The Regimental Combat Team - 1 headquarters group (better known as the 1st Marines) will deploy from Camp Pendleton early Monday morning to Afghanistan to replace Regimental Combat Team - 7 in southern Helmand Province, which has recently seen a substantial increase in fighting. Approximately 250 Marines and their families will be present shortly after 11:30 p.m. this Sunday night to see the Marines off.
The 1st Marines, which conduct counterinsurgency operations to protect the population and defeat insurgent forces, is an elite, tough fighting unit with a glorious history. Most recently, the regiment was largely responsible for winning Al Anbar Province, Iraq, during 2008. This province had been given up for lost until the men of this regiment turned the tide. The 1st Marines skillfully, compassionately and courageously provided protection for Iraqi civilians. And that is precisely what they hope to achieve in Afghanistan. The family readiness phone number for 1st Marines is 866-676-0662, then press 9 for 1st MarDiv Units, then press 2 for 1st Marine Regiment.
