About this Unit
H Company, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/11 ACR), has a distinguished history as part of the "Blackhorse Regiment," renowned for its armored reconnaissance and cavalry operations. Originally activated during the Cold War, the unit played a critical role in patrolling the borders of West Germany as part of the U.S. Army's commitment to NATO defense. Over the years, H Company has participated in numerous training exercises and deployments, adapting to modern warfare challenges with advanced armored vehicles and tactics. Today, it continues to serve as an essential element of the 11th ACR, upholding a legacy of readiness and excellence in both combat and training environments.
Historical Facts
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Origins in Vietnam: H Company (Hotel Troop), 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) was originally activated during the Vietnam War as part of the renowned "Blackhorse Regiment."
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Combat Debut: H Troop played a crucial role in reconnaissance and security operations, often being the "eyes and ears" of the regiment during intense jungle warfare in Vietnam.
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Nickname - The Blackhorse: The 11th ACR is famously known as "The Blackhorse Regiment," and H Company carries this proud nickname as part of its identity.
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Armored Might: H Company has operated a variety of armored vehicles throughout its history, including the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier and the M551 Sheridan Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle during Vietnam, and later the M1 Abrams and M3 Bradley in modern times.
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Cold War Service: After Vietnam, H Company and the 11th ACR were stationed in Germany as a key component of NATO’s defense against the Warsaw Pact, patrolling the Fulda Gap—one of the most likely invasion routes into Western Europe.
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“OPFOR” at Fort Irwin: In the post-Cold War era, H Troop became part of the 11th ACR's role as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, helping train thousands of U.S. Army soldiers in realistic combat scenarios.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 11th ACR’s insignia—a black horse’s head on a red and white background—is one of the most recognizable in the U.S. Army, symbolizing the regiment’s mobility and fighting spirit.
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Decorations and Honors: H Company, as part of the regiment, has earned numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and campaign streamers from Vietnam and Southwest Asia.
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Regimental Reunions: Veterans of H Company and the 11th ACR maintain a strong tradition of reunions and remembrance, fostering camaraderie across generations of Blackhorse troopers.
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Legacy of Innovation: The 11th ACR, including H Company, has often been at the forefront of tactical innovation, from experimental armored cavalry tactics in Vietnam to pioneering digital and simulated training methods at the NTC.
