John Miller

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) was established in 1921 as a key training facility for the United States Marine Corps on the West Coast. Originally serving as a base for Marine activities during World War I, it became the primary location for recruit training west of the Mississippi River. Throughout World War II, MCRD San Diego processed and trained tens of thousands of new Marines, playing a crucial role in building the Corps’ wartime strength. Today, it continues its legacy as one of only two Marine Corps recruit depots, responsible for transforming thousands of young men into Marines each year.

SOI-West Range Operations is a vital component of the School of Infantry (West), headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Established to support the mission of training entry-level Marines in combat skills, the unit manages and coordinates the use of extensive training ranges and facilities across the base. Over the years, SOI-West Range Operations has played a critical role in ensuring safe, realistic, and effective training environments for thousands of Marines annually. By facilitating live-fire exercises, maneuver training, and logistical support, the unit directly contributes to the combat readiness and operational effectiveness of the Marine Corps.

3rd Marine Division

U.S. Marine Corps

The 3rd Marine Division is a unit of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. It is one of three active duty divisions in the Marine Corps and is tasked with conducting amphibious and expeditionary operations in the Pacific region. The division is made up of approximately 16,000 Marines and sailors, organized into regiments, battalions, and companies. The 3rd Marine Division has a long and storied history, participating in numerous campaigns and battles throughout its existence.

Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (commonly referred to as Fox 2/1), is a distinguished infantry company within the United States Marine Corps. Originally activated during World War II, the battalion and its companies, including Fox, saw fierce combat in the Pacific campaigns, notably at Guadalcanal and Okinawa. During the Korean War, Fox 2/1 gained renown for its actions at the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir. In more recent history, the unit has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, participating in major operations such as Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah and counterinsurgency missions in Helmand Province, continuing its legacy of valor and service.