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Full-time Anti-Terrorism battalion activates.

Marien Corps News

Story Identification #: 2004102882237
Story by Cpl. Sharon E. Fox

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Oct. 28, 2004) -- The 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism) is activating a non-rotational AT Battalion at 1400 Friday at French Creek Soifert Field here, exactly three years after the re-activation of the 4th MEB (AT).

Since the re-activation of the 4th MEB (AT) on October 29, 2001, the brigade has trained and deployed approximately 13 task forces on a rotational basis, from 2d Marine Division for various missions, according to Lt. Col. Michael P. Killion, commanding officer of the AT Bn.
“We hope the public knows this battalion has been developed as a direct result of 9/11,” said Killion. “This is a monumental occasion not only for the Marine Corps, but for the entire country.”

The mission of the AT Bn is to provide commanders rapidly deployable, specially trained, and sustainable forces capable of detecting terrorism, conducting activities to deter terrorism, defend designated facilities and personnel against terrorism, and conduct crisis response in order to combat the threat of terrorism worldwide.

“The activation of this battalion and why it was developed is a major driving force for our Marines,” said 1st Sgt. Craig D. Cressman, AT Bn Sergeant Maj. “More than half of our officers and enlisted Marines joined after 9/11. They are honored to have the opportunity to do what they joined to do; combat terrorism.”

While the AT Bn will sustain basic infantry skills, they will also be trained in special skills that will help in combating terrorism.

“Special skills will include mission specific surveillance, counter-surveillance, enhanced marksmanship, data collection and others,” said Killion. “We have no indirect fire support but we have many engineers, counter intelligence, and a larger staff.”

When fully staffed, the AT battalion will have more than 775 Marines and Sailors. It consists of six companies; a headquarters company, four anti-terrorism companies and a support company. Each company will be task-organized and deploy as a self-sufficient task force providing its own command and control under the operational control of a regional security officer.

“The number one responsibility of the battalion is to have the first two task forces capable of conducting defensive operations. Number two is having the priority to plan a schedule that allows the battalion to sustain task force reaction. Number three is to develop our battalion capability overall,” said Killion.

The commanding officer of the brand-new battalion is confident in the skills and capabilities of his battalion.

“If you were to combine elements of the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Company, Army Rangers, and an infantry battalion, that would be what the AT Battalion is,” said Killion.

“The Marines of this battalion are in high spirits. They want to train hard and complete their mission,” said Cressman. “We have non-commissioned officers from different elements of the 4th MEB (AT) and many new enlisted Marines right out of the School of Infantry. The NCOs are sharing their knowledge with our new Marines but both share the intense enthusiasm of being part of the newest battalion within the Marine Corps.”