Stories

Volunteers reenact the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi during the memorial dinner for the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Feb. 20 at Camp Pendleton. During the 36-day battle for the 8.5 square-mile island, 6,821 Marines gave their lives to gain control of the strategic position in the Pacific during World War II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Volunteers reenact the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi during the memorial dinner for the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Feb. 20 at Camp Pendleton. During the 36-day battle for the 8.5 square-mile island, 6,821 Marines gave their lives to gain control of the strategic position in the Pacific during World War II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

Sunset memorial commemorates 71st anniversary of Iwo Jima

The Marine Corps has a legacy of excellence and victory that was hard won by individuals throughout history. Some of the most well-known acts of valor were from battle-hardened Marines who fought their way across the Pacific during World War II.On Feb. 20, 2016, 71 years after the iconic battle on the island of Iwo Jima, those same men were

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Marines receive instruction on various riot control techniques during nonlethal weapons training Feb. 11, 2016 at Camp Pendleton. The Marines, with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, used this training as preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit this summer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan Boynes) - Marines receive instruction on various riot control techniques during nonlethal weapons training Feb. 11, 2016 at Camp Pendleton. The Marines, with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, used this training as preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit this summer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan Boynes)

Law enforcement Marines train to protect embassy’s, quell riots

The Marine Corps’ flexibility is one of its defining marks as a fighting force. No climate is too austere, and no enemy is too staunch for the Marine Corps to endure - and overcome. This is apparent in more than just conventional warfare. With new enemies fighting wars in new ways, the Marine Corps is tackling these evolving challenges in unique,

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Lance Cpl. Faustino J. Camilo prepares to load a M231 primer into the M777 Howitzer cannon during a battery-level fire exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 10, 2016. The battery participated in a fire exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. This exercise was the first time the battery used the Digital Firing Control System, a computer that shows grid coordinates of targets and accompanying information. This system is important because it provides a faster response time than using iron sights to fire the howitzer. Camilo, from Brunswick, Ga., is an artillery cannoneer with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles) - Lance Cpl. Faustino J. Camilo prepares to load a M231 primer into the M777 Howitzer cannon during a battery-level fire exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 10, 2016. The battery participated in a fire exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. This exercise was the first time the battery used the Digital Firing Control System, a computer that shows grid coordinates of targets and accompanying information. This system is important because it provides a faster response time than using iron sights to fire the howitzer. Camilo, from Brunswick, Ga., is an artillery cannoneer with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles)

Fox Battery 2/11 Troubleshoots Digital Firing Control System

A beeping noise emitted from a computer system. “Fire Mission!” exclaimed one of the Marines, warning his peers that they must get ready. The Marines scrambled for their helmets and took their positions around the M777A2 Howitzer.The cannoneer loaded a 155mm round into the weapon system as two Marines took a 10-foot, T-shaped pole to shove the

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Lance Cpl. Scott Bone sweeps for possible IEDs with a compact metal detector during counter-IED training at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. This training is a part of a new Counter-IED Training Class developed by the Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device Branch, to improve operational readiness. Bone is a combat engineer with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. - Lance Cpl. Scott Bone sweeps for possible IEDs with a compact metal detector during counter-IED training at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. This training is a part of a new Counter-IED Training Class developed by the Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device Branch, to improve operational readiness. Bone is a combat engineer with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Marine Corps Engineer Schools tests new Counter-IED course

Since the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, IEDs have been the primary cause of death or injury to coalition forces operating in the regions. The U.S. military has had to adapt to this ever-evolving threat and constantly seeks out new methods to counter these deadly devices.Keeping with this ideology, Marines with Company A., 1st Combat

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U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit line the flight deck of the USS Boxer as the ship shoves off from Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 12, 2016. Their departure Marks the official start of Western Pacific Deployment 16-1. Families of the deploying troops waved and shouted to the ship from land as it passed through the harbor. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paris Capers/Released) - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit line the flight deck of the USS Boxer as the ship shoves off from Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 12, 2016. Their departure Marks the official start of Western Pacific Deployment 16-1. Families of the deploying troops waved and shouted to the ship from land as it passed through the harbor. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paris Capers/Released)

13th MEU Marines hit the high seas

After six grueling months of pre-deployment training, the Marines and Sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit shoved off from Naval Base San Diego Feb. 12, 2016, to thunderous applause and cheering from family, friends and supporters.“The 13th MEU back in the water means America has its 9-1-1 force back at the point of the spear,” said Lt.

