11 Armored Cavalry Regiment History

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment has a rich and storied history that spans over seven decades. From its activation in 1958 to the present day, the regiment has played a significant role in shaping the United States Army's armored cavalry doctrine. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, also known as the "Blackhorse Regiment," has a long and distinguished history of service, including deployments to Vietnam, Germany, and Iraq.

The regiment's history began on February 2, 1958, when it was activated at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Initially, the regiment was composed of two squadrons, the 1st and 2nd Squadrons, each equipped with M48 Patton tanks and M114 armored reconnaissance vehicles. The regiment's primary mission was to provide armored cavalry support to the United States Army's infantry and armored divisions. Throughout the 1960s, the regiment underwent significant modernization, including the introduction of the M60 Patton tank and the M113 armored personnel carrier.

Early Years and Vietnam War

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's first major deployment was to Vietnam in 1966. The regiment was tasked with providing armored cavalry support to the United States Army's infantry and armored divisions operating in the country. During its time in Vietnam, the regiment participated in numerous battles and operations, including the Battle of Srok Dong and the Battle of An Loc. The regiment's performance in Vietnam earned it numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award.

Regimental Structure and Organization

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is organized into several squadrons, each with its own unique mission and responsibilities. The regiment's squadrons include the 1st Squadron, 2nd Squadron, and 3rd Squadron, as well as the Regimental Support Squadron and the Regimental Headquarters Troop. Each squadron is equipped with a variety of armored vehicles, including the M1 Abrams tank, the M3 Bradley fighting vehicle, and the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer.

Cold War and Germany

Following its deployment to Vietnam, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment was stationed in Germany, where it played a key role in the United States Army's defense of Western Europe during the Cold War. The regiment was tasked with providing armored cavalry support to the United States Army's V Corps, which was responsible for defending the border between West Germany and East Germany. During its time in Germany, the regiment participated in numerous exercises and operations, including the annual REFORGER exercise, which was designed to test the regiment's ability to rapidly deploy to Europe in the event of a Soviet attack.

Modernization and Upgrades

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment underwent significant modernization, including the introduction of the M1 Abrams tank and the M3 Bradley fighting vehicle. The regiment also received upgrades to its communications and navigation systems, including the introduction of the Blue Force Tracker system, which allows the regiment to track the location of its vehicles and personnel in real-time.

Iraq War and Contemporary Era

In 2003, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment deployed to Iraq, where it played a key role in the United States Army's invasion of the country. The regiment was tasked with providing armored cavalry support to the United States Army's V Corps, which was responsible for securing the city of Baghdad and the surrounding countryside. During its time in Iraq, the regiment participated in numerous battles and operations, including the Battle of Baghdad and the Battle of Fallujah.

Regimental Traditions and Heraldry

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment has a rich tradition of heraldry and symbolism. The regiment's coat of arms features a black horse's head on a yellow background, which represents the regiment's nickname, the "Blackhorse Regiment." The regiment's motto, "Allons," which is French for "Let's go," reflects the regiment's history and tradition of bold and decisive action.

Training and Operations

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is trained to conduct a variety of missions, including armored reconnaissance, security, and combat operations. The regiment's training includes a combination of classroom instruction, simulator training, and live-fire exercises. The regiment also participates in numerous exercises and operations throughout the year, including the annual National Training Center rotation, which is designed to test the regiment's ability to operate in a variety of environments and scenarios.

Regimental Leadership and Command

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is led by a colonel, who serves as the regimental commander. The regimental commander is responsible for overseeing the regiment's operations and training, as well as ensuring that the regiment is equipped and manned to perform its assigned missions. The regimental commander is assisted by a team of senior officers and non-commissioned officers, who provide guidance and support to the regiment's squadrons and troops.

Regimental History and Legacy

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment has a long and distinguished history of service, including deployments to Vietnam, Germany, and Iraq. The regiment's performance in these conflicts has earned it numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award. The regiment's legacy continues to be felt today, as its soldiers and officers remain committed to the regiment's core values of courage, honor, and integrity.

Regimental Museum and Archives

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment has a museum and archives, which are dedicated to preserving the regiment's history and legacy. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits, including uniforms, equipment, and vehicles, which tell the story of the regiment's history and service. The archives include a collection of documents, photographs, and other historical materials, which are available to researchers and historians.

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Image Gallery

What is the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's nickname?

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's nickname is the "Blackhorse Regiment."

Where was the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment stationed during the Cold War?

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment was stationed in Germany during the Cold War.

What is the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's motto?

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's motto is "Allons," which is French for "Let's go."

In final thoughts, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment has a rich and storied history that spans over seven decades. From its activation in 1958 to the present day, the regiment has played a significant role in shaping the United States Army's armored cavalry doctrine. The regiment's performance in Vietnam, Germany, and Iraq has earned it numerous awards and decorations, and its legacy continues to be felt today. As the regiment continues to evolve and adapt to the changing nature of modern warfare, its soldiers and officers remain committed to the regiment's core values of courage, honor, and integrity. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments on the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment's history and legacy, and to learn more about this esteemed military unit.