3RD ACR

• Origins in the Old West: The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (3rd ACR), originally constituted as the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in 1846, was created to provide security and reconnaissance during America’s westward expansion. • Nickname "Brave Rifles": The regiment earned its nickname "Brave Rifles" during the Mexican-American War, when General Winfield Scott hailed them for their valor at the Battle of Contreras. • Service in the Mexican War: The unit’s first combat came during the Mexican-American War, where it played a key role in several significant battles, including the capture of Mexico City. • Civil War Participation: The regiment served in the Civil War, fighting on the Union side in numerous campaigns, such as the Battle of Antietam and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. • Indian Wars and Frontier Duty: Post-Civil War, the 3rd Cavalry patrolled the western frontier, engaging in campaigns against various Native American tribes. • World War II Transformation: The regiment was reorganized as the 3rd Cavalry Group, Mechanized during World War II, taking part in the European Theater, including the Battle of the Bulge. • Cold War Deployments: Stationed in Germany during the Cold War, the 3rd ACR helped deter Soviet aggression as part of U.S. Army Europe’s forward-deployed forces. • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, the regiment was among the first U.S. units to cross into Iraq, playing a pivotal reconnaissance role during the liberation of Kuwait. • Iraq War and "Thunder Run": The 3rd ACR conducted extensive counterinsurgency operations in Iraq, notably in Tal Afar in 2005, earning praise for its innovative approach to urban warfare. • Motto and Legacy: The regimental motto, "Blood and Steel," reflects its proud tradition. The 3rd ACR is one of the oldest continuously serving cavalry regiments in the U.S. Army.