About this Unit
Certainly! Here is a short military history for the units you listed:
The 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/11 ACR) is renowned for its reconnaissance and security missions, notably serving in Vietnam and later as the Opposing Force at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin. The 367th Armor Regiment, specifically its battalions such as 3-67 AR, was a component of the 2nd Armored Division (2 AD) and participated in key Cold War and Gulf War deployments. The 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment (3-66 AR), also part of 2 AD (Forward), was stationed in Germany during the Cold War, providing a deterrent against Soviet aggression and deploying as part of Operation Desert Storm in 1991. These units share a legacy of armored warfare excellence, contributing to both deterrence in Europe and combat operations in Southwest Asia.
Historical Facts
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2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/11 ACR):
• Blackhorse Regiment: The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is famously known as the "Blackhorse Regiment," with a storied history dating back to 1901.
• Vietnam War Service: 2/11 ACR played a pivotal role in Vietnam (1966–1972), conducting reconnaissance and security missions and participating in several major operations, including the Cambodian Incursion.
• Fulda Gap Guardians: During the Cold War, 2/11 ACR was stationed in Germany, patrolling the Fulda Gap as a frontline defense against potential Soviet aggression.
• OPFOR at NTC: After the Cold War, 2/11 ACR moved to Fort Irwin, California, serving as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the National Training Center, helping train thousands of U.S. and allied troops.
• Distinguished Unit: The squadron and regiment have received numerous commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for gallantry in action.
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367th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Division (367 AR 2 AD):
• World War II Legacy: The 2nd Armored Division ("Hell on Wheels") fought in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge. While 367th AR did not exist during WWII, its lineage is tied to the division's legacy.
• Cold War Deployments: 367th Armor served as part of the U.S. Army's forward-deployed forces in Europe, prepared to confront Warsaw Pact forces.
• Gulf War Service: Elements of 2nd Armored Division, including attached armor battalions such as 367 AR, participated in Operation Desert Storm, leading the ground assault into Kuwait and Iraq.
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3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Division (Forward) (3:66 AR 2AD (FWD)):
• Forward-Deployed in Germany: 3-66 AR was part of 2AD (Forward), stationed in Garlstedt, Germany, from the late 1970s until 1991 as a rapid-reaction force during the Cold War.
• REFORGER Exercises: 3-66 AR regularly participated in massive REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to NATO defense.
• Gulf War Combat: 3-66 AR deployed to Saudi Arabia and fought in the Gulf War, conducting a famous "left hook" maneuver that helped liberate Kuwait.
• Deactivation and Legacy: After the Cold War and Gulf War, 2AD (FWD) and 3-66 AR were deactivated in the early 1990s, but their traditions continue in other active armor units.
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Shared Distinctions and Stories:
• Unit Insignia: Both 2/11 ACR and 66th Armor Regiment have distinctive unit crests and mottos, with 66 AR’s motto being "Semper in Hostes" ("Always into the Enemy").
• Famous Alumni: Many notable Army leaders served in these units, including General George S. Patton (11th Cavalry in his early career) and General George S. Patton IV (2/11 ACR in Vietnam).
