Thammanoon Wanna, who oversees the marine corps base, said the troops had braced for Wednesday's assault after authorities discovered a sketch that mapped out the insurgents' plans on a militant who was shot dead in recent days.

NPR: Thai Marines Kill 16 Militants Who Attacked Base

Formerly known as the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, its leaders were sponsored by Iran during former dictator Saddam Hussein's rule -- and its Badr Corps militia fought alongside Iranian troops during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.

CNN: Iraqi leaders turn wary of Iran, Petraeus says

The explosion Monday caused an immediate suspension of the use of 60 mm mortars by the Marine Corps, with an exemption for troops in Afghanistan, U.S. military and Marine officials said.

NPR: Marines Killed In Training Were Young, Lives Ahead

RHEIN-MAIN AIR BASE, Germany (CNN) -- Troops of the U.S. 3rd Corps Support Command already knew the drill by the time they headed for Hungary from Wiesbaden, Germany.

CNN: Finally, troops leave Germany for Bosnia

The 5th Corps' combat strength was estimated at 30, 000 troops when the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began March 20, but it is unknown what toll heavy airstrikes and desertions have taken on its three infantry divisions and one mechanized infantry division, U.S. military sources told CNN.

CNN: Coalition makes key advances in northern Iraq

Troops from 13 Air Assault Support Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, recently returned to Colchester after a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

BBC: Colchester soldiers receive medals from Princess Royal

The commander of the Iraqi army's 5th Corps and the governor-general are expected to surrender to U.S. special operations troops in the Mosul area, U.S. military sources told CNN on Thursday.

CNN: Coalition makes key advances in northern Iraq

Recently, senior Marine Corps officials asked for the brand names to be removed from a new issue of boots, saying they wanted their troops' appearance to be consistent.

FORBES: Polartec At The Front