2:3rd Armored Cavalry

• Origins and Lineage: The 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/3 ACR) traces its roots back to the formation of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment in 1846, which served in the Mexican-American War and has since participated in nearly every major American conflict. • Motto: The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's motto is "Brave Rifles!"—a phrase originally coined by General Winfield Scott during the Mexican-American War to honor the regiment's bravery at the Battle of Contreras. • Indian Wars & Frontier Duty: In the late 19th century, elements of the regiment, including what would become 2/3 ACR, were involved in frontier duty, fighting in the Indian Wars and protecting settlers in the American West. • World War II Service: During World War II, the regiment was reorganized as the 3rd Cavalry Group, Mechanized, and fought through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, earning campaign streamers for its actions in Europe. • Cold War Deployments: The 2/3 ACR spent much of the Cold War stationed in Germany, serving as a forward-deployed unit tasked with reconnaissance and security missions along the Iron Curtain. • Operation Desert Storm: The 2/3 ACR played a key role in the 1991 Gulf War, conducting screening and reconnaissance missions that helped locate and fix Iraqi forces ahead of the Coalition’s main attack. • Iraq War Heroism: In Operation Iraqi Freedom, the squadron was instrumental in the fight for control of Tal Afar in 2005, working with local forces and earning praise for innovative counterinsurgency tactics. • Regimental Structure: Traditionally, the 2nd Squadron is known as the "Sabre Squadron" and is composed of cavalry troops equipped with armored vehicles and reconnaissance elements. • Decorations: The 3rd ACR, including 2nd Squadron, has earned numerous unit citations and awards, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and French Croix de Guerre for WWII service. • Traditions and Legacy: Members of 2/3 ACR are known as "Brave Rifles," maintaining unique regimental traditions such as the Spur Ride and Stetson wear, linking today’s troopers to their mounted cavalry heritage.