Anti-Terrorism Battalion to be deactivated - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Anti-Terrorism Battalion to be deactivated

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — This is the end of the road for the Marine Corps’ Anti-Terrorism Battalion.

The battalion, activated in October 2004 as a rapidly deploying force to detect, deter and defend against terrorism, is being deactivated July 13 and reactivated as 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines.

Once the transformation is complete, the infantry units assigned to AT Battalion will form a standard-sized infantry battalion. It was unclear at press time where the additional units without infantry occupations would be reassigned.

When 2/9 is activated, it will fall under 6th Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C., according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Constance Heinz, II Marine Expeditionary Force spokeswoman.

The battalion will be the second in 9th Marines to be activated this year; 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, was activated in April. Third Battalion, 9th Marines, will be reactivated next year.

The Corps is using money earmarked for supporting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to stand up the battalions, part of its long-range plan to expand its ranks by 22,000 for an end strength of 202,000 Marines by 2011.

The activation ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. July 13 at W.P.T. Hill Field at Camp Lejeune and is open to former members of the battalion.