[2] For greater mobility and firepower, the division commander equipped his scout company with light tanks to reinforce his regimental infantry units; especially useful for reconnaissance in force (RIF) tasks.

During the 1980s, the Light Armored Reconnaissance battalions were formed, revitalizing the same methods used during World War II.

Arriving on Iwo Jima on 20 February 1945, the battalion brought its flame tanks and played an important role in the capture of the island.

The Marine Corps would store the POA-CWS-H5 Flametanks the battalion received in Guam at Camp Pendleton and Hawaii.

In August 1953, the battalion sailed for Yokohama, Japan for service with the 3rd Marine Division at Camp Fuji.

[4] The 3rd Tank Battalion conducted combat operations in South Vietnam from 1965 to 1969 and set up a command post at Da Nang.

In 1965 the 3rd Tanks engaged the Viet Cong 1st Regiment southwest of Da Nang, pushing them into the sea, and killing over 700 men.

This was a period of desert tactical doctrine development for the Marine Corps and the 3rd Tank Battalion played a major role developing the concept of the tank battalion as a maneuver element in extended inland warfare during a multitude of Combined Arms Exercises (CAX) and the 1981/82 joint training operation, Gallant Eagle.

During Operation Desert Storm, the battalion fought a four-day ground campaign from 24 to 28 February 1991, and returned to the United States in April 1991.

3rd Tank Battalion and all of its subordinate companies were awarded the Navy Unit Citation for the period 14 Aug 1990 – 16 Apr 1991.