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    Protecting the Force: 1st Intelligence Battalion Change of Command

    1st Intelligence Battalion Change of Command

    Photo By Sgt. Alize Sotelo | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Sergio S. Rodriguez, the sergeant major of 1st...... read more read more

    CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

    06.29.2023

    Story by Staff Sgt. Courtney Glen White 

    I MEF Information Group

    Lt. Col. Tom A. Kulisz relinquished command of 1st Intelligence Battalion to Lt. Col. Jason P. Pellerin during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 29.

    As one of I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group’s five subordinate battalions, 1st Intelligence Battalion’s mission is to plan and direct, collect process, produce, and disseminate intelligence, and provide counterintelligence support to the MEF Command Element, MEF major subordinate commands, subordinate Marine Air Group Task Force, and other commands as directed.

    “1st Intel Battalion contributes through the MIG into the MEF by reducing uncertainty and protecting the force,” said Kulisz, a native of San Antonio and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. “Reducing uncertainty is making sure we understand weather, enemy and terrain; if you understand that, you can help frame decisions.”

    1st Intelligence Battalion is composed of four companies: Headquarters Company, Operations Company, Battlespace Surveillance Company, and Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Company.

    “1st Intel has been able to stand out because of the way the G-2, MIG commanding officer and MEF commanding general have allowed us to operate,” said Kulisz. “Our whole battalion services the MEF. We do real world intelligence every day. We don’t do training for the sake of training; the Marines do real world mission rehearsals constantly.”

    According to Kulisz, he owes the success of the battalion to open, honest, and transparent communication.

    “I work for the battalion, the battalion does not work for me,” said Kulisz. “Sergeant Major and I exist to make sure the Marines and Sailors have everything they need to be successful. If your leaders know what you need from them, it becomes really simple for them to help you.”

    With heartfelt words, Kulisz thanked 1st Intelligence Battalion for everything they have done.

    “Thank you. I haven’t come up with a more concise way to bundle up all the emotions and say, all that you do, so thanks,” said Kulisz. “I want people to focus on the incredible accomplishments of the Marines, Sailors, and civilians in the battalion. What they’ve done is incredible and has postured the MEF to fully understand their operating environment while simultaneously creating a culture that ensures every member of the battalion had a voice.”

    As Pellerin takes command, he encourages the Marines and Sailors to continue doing what they are doing.

    “I am looking to maintain the high standards, excellent culture, and outstanding support this command has achieved under the previous commander,” said Pellerin, a native of Macomb, Illinois. “Our success is going to be defined by our continued ability to be postured and prepared to enable I MEF to compete with the nation’s adversaries.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.29.2023
    Date Posted: 06.29.2023 17:32
    Story ID: 448245
    Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US
    Hometown: MACOMB, ILLINOIS, US
    Hometown: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US

    Web Views: 449
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN