2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
2nd LAR's emblem
Active1985 – present
Country United States of America
Branch United States Marine Corps
TypeLight armored reconnaissance battalion
Part of2nd Marine Division
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Nickname(s)"Destroyers"
Mascot(s)American Bulldog
EngagementsOperation 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 Charles E. Miller II
Command Sergeant MajorSgt Maj Rusty W. Stowers

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.