1985

First Light Armored Vehicle Battalion was activated in May 1985 and began receiving the first light armored vehicles in July 1985. On 9 October, 1988, the battalion’s name was changed to First Light Armored Infantry Battalion to better reflect the mission during that time.

August 1990

1st LAI Battalion, deployed to Saudi Arabia in response to Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait (Operation Desert Shield).

After securing the Saudi Arabian border during Operation Desert Shield, 1st & 3rd Light Armored Infantry (“LAI”) Battalion (and other Marine Corps Commands) combined into Task Force Sheppard and Papa Bear, breaching the Iraqi defensive during Desert Storm. Attacking Saddam’s forces into Kuwait locating and destroying key enemy combatants, on the third day of the ground offensive, Task Force Sheppard was the first of the Allied Forces to enter Kuwait City, securing the Kuwait International Airport on 28 February 1991.

During their time of deployment, 14 Marines paid the ultimate price following orders to protect the Liberty of the United States, in keeping with the highest values and traditions of the Marine Corps.

December 2001

After a series of name changes, in December of 2001, 1st LAR deployed in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

January 2003

1st LAR was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Then in March 2003, 1st LAR was the first unit to cross the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border fighting its way to the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. As part of Task Force Tripoli, the battalion advanced north securing Hussein’s home town of Tikrit.

February 2004

1st LAR returned to Iraq helping to secure and stabilize the Al Anbar province of western Iraq. By July, LAR was back supporting Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq.

September 2008

1st LAR deployed to Al Anbar province in western Iraq. 1st LAR also conducted
security and stabilization operations around Camp Korean Village and Ar Rutba.

May 2010

1st LAR deployed to the Reg-E-Khan Neshin district of Afghanistan.

September 2011

1st LAR deployed to the Rig district in southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan.