 | This article needs to be updated. (May 2014) |
| 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion | |
|---|---|
 2nd LAR's emblem | |
| Active | 1985 – present |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Light armored reconnaissance battalion |
| Part of | 2nd Marine Division II Marine Expeditionary Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune |
| Nickname(s) | "Destroyers" |
| Mascot(s) | American Bulldog |
| Engagements | Operation Just Cause Operation Desert Storm Operation Provide Comfort Operation Restore Hope Operation Uphold Democracy Operation Joint Guardian Operation Avid Response Operation Unified Response War on Terror |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | LtCol Michael Kohler |
| Command Sergeant Major | Sgt Maj David McFadden |
2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion is a fast and mobilized armored terrestrial reconnaissance battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Their primary weapon system is the 8-wheeled LAV-25 and they fall under the command of the 2nd Marine Division and II Marine Expeditionary Force. The unit is based out of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The current mission statement of the battalion is: To perform combined arms reconnaissance and security missions in support of the Ground Combat Element (GCE) of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Its mission is to conduct reconnaissance, security and economy of force operations, and, within its capabilities, limited offensive or defensive operations that exploit the unit's mobility and firepower.
The LAR battalion may function as an independent maneuver element or as an element of a larger unit such as a regimental combat team, or its subordinate companies may support other tactical units in the GCE.