Welcome Aboard!
Along with Sergeant Major Solari, allow me to welcome you to the most decorated infantry battalion in the Marine Corps – Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, also known as “2/5.”
As an infantry battalion in the Marine Corps, we are prepared to deploy anywhere in the world to protect our nation’s interests. Our task is demanding and it requires hard work from the team of dedicated warriors who make up this unit.
Our battalion motto – “Retreat Hell!” – comes from the 1918 battle of Belleau Wood. As the Marines approached the site of what would be one the Marine Corps’ most famous battles, retreating French soldiers told the Marines they must retreat before the German onslaught. Capt Lloyd Williams, at the time a company commander in 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, replied, “Retreat? Hell, we just got here!” Our motto reflects the fighting spirit of the Marines and sailors who have served in 2/5 ever since that famous battle.
Marines in 2/5 will find the battalion is committed to being the best in the world at the skills required of an infantry unit. We call this “brilliance in the basics.” We are equally committed to physical fitness, our small unit discipline, and maintaining our core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
We recognize that the battalion is comprised of Marines (and sailors), most of whom have families. We recognize that the Marines of the battalion can better accomplish their mission when the battalion takes care of them and their families. Service in a deploying unit places heavy demands on Marines and their families – thank you for the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make on behalf of the unit’s mission. Ensuring that our Marines and their families are cared for remains a top priority of the battalion.
Welcome to Second Battalion, Fifth Marines. We look forward to serving with you.
Retreat Hell!
Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Bairstow Sergeant Major Travis
Commanding Officer Sergeant Major
2nd Battalion, 5th Marines 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines