About this Unit
The 11th Armored Cavalry is a unit of the United States Army that traces its lineage back to the early 20th century. It is known for its distinctive black beret and has the nickname "Blackhorse" after its official motto "Allons" which means "Let's Go" in French. The unit is based at Fort Irwin, California and is primarily known for its role in providing opposition forces during training exercises for other Army units. The 11th Armored Cavalry has a proud history of service and has been deployed to various conflicts around the world.
Historical Facts
• The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment was originally activated in January 1901 and has participated in numerous conflicts throughout its history.
• During the Vietnam War, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment was known for its expertise in armored warfare and its aggressive tactics against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army.
• The regiment earned the nickname "Blackhorse" during the Vietnam War due to the color of their unit insignia and their reputation for being a tough and resilient fighting force.
• The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment played a key role in the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965, where they helped to secure a helicopter landing zone for American troops and provided critical fire support during the intense fighting.
• In addition to their combat operations in Vietnam, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment also conducted extensive reconnaissance and surveillance missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail to disrupt enemy supply lines.
• After the Vietnam War, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment was stationed in Germany during the Cold War as part of the US Army's commitment to deterring Soviet aggression in Europe.
• The regiment has received numerous awards and decorations for their service, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
• The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment is currently based at Fort Irwin, California, where they serve as the opposing force for training exercises at the National Training Center.
• The regiment's motto is "Allons," which is French for "Let's Go," reflecting their tradition of being at the forefront of the fight and always ready for action.
• The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment continues to uphold its reputation as a highly trained and disciplined unit, ready to respond to any mission or threat that arises.