Welcome to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion!

You are joining a superb unit with a historic lineage that dates back to World War II where the battalion earned its reputation as ‘The Super Breed’. Through many subsequent operations ranging from Korea to current operations in Afghanistan, the battalion continues to earn this reputation every day. We are located in Camp San Mateo on the north end of Camp Pendleton and share this scenic Southern California area with the ‘Fighting Fifth’ Marine Regiment.

A strong family support network is crucial for all Marines, particularly with today’s fast paced operational tempo. Families provide the emotional strength for the Marines of 1st CEB which allows them to focus on their job at hand. The importance of this cannot be understated – the ability to carry out a mission without significant worry for family, makes a more effective Marine. The Marine Corps has formally recognized this and established the Family Readiness Program as a strategy to work toward this end.

Every Marine, married or single, has a Family – those people that can be called on for emotional support, to share happiness with, and draw on during hard times. Typically, this is a wife, Mother/Father, very close relative, or caretaker.

My vision of Family Readiness for the Marines of 1st CEB is simple: increase the combat readiness of our Marines by enabling his family support network to be effective. Perhaps a better way to think of Family Readiness is ‘Marine Readiness through Family Preparedness.’ Our family readiness program has access to literally hundreds of resources and programs that assist families to effectively function and overcome the challenges unique to a military lifestyle. If you and your Marine desire, we will also push information to you to ensure you are informed on the major happenings in the battalion to include deployments and special events. The Family Readiness Program was also established to enhance the quality of life experience by all Marine Corps personnel and their families which we affect through periodic battalion sponsored events such as ‘Family Day,’ ‘Jane Wayne Day’ and others.

The 1st CEB Family Readiness Team consists of the Battalion Commander, Battalion Sergeant Major, Family Readiness Officer (FRO), Battalion Executive Officer, and the Battalion Chaplain. The lead for the program is our FRO. She is assisted by a network of assistants to include a Family Readiness Advisor and volunteers.

Thank you and welcome to the Superbreed!

Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Andrew Niebel
Commanding Officer
1st Combat Engineer Battalion

Welcome to Marine Corps Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, the nation's busiest military base.

Located 38 miles north of Downtown San Diego, Camp Pendleton covers over 250,000 acres and approximately 200 square miles of terrain. The stretch of shoreline along the base-- 17½ miles -- is the largest undeveloped portion of coastal area left in southern California.

Camp Pendleton provides training facilities for many active-duty and reserve Marines, Army and Navy units, as well as national, state and local agencies. Over 60,000 military and civilian personnel work aboard the base every day.

The base is the home of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Force Service Support Group and many tenant units, including elements of Marine Aircraft Group 39 and Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA).

Pendleton Marines are environmentally conscientious as they share the land with nearly 400 species of mammals and birds. The protection of several endangered species is carefully considered when planning for training.

A wide variety of recreational facilities and activities are available on base. Combine these with the unlimited number of local points of interest, to make your tour here a pleasant and memorable one.