From 21-26 September the Marines of Brahma conducted rifle company tactical evaluations. This evolution consisted of several complex training activities throughout Camp Pendleton. It took several months to plan, but offered the Marines a unique opportunity to engage in combat training in numerous environments over a three day period for each line company. Each company was evaluated by Marines from a sister battalion as well as the command and staff.

On September 11, 2009, Marines and Sailors from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines conducted a memorial hike to the “Cross.” The Cross sits atop the ridge line above Camp Horno. The hike to the Cross is a grueling four miles straight up, but its significance is far more important: the Cross represents the heart and soul of the 1st Marine Regiment.

PICKEL MEADOW, Calif. - They invaded Iraq, fought pitched battles with insurgents in Fallujah, operated in the jungles of Southeast Asia and raided beaches from amphibious ships with Republic of Korea marines.

By next spring, Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines will be on new terrain in a different combat zone, this time with counterinsurgency as their primary mission. So before they step into Afghanistan, their commander brought them here, to the Corps’ Mountain Warfare Training Center, an isolated camp in the eastern Sierra Mountains.

BRIDGEPORT - Heavy clouds drifted in from the snow-traced peaks to the south. Thunder rumbled nearby and there was a peppering of fat raindrops. None of it distracted Chad Kaiser, 34, of Oregon City, Ore. He had driven nearly 800 miles to shoot at some U.S. Marines and his focus didn't waver.

Crouched behind a pine tree on a boulder-strewn point, he scanned a tree-covered hillside beyond the ravine in front of him through the scope of his AK-47.