2nd Battalion, 1st Marines

2nd Battalion, 1st Marines
2nd Battalion, 1st Marines insignia
ActiveAugust 1, 1922 – July 20, 1924
March 1, 1941 – October 31, 1947
August 4, 1950 – January 24, 1989
September 9, 1994–present
CountryUnited States of America
Branch United States Marine Corps
TypeLight infantry
RoleLocate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver
Size1,200
Part of1st Marine Regiment
1st Marine Division
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Nickname(s)Gunsmoke, The Professionals, Ghost Battalion
Motto(s)The Professionals
EngagementsWorld War II

Korean War

Vietnam War
War on Terror

Commanders
Current
commander
LtCol T.C. Onischuk
Notable
commanders
James M. Masters, Sr.
Edwin A. Pollock
William W. Stickney
Charles F. Widdecke
Archie Van Winkle
William G. Leftwich, Jr.
Peter Pace

2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based in Camp HORNO on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Nicknamed "The Professionals," the battalion consists of approximately 1,200 Marines and Sailors. Normally they fall under the command of the 1st Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division.