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Cpl. Corey Mount is recognized by Lt. Gen. David Berger as the I Marine Expeditionary Force Marine of the Year during a ceremony at Camp Pendleton Feb. 10, 2016. The award recognizes a Marine who exceeds expectations and embodies the spirit and ideals of the Marine Corps. Berger is the I MEF commanding general and Mount, a native of Indianapolis, is an administrative noncommissioned officer with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Cpl. Corey Mount is recognized by Lt. Gen. David Berger as the I Marine Expeditionary Force Marine of the Year during a ceremony at Camp Pendleton Feb. 10, 2016. The award recognizes a Marine who exceeds expectations and embodies the spirit and ideals of the Marine Corps. Berger is the I MEF commanding general and Mount, a native of Indianapolis, is an administrative noncommissioned officer with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

Outstanding Marine recognized for setting the example

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Marine Corps thrives because of skilled leaders who must be individuals both of action and of intellect according to Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 1: Warfighting. The service makes a point to award those Marines who go above and beyond to embody the spirit of the organization.Cpl. Corey Mount, an

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Marines offload from a CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter to retrieve a simulated injured pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, or TRAP, training scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 10, 2016. In preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the TRAP scenario offers the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, a secondary skillset above their own primary duties as a 81mm mortar platoon, refining their ability to efficiently conduct a recovery mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Devan K. Gowans/Released) - Marines offload from a CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter to retrieve a simulated injured pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, or TRAP, training scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 10, 2016. In preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the TRAP scenario offers the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, a secondary skillset above their own primary duties as a 81mm mortar platoon, refining their ability to efficiently conduct a recovery mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Devan K. Gowans/Released)

Rapid response and retrieval: 2/4 conducts TRAP

A duo of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters barreled through the sky, each transporting a team of Marines determined to retrieve their downed fellow Marine. After the helicopters landed in the valley below, the objective area, the Marines shuffled out of the cargo doors and established a defensive perimeter. The aircraft withdrew from the

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Lance Cpl. Jeremiah W. Johnson, a rifleman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, conducts a night raid with his fellow Marines at a mock combat town at Camp Pendleton Feb. 4, 2016. Marines from Golf Co. conducted follow-on exercises with Expeditionary Operations Training Group in preparation for the upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Lance Cpl. Jeremiah W. Johnson, a rifleman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, conducts a night raid with his fellow Marines at a mock combat town at Camp Pendleton Feb. 4, 2016. Marines from Golf Co. conducted follow-on exercises with Expeditionary Operations Training Group in preparation for the upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles)

Golf Company 2/4 Conducts Night Raid prior to Deployment

Through the darkness, Marines began storming out of their Assault Amphibious Vehicles just outside of a mock combat town as blank rounds from assault rifles bellowed into the night. Holding their position near their AAVs, the Marines returned suppressing fire as a faint whistling noise wailed in the distance. “Whiteout, whiteout, whiteout,”

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --Lance Cpl. Eric Mathews, a launcher crewman, provides security for a simulated casualty during a combat endurance challenge Feb. 5, 2016. The challenge consisted of hiking nearly seven miles, testing weapons systems, combat lifesaving skills, land navigation and simulated casualty evacuation. The Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment conducted the training aboard MCB Camp Pendleton. (Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --Lance Cpl. Eric Mathews, a launcher crewman, provides security for a simulated casualty during a combat endurance challenge Feb. 5, 2016. The challenge consisted of hiking nearly seven miles, testing weapons systems, combat lifesaving skills, land navigation and simulated casualty evacuation. The Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment conducted the training aboard MCB Camp Pendleton. (Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss)

Combat endurance challenge: Knowledge, navigation and medical evacuation

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The ability to do every aspect of one’s job is a necessity in the Marine Corps. The lives of others depend on it. They must be both technically and tactically proficient, and physically and mentally ready for anything: willing to risk life and limb to complete missions.To ensure their readiness, Marines

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Pfc. Oscar Ramero plays pool at a Single Marine Program Recreation Center at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 7, 2016. The center hosted a Super Bowl party which included free food and games for noncommissioned officer ranks and below. Ramero, from New York, is a student with Assault Amphibian School Battalion, School of Infantry – West. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Pfc. Oscar Ramero plays pool at a Single Marine Program Recreation Center at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 7, 2016. The center hosted a Super Bowl party which included free food and games for noncommissioned officer ranks and below. Ramero, from New York, is a student with Assault Amphibian School Battalion, School of Infantry – West. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

Single Marines keep each other strong

Many Marines enlist looking for adventure, a chance to travel and experience things they never could have from home. Unfortunately for some Marines, those adventures just aren’t in the budget.Since 1995, the Single Marine Program has been giving Marines and Sailors the opportunity to participate in trips and events, such as weekends in San

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