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Elite Marine brigade brought back to life to fight terrorism

The Marine Corps on Monday reactivated after nine years a brigade with a storied past dating back to World War I as a new anti-terrorism unit to respond quickly to combat threats domestically and overseas.

The 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), dormant since 1992, was revived in a ceremony at its headquarters at Camp Lejeune where the expected force of 4,800 Marines will do most of its training. They are expected to be among the first deployed to respond to threats.

"As of last month, we are faced with a new reality that requires new actions on our part," General James Jones, commandant of the Marine Corps, said.

"The 4th MEB represents our core competencies as warriors," he added.

The brigade will combine under one command element of the Marines that currently responds to chemical or biological threats, provides armed security at naval installations and safeguards US embassies, and adds a new anti-terrorism battalion of about 1,000 Marines.

Some of its activities will include detection of chemical or biological agents, searching vehicles and personnel for weapons and combat to regain control of a building or personnel.
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