About this Unit
The 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (3/11th ACR), known as the "Thunderhorse," has served as a key reconnaissance and combat unit since its formation. The squadron saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, conducting search and destroy missions, route security, and reconnaissance in challenging terrain from 1966 to 1972. After Vietnam, 3/11th ACR was stationed in Germany during the Cold War, patrolling the border with the Soviet bloc as part of NATO's forward defense. In recent decades, the squadron has deployed to the Middle East, supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it continues to exemplify the regiment’s motto, "Allons!" meaning "Let's Go!"
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (3/11th ACR) traces its lineage to the formation of the 11th Cavalry Regiment in 1901, which was originally a horse cavalry unit.
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Nickname: The 11th ACR is famously known as the "Blackhorse Regiment," and 3rd Squadron is often referred to as "Thunder Squadron."
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Vietnam War Service: 3/11th ACR served with distinction in Vietnam from 1966 to 1972, conducting armored reconnaissance and security operations, and earning multiple unit citations.
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Firebase Thunderbolt: 3/11th ACR established Firebase Thunderbolt in Vietnam, which became a critical base of operations during several major campaigns.
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Battle of An Loc: Elements of 3/11th ACR participated in the famous Battle of An Loc in 1972, helping to break the North Vietnamese siege of the city.
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Cold War Duty: During the Cold War, 3/11th ACR was stationed in the Fulda Gap, Germany, tasked with defending NATO’s frontier against possible Warsaw Pact aggression.
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“The Eyes and Ears”: As a cavalry unit, 3/11th ACR was known as “the eyes and ears” of larger formations, specializing in reconnaissance, surveillance, and security missions.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 3/11th ACR deployed to Iraq and played a key role in stability and counterinsurgency operations between 2003 and 2005, especially in the Al Anbar province.
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Modernization: Over the decades, 3/11th ACR has transitioned from horseback, to tanks and armored vehicles, and now operates the advanced M1 Abrams tank and other modern platforms.
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National Training Center: Today, 3/11th ACR is based at Fort Irwin, California, serving as the “Opposing Force” (OPFOR) at the National Training Center, preparing U.S. and allied troops for combat.
