Special Purpose MAGTF-Responsible Drawdown

“Last Unit Out”

January-February 2010

In November 2009, the Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) designated the II MEF Headquarters Group Headquarters as the Command Element for the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Responsible Drawdown. As such, the II MHG Headquarters would be the last Marine Fleet unit to redeploy from Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

The SPMAGTF Command Element directed, monitored and controlled the final responsible drawdown of personnel, units and equipment from Iraq using the following seven supporting concepts:

Personnel accountability
High demand equipment transfer
Equipment turn in
Theater provided equipment return
Supply retrograde/transfer
Container management
Facilities transfer

Units remaining in Iraq that fell under the operational control of the SPMAGTF included:

II MHG and elements of it battalions
Combat Logistics Battalion-46
3d Battalion, 24th Marines (Task Force Military Police)
Remain Behind Element, Marine Air Group-26

Of note, much effort was devoted to ensuring the proper equipment was transferred to the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which was the engaged in combat operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

The SPMAGTF crest, shown in the upper right corner, is modified from the II MHG crest. The stripes signify the colors of the Iraqi National Flag; their ability to once again self-govern allowed for the Marine Corps’ redeployment from Iraq. The crest is adorned with the words “honor” and “accountability,” to remind all that the Marine Corps would redeploy from Iraq with complete accountability and in a disciplined manner that would bring honor to those who have gone before. As the remaining units and the staff of the SPMAGTF have completed the final chapter of Marine Corps history in Iraq, we must reverently remember the fallen.

The SPMAGTF Headquarters redeployed on 14 February 2010. As the Command Element of the SPMAGTF-Responsible Drawdown, the Marine and Sailors of II MHG were the proud remnants of a force that at times was nearly 25,000 personnel in strength.