanistan, is continuing to build its humanitarian capabilities throughout the world. These amphibious vehicles are another tool the Marines use in those efforts.

“It does not matter where we are in the world, the Marines have to be effective regardless of clime,” said Jennings. "Whenever you have a company of LAVs, you get the firepower and force. The LAV has multiple variations. From the bushmaster wielding LAV-25, to the LAV Anti-tank capable of mobile (Tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided) missile launch, we can recon, assault and secure the area."

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/106238/light-armored-reconnaissance-marines-join-navy-amphibious-landing#.UYOlar_hCow#ixzz2SEJeB6bj

1st and 3rd LAR @ the OCRegister & Hi-Desert Star

Marines, sailors team on sea-to-land training OCRegister Collinson, 21, an anti-tank light armored vehicle commander and part of the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, was among more than 100 Marines and ...

Month of the military child Hi-Desert Star 1st Lt. Eric J. Wilmott, assistant operations officer, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, sits with his 2-year-old daughter, Kayla, during the 3rd ..

Alpha Company First LAR

Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalioncoming out of a landing craft air cushion in a mobility exercise Camp Pendleton, April 29, 2013. Landing craft air cushions  carry up to 65 tons over 70 miles between land and sea. The Marines learn the basics of loading and unloading war pigs from  hovercraft for upcoming deployments. USMC photo Cpl. Robert J. Reeves

First LAR Flying LAV's

DVIDS--Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion embarked on a two-day mission to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to learn the basics of loading and unloading LAV vehicles from aircraft.

After loading the LAVs onto the C-17s, the Marines were flown back to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., where they unloaded their vehicles from the aircraft.

1st LAR Marines must be able to quickly load and unload their vehicles in order to rapidly deploy to any part of the world at a moment’s notice.

“This capability if used properly allows us to get into a battle space quickly, get off the plane and complete our objectives,” said Staff Sgt. Case Unfried, a platoon sergeant serving with 1st LAR.

The LAVs the Marines use carry a M242 Bushmaster chain gun, making it a lethal force on the battlefield.

“We are the reconnaissance element of the ground forces, so we need to be able to engage and eliminate any threats that might present themselves to us on our missions,” said Staff Sgt. Phillip Broberg, a master gunner serving with Delta Company, 1st LAR.

Once the Marines arrive at their destination they have the capabilities to perform either counter-insurgency missions, or humanitarian missions.

“Not everything we do is combat-related,” said Lt. Col. Gilbert Juarez, the commanding officer of 1st LAR. “We are capable of helping the local populace with supplies and other items they might need.”

“Our Marines will continue dedicating themselves to their training, and to fighting future conflicts,” the San Diego native said. “I have complete faith that all my Marines are up to any challenge.”

Whether it is a terrorist attack, or a hurricane stricken land the Marines of 1st LAR have the rapid deployment capabilities to reach their objectives.

The primary aircraft used to transport LAVs over long distance is the C-17 Globemaster. The aircraft can hold up to 175,000 pounds, and with a maximum airspeed of 515 miles per hour, it is ideal for transporting these vehicles long distances.

“This really adds a whole new level to our deployment capabilities,” said Unfried, a Tehachapi, Calif., native. “This means we can respond to any incidents that happen worldwide.”

The speed of the Globemaster makes the deployment of Marines a much quicker process then by traditional means aboard a ship.

“Usually when we need to get anywhere far away, it's by ship,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Klawier, a company commander serving with Delta Company, 1st LAR. “Using C-17s, we can get heavy fire power into the fight a lot quicker.”

When WAR PIGS Fly...

A War Pig aka "light armored vehicle" from the  1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion flies  a C-17 Globemaster cargo plane during a strategic mobility exercises , April 24, 2013. The exercise  trains LAR crews the basics of loading and unloading their LAVs from  the flying mack truck. The aircraft can carry four LAVs, and with a maximum flying distance of 2,400 miles.
photo LCpl. James Gulliver
Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/915449/light-armored-reconnaissance-marines-test-rapid-deployment-capabilities#.UXxi7L_hCow#ixzz2Ri892gGC

Lance Cpl. Daniel Hays,USS KEARSARGE, AT SEA

Lance Cpl. Daniel Hays cleaning the barrel of a .25mm gun on a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) on  the well deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3).

Lance Cpl. Tyler Ragsac (front) and Cpl. Jonathan Busby USS KEARSARGE, AT SEA

Lance Cpl. Tyler Ragsac (front) and Cpl. Jonathan Busby perform routine maintenance on a light armored vehicle (LAV) in the well deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). 

U.S. Navy photo Specialist 3rd Class Karen Blankenship

Master Sgt. Andrew Jones, the operations chief Bravo Co., Two LAR

Bravo Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, was on annual training at Lejune  firing shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon (SMAW) and AT-4 rocket launchers as part of their training. 

story by Cpl.P.Clark:

“This is our annual training and re-familiarization with the weapons we usually don’t get to shoot,” said Master Sgt. Andrew Jones, the operations chief with Bravo Co. “We typically can only do this once or twice a year, so it’s really beneficial when we are given the opportunity.”
Once they finished the dry runs, they shot spotting rounds at the decommissioned tanks used as targets to make sure they were accurate. Then they took their positions with the AT-4s, loaded the 83mm rockets into the SMAWs and began firing at the objective.
“You never know when you’re going to be deployed and you will be required to use these weapon systems,” said Jones. “It is pretty essential that all the Marines here can be familiar with them.”
Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105627/light-armored-reconnaissance-battalion-makes-big-bang-training#.UXgK17_hCow#ixzz2ROsCmRZx