Fort Carson, CO - 4:68 Armor

• Origins of 4th Battalion, 68th Armor: The 4th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment traces its lineage to the 68th Tank Battalion, which was first constituted in 1940 and served in multiple campaigns during World War II. • Fort Carson Assignment: 4/68 Armor was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, as part of the 4th Infantry Division during the Cold War and into the 1980s, playing a key role in armored warfare training and readiness. • Nickname "Silver Lions": The battalion earned the nickname "Silver Lions," which reflected both its regimental crest and the tenacity of its soldiers. • Cold War Mission: During the Cold War, 4/68 Armor’s primary mission was to prepare for rapid deployment to Europe in the event of a Soviet invasion, often participating in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises. • Modernization: In the 1980s, the unit transitioned from the M60 Patton tank to the more advanced M1 Abrams main battle tank, enhancing its firepower and survivability. • Training Exercises: The battalion conducted extensive gunnery and maneuver training in the rugged terrain of Fort Carson, building a reputation for excellence in tank warfare. • Community Engagement: Soldiers of 4/68 Armor regularly participated in local events in Colorado Springs, forging strong bonds with the civilian community. • Desert Warfare Preparation: Prior to operations in the Middle East, 4/68 Armor trained in desert environments, anticipating potential deployments to Southwest Asia. • Deactivation: The battalion was inactivated on 15 January 1984 as part of an Army reorganization, with its lineage and honors preserved for potential reactivation. • Veteran Legacy: Former members of 4/68 Armor maintain an active network, sharing stories and memories from their time at Fort Carson and preserving the battalion's legacy through reunions and online communities.