11th ACR 2nd squadron F troop

• Origins: The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR), known as the "Blackhorse Regiment," was constituted in 1901, with the 2nd Squadron and its subordinate units—including F Troop—being integral parts of its structure through many reorganizations and deployments. • Vietnam War Service: F Troop, 2nd Squadron, played a critical role during the Vietnam War (1966–1972), conducting reconnaissance, security, and combat operations throughout the III Corps Tactical Zone, often engaging in ferocious battles with enemy forces. • Battle of An Loc (1972): F Troop was instrumental in the defense and relief of An Loc, helping to break the North Vietnamese siege and earning recognition for bravery and tactical prowess. • “Thunder Run” Tactics: The 11th ACR, including F Troop, was known for their aggressive “thunder run” armored assaults, where columns of tanks and armored vehicles would rapidly penetrate enemy-held areas to disrupt, surprise, and destroy opposing forces. • Cold War Guardian: After Vietnam, the regiment, including F Troop, was stationed in Germany along the Fulda Gap, serving as America’s first line of defense against potential Soviet invasion during the Cold War. • Border Patrol Missions: F Troop regularly patrolled the East-West German border, conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response drills—earning the motto “Find the Bastards, Then Pile On.” • OPFOR at NTC: Since the 1990s, the 11th ACR has been the premier Opposing Force (OPFOR) unit at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, with F Troop providing realistic enemy tactics to train U.S. and allied forces. • Distinctive Blackhorse Patch: Members of F Troop wear the famous Blackhorse insignia, symbolizing speed, power, and the cavalry’s storied history. • Honors and Decorations: F Troop and the 2nd Squadron have earned multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations for their actions in Vietnam and other deployments. • Continued Legacy: Veterans and current troopers of F Troop maintain a strong regimental association, holding reunions and supporting one another, ensuring the storied legacy of the Blackhorse lives on.