COMMANDING OFFICER WELCOME ABOARD LETTER
Welcome to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion. More than two years ago, I assumed command of the WOLFPACK, and it remains my distinct honor and privilege to continue my service in this storied organization as its commanding officer and steward. And it’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. The Marines and Sailors of this magnificent battalion are among the finest in our Corps, and each of them has distinguished himself in peace and war and has greatly added to the rich and proud heritage of the battalion. I know this claim first-hand, as I’ve completed three of the battalion’s five combat deployments to Iraq since 2003, and I have the honor of leading this battalion to Afghanistan in the fall of 2010. Quite simply, my excitement to continue my service in the ranks of the WOLFPACK surpasses expression. My wife, Lisa—a Marine spouse for two decades—shares my enthusiasm and dedication to this battalion and to our families.
Read More...  (Microsoft Word Document, 376KB)


WOLFPACK 6 MONTHLY FAMILY LETTER

On behalf of Sergeant Major Elliott, my bride Lisa, and me, we would like to welcome all the recent “New Joins” to the WOLFPACK. In any unit in the military, the summer season always hails in new arrivals to the command. For 3d LAR Battalion, we have received dozens of new Marines, Sailors, and families in the last couple of months, and many more are expected to arrive. To be sure, we can already feel the strength of the WOLFPACK increasing, as the collective talent of all these great men has been evident to SgtMaj Elliott and me as we meet them. And to their families, we eagerly look forward to meeting all of you at one of our upcoming readiness meetings or other battalion-sponsored events. Read More

---

DA WOLFPACK PADRE

      AAAAAAhhhhhh, summertime in the desert; a time where the wolves begin to stretch their bones and prepare for the upcoming feast. Why would a wolf want to wake up and stroll the beaches of sunny San Diego where the temperature hovers around 70 degrees and the cool wind breeze across the region, not this PACK. This WOLFPACK enjoys the sun rising from the east heating the desert to a calming triple digit number where one will permanently implant a camelback filled with water to ones’ back and savor the 100 degree wind scorching through the little stubs of hair waving through the day. Why would a wolf want to glide across the sandy shore picking up seashells and listening to Mother Nature’s sea; not these wolves. They look forward to the blistering grounds where ones’ paws melt to the earth preparing for glory. The wolves here are engrained with the motto of “no pain-no gain”. The reason: 3DLAR are a different breed of animal. God has made each and everyone of the PACK a special creature out of a mold that He Himself created to show His ultimate perfection. We will soon show the world that this is a PACK not worth messing with. But first the PACK has to prepare.

---

WOLFPACK IN THE NEWS

Optics techs keep ‘Wolf Pack’ shooters on target
05/28/2010 by LCpl M. C. Nerl
Optics ordnance repairers are responsible for literally keeping units like the Combat Center’s 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s eyes open and in the fight. The battalion’s warfighting capabilities depend heavily on various optical systems, said Sgt. Michael Hilton, the optics chief, from Miami. This technology allows Marines not only to see in the dark, but also to engage unseen targets with thermal vision, and operate their light armored vehicles’ weapons systems proficiently in combat.
Read More...

‘Wolf Pack’ wives step into husbands boots
04/16/2010 by LCpl M. C. Nerl
Five Marines and sailors with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion assisted Joshua Tree National Park Resources’ staff with an environment restoration project along the Lost Horse Mine Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, April 6 and 7. Volunteers planted new trees to help rejuvenate the environment after a fire swept through the area and burned 450 acres last May. Although Joshua Tree National Park firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in just two days, the scorched earth bared no resemblance to the untouched areas around the rest of the park.
Read More...

Adopted sons receive Hemet’s key
04/09/2010 by LCpl M. C. Nerl
Five Marines and sailors with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion assisted Joshua Tree National Park Resources’ staff with an environment restoration project along the Lost Horse Mine Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, April 6 and 7. Volunteers planted new trees to help rejuvenate the environment after a fire swept through the area and burned 450 acres last May. Although Joshua Tree National Park firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in just two days, the scorched earth bared no resemblance to the untouched areas around the rest of the park.
Read More...

Marines, sailors plant new beginning for national park
4/09/2010 by Cpl Andrew S. Avitt
Five Marines and sailors with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion assisted Joshua Tree National Park Resources’ staff with an environment restoration project along the Lost Horse Mine Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, April 6 and 7. Volunteers planted new trees to help rejuvenate the environment after a fire swept through the area and burned 450 acres last May. Although Joshua Tree National Park firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in just two days, the scorched earth bared no resemblance to the untouched areas around the rest of the park.
Read More...