About this Unit
The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (3rd ACR), known as the "Brave Rifles," was first constituted in 1846 and has a distinguished history of service in the United States Army. The regiment fought in the Mexican-American War, participated in the Indian Wars, and served in both World Wars. During the Cold War, the 3rd ACR was stationed in Germany, conducting border patrols and providing armored reconnaissance. In the 21st century, the regiment deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, playing key roles in reconnaissance and security operations.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in the 19th Century: The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (3rd ACR), known as the "Brave Rifles," was originally constituted in 1846 as the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, fighting in the Mexican-American War.
•
Nickname "Brave Rifles": The unit earned its famous nickname during the Mexican-American War, when General Winfield Scott addressed them as "Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel!"
•
Civil War Service: The regiment served with distinction in the American Civil War, participating in many important battles, including Fort Donelson and the Siege of Vicksburg.
•
Transformation Over Time: Originally mounted on horseback, the unit transitioned through mechanization, becoming an armored cavalry regiment, and finally adopting Stryker vehicles in the 21st century.
•
World War II Campaigns: The Brave Rifles landed in Normandy in 1944 and fought across France and Germany, participating in the liberation of Paris and the Battle of the Bulge.
•
Cold War Guardians: Stationed in Germany for much of the Cold War, the 3rd ACR served as part of NATO’s front-line defense against the Soviet Union.
•
Operation Desert Storm: The regiment played a key reconnaissance and combat role during the 1991 Gulf War, participating in the famous "left hook" maneuver into Iraq.
•
Iraq War Deployments: The 3rd ACR deployed multiple times to Iraq after 2003, conducting operations in Tal Afar, Mosul, and Baghdad, and earning praise for their counterinsurgency effectiveness.
•
Regimental Crest & Motto: The regimental crest features a green shield with a gold rifle, and their motto is "Brave Rifles – Veterans! Ai-ee-yah!" echoing their storied history.
•
Modern Era and Honors: Now designated as the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (3rd CR), the unit continues to serve as a highly mobile armored force, most recently deploying to Afghanistan and maintaining a reputation for excellence and adaptability.
