3:70th Armor

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.