3rd Armored Cavalry

• Origins in the 19th Century: The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (3rd ACR), known as the "Brave Rifles," was originally constituted in 1846 as the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, fighting in the Mexican-American War. • Nickname "Brave Rifles": The unit earned its famous nickname during the Mexican-American War, when General Winfield Scott addressed them as "Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel!" • Civil War Service: The regiment served with distinction in the American Civil War, participating in many important battles, including Fort Donelson and the Siege of Vicksburg. • Transformation Over Time: Originally mounted on horseback, the unit transitioned through mechanization, becoming an armored cavalry regiment, and finally adopting Stryker vehicles in the 21st century. • World War II Campaigns: The Brave Rifles landed in Normandy in 1944 and fought across France and Germany, participating in the liberation of Paris and the Battle of the Bulge. • Cold War Guardians: Stationed in Germany for much of the Cold War, the 3rd ACR served as part of NATO’s front-line defense against the Soviet Union. • Operation Desert Storm: The regiment played a key reconnaissance and combat role during the 1991 Gulf War, participating in the famous "left hook" maneuver into Iraq. • Iraq War Deployments: The 3rd ACR deployed multiple times to Iraq after 2003, conducting operations in Tal Afar, Mosul, and Baghdad, and earning praise for their counterinsurgency effectiveness. • Regimental Crest & Motto: The regimental crest features a green shield with a gold rifle, and their motto is "Brave Rifles – Veterans! Ai-ee-yah!" echoing their storied history. • Modern Era and Honors: Now designated as the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (3rd CR), the unit continues to serve as a highly mobile armored force, most recently deploying to Afghanistan and maintaining a reputation for excellence and adaptability.