Marines, Sailors and Families

First and foremost, SgtMaj Bradley and I want to welcome you to the Third Marine Division, the best Division in the Marine Corps. The Marines and Sailors in Third Marine Division have a proud lineage in the Pacific that is carried forward in our readied posture to Fight Tonight, and Win!

Named after an always ready anti-personnel weapon, the Caltrap Nation's mission is to conduct amphibious forcible entry operations or sustained, combined arms land operations with strategic partners and allies as an integral part of III MEF within the Pacific Theater Area of Operations in support of national security objectives. As the only forward deployed Marine division, we train, plan, and rehearse our mission essential tasks to maintain utmost preparedness to serve our nation and the Marine Corps.

If your family is joining you on this tour, welcome to them as well! Whether accompanied or not, sub-tropical Okinawa and the surrounding islands and countries have much to offer for exploration, adventure, culture, and history. The Caltrap Nation is a close family, from our spouses and children, to our single Marines and Sailors, members of our forward deployed team are often embraced in comradery.

Okinawa, for most, is a long way from home and loved ones; between the advent of technology and space available military air travel, there are ways to close that distance that your sponsor can help you learn more about. Your sponsor and the Caltrap Nation are here to help you assimilate to the island, the command, and the challenging and rewarding operational climate.

Arrive with your warrior mind-set and a positive attitude, ready to join the team!

Welcome to the Caltrap Nation!