2:2 Armored Cavalry Regiment Bamberg west Germany.

• Cold War Frontline: The 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/2 ACR) was based in Bamberg, West Germany, serving as a key part of NATO’s front-line defense against the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War. • Patrolling the Iron Curtain: 2/2 ACR frequently patrolled the East-West German border, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions along the heavily fortified Iron Curtain. • Regimental Nickname: The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment is known as the “Dragoons,” a reference to mounted infantry units from earlier military history. • “Ghost Troop” Stories: One of the 2/2’s Troops was known as “Ghost Troop,” renowned for their stealth and ability to seemingly appear and disappear along the border. • Reforger Exercises: The unit regularly participated in “Return of Forces to Germany” (REFORGER) exercises, massive NATO war games designed to test rapid deployment and readiness. • Border Camps: Elements of 2/2 ACR rotated through small, austere border camps such as Camp Hof, Camp May, and Camp Coburg, where soldiers endured harsh conditions and constant vigilance. • Legendary Vehicles: During its time in Bamberg, 2/2 ACR operated iconic Cold War vehicles like the M113 armored personnel carrier and the M60A1/A3 Patton tank. • Incident at Point Alpha: In the mid-1980s, a standoff occurred at Observation Post Alpha when Soviet and American patrols nearly collided, highlighting the tense atmosphere of border duty. • Community Relations: 2/2 ACR soldiers often participated in goodwill events in Bamberg, building strong relationships with local German citizens and fostering positive US-German relations. • Legacy: After the Cold War, the 2/2 ACR was among the first US units to deploy to the Gulf War and later peacekeeping missions, carrying forward the skills and traditions honed in Bamberg, West Germany.