The United States Marine Corps reactivated the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Command Element on Nov. 20, 2012 at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

As a subordinate command of II Marine Expeditionary Force, the reactivation of the 2nd MEB Command Element was in line with the Commandant of the Marine Corps' direction to stand up a permanent command element at Camp Lejeune. The re-establishment of the permanent command element strengthened the Marine Corps' ability to prepare for and respond to crisis and contingency operations that may occur around the world.

Commanded by Brig. Gen. Andrew T. Priddy, 2nd MEB provides II MEF and the nation with a rapid response capability centered on a one-star staff to execute a range of missions. It enhances the Corps' expeditionary readiness by providing a scalable, standing, joint-capable, deployment-ready headquarters element that can also enable the introduction of follow-on forces if required. 

The 2nd MEB Command Element does not have permanently assigned subordinate forces, though it establishes habitual relationships with its associated major subordinate elements through planning and exercise activities. When task-organized for crisis and contingency operations and exercises, 2nd MEB looks to draw its aviation, ground, and logistics elements from II MEF to form a Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

2nd MEB conducts the semi-annual Exercise Atlantic Response in North Carolina, and is the landing force for the annual Exercise Bold Alligator, the largest amphibious exercise on the east coast of the United States. 2nd MEB also rotates into the European Command's area of responsibility operating as Task Force 61/2 to command and control Marine Forces operating in the theater.