1st Intel awarded Intelligence Unit of the Year by MCA

CAMP PENDLETON, CA - (09.29.2011)
Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Young

The 1st Intelligence Battalion received the Marine Corps Association Director of Intelligence Unit of the Year Award during an awards ceremony held in Arlington, Va., Sept. 15.

The award recognized the intelligence unit that pushed the limits of concepts and capabilities and showed the most innovation, creativity and achievements. This is the first year the award has been given.

"It's an MVP award for the intelligence unit that achieved the most last year," said Lt. Col. Victor Bunch, the former commanding officer of 1st Intel Bn.

The battalion is known for being the most deployed intelligence unit since 2001. Alonso said they've learned to adapt from operations in Iraq to Afghanistan.

"This is one of the most deployed units in the Marine Corps," said Lt. Col. Dawn Alonso the commanding officer of 1st Intelligence Bn. "I'm proud of this unit, and I'm very proud to be standing here as their new commanding officer. We hope to carry on the legacy."

Intel units provide information to senior leaders that will aid them in determining the best decisions to make on and off of the battlefield.

"We're here to put those bombs on target and to focus those infantry units out there in the battle space and accomplish the mission," Alonso said. "We expect a lot out of our Marines."

The battalion's trophy is on display at their headquarters and Marines that served with 1st Intel Bn., during the timeframe will receive a certificate.

"It's an affirmation for me of something I already knew, which was that I had the most special Marines in the Marine Corps," said Bunch, who is now an operations officer with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. "This is really a testament to everything that they did collectively and individually."