There is a long-standing military tradition that goes back to the very first marines. The names of the units have changed over time, but the nomenclature has remained consistent: Marine Corps Companies A and B became Company A and Company B; Marine Corps battalions became battalions 1st and 2nd Marines; Marine companies numbered 3rd through 6th Companies. The Seventh Company was then named 7th Marines, whereupon it was split into companies numbered 8th through 14th.