‘Wolf Pack’ welcomes new leader

Col. Matt Good relinquished command of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion to Lt. Col. Philip Laing at Felix Field, May 7, 2015.

According to Good, since December 2012, he has worked to improve 3rd LAR by establishing a command climate that fostered effective training and improved upon his Marine’s skills.

“These last few years have been a privilege,” Good said. “This command has been one of the greatest experiences in my career.”

Laing served with 2nd LAR as a platoon commander, executive officer and company commander from 1998 until 2000. He served in various other units such as: 1st LAR, School of Infantry West and 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. He recently returned from a deployment as the operations officer for Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa.

“I have been in the light armor community for a long time now,” Laing said. “I have been in 1st LAR and 2nd LAR. It is a privilege to now lead 3rd LAR.”

Good’s example and focus on technical and tactical proficiency improved 3rd LAR’s readiness and capability as a battalion. As the new commanding officer, Laing looks to maintain the unit’s combat effectiveness. Now that Good has relinquished command of the ‘Wolf Pack’, he will be attending the Marine Corps War College in Quantico, Va.

“Working under the command of Lt. Col. Good, we have been able to improve on everything we do,” said Staff Sgt. Timothy Peterson, platoon sergeant, 3rd LAR. “I’m hoping to see even more great strides while under Lt. Col. Laing. Coming from infantry to light armored vehicles, I have gotten to see what the reconnaissance does for the division.”

With more than 900 Marines and sailors under a new leader, 3rd LAR intends to remain a force in readiness for future operations.

“Lt. Col. Good has done amazing things with the ‘Wolf Pack’ in his years of service to them,” Laing said. “My hope is to continue that legacy while continuing to increase [our] ability to do anything in a combat zone.”