1st TOW COMPANY

• Origins: The 1st TOW Company was established in the 1970s as part of the U.S. Marine Corps' modernization, designed to bring anti-armor capabilities to Marine infantry with the BGM-71 TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) missile system. • First Combat Deployment: The unit first saw combat action during the 1983 U.S. intervention in Lebanon, providing anti-armor overwatch for Marine positions in Beirut. • Operation Desert Storm: 1st TOW Company played a crucial role in the 1991 Gulf War, supporting mechanized and infantry units by neutralizing Iraqi armored threats. • Vehicle Platforms: The company’s missile teams operated from various platforms over the years, including the M151 MUTT, HMMWV (Humvee), and later MRAP vehicles, adapting to changes in operational requirements. • Integration with Infantry: TOW teams often attached directly to infantry battalions, providing a mobile and lethal anti-tank capability that allowed for flexible responses on the battlefield. • Training Rigor: Marines in 1st TOW Company underwent specialized training not only in missile operations, but also in vehicle maintenance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition. • Nickname: Members of the unit often referred to themselves as “Tank Busters,” reflecting their primary mission of engaging and destroying enemy armor. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat, the 1st TOW Company participated in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, such as in Somalia (Operation Restore Hope), where their vehicles provided convoy security and deterrence. • Deactivation and Legacy: The original 1st TOW Company was deactivated as part of the Marine Corps’ Force Structure Review, but its legacy continues as TOW platoons remain integral to Marine infantry battalions. • Decorations: Over its history, the 1st TOW Company received multiple unit commendations and campaign streamers, recognizing its contributions to Marine Corps operations in both war and peace.