About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment (3/70th Armor) was originally constituted as part of the 70th Armor Regiment, which traces its lineage back to World War II as a key armored unit in the U.S. Army. Reactivated for service during the Gulf War, 3/70th Armor was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and played a pivotal role in the 1991 ground offensive, leading rapid armored thrusts into Iraq and Kuwait. The battalion demonstrated exceptional mobility and firepower, contributing significantly to the swift defeat of Iraqi forces. Following the conflict, 3/70th Armor continued to serve as a vital armored component in U.S. Army operations until its inactivation in the post-Cold War drawdown.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Activation: The 3rd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment (3/70 AR) traces its lineage to the original 70th Tank Battalion, first activated in 1940 at Fort Meade, Maryland, making it one of the oldest armor units in the U.S. Army.
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World War II Service: Elements of the 70th Armor Regiment saw action in major European campaigns, including the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the push into Germany.
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Cold War Era: During the Cold War, the 70th Armor Regiment was stationed in West Germany as part of NATO’s deterrence against Soviet aggression, helping to maintain peace in Europe.
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Reactivation for Desert Storm: The 3rd Battalion was reactivated in 1987 at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and played a key role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), participating in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Task Force Iron: During Operation Desert Storm, 3/70 AR formed the core of "Task Force Iron" and was among the first units to breach Iraqi defensive lines, showcasing the effectiveness of armored warfare.
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Advanced Armor: The battalion has operated multiple generations of U.S. main battle tanks, from the M4 Sherman and M48 Patton to the modern M1 Abrams, reflecting the evolution of armored warfare.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 3/70 AR deployed to Iraq in 2003 as part of the initial invasion, leading assaults into Baghdad and providing critical support in the fight to topple Saddam Hussein’s regime.
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Valor and Decorations: Members of 3/70 AR have earned numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Valorous Unit Award, for extraordinary heroism in combat.
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Training and Innovation: The battalion is known for pioneering combined arms tactics, integrating infantry, armor, and engineers in live-fire exercises to enhance battlefield effectiveness.
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Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, 3/70 AR has continued to deploy to hotspots including Iraq and Afghanistan, adapting to new forms of warfare such as counterinsurgency and urban combat.
