About this Unit
**Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment (HHQ 2/14 ACR)** traces its lineage to the formation of the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment in 1901. The 2nd Squadron has a distinguished history, serving along the inter-German border during the Cold War as part of the U.S. Army’s forward presence in Europe, where it played a vital role in reconnaissance and border security. Throughout its service, HHQ 2/14 ACR provided command and control, administrative, and logistical support to its subordinate troops, enabling effective operations. The unit’s proud heritage reflects its motto, “Suivez Moi” (“Follow Me”), symbolizing leadership and readiness in both peacetime and conflict.
Historical Facts
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Origins: HHQ 2/14 ACR refers to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (HHT) of the 2nd Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment—a unit with roots tracing back to the original 14th Cavalry Regiment, constituted in 1901.
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Border Guards During the Cold War: The 2/14 ACR was a key part of the US Army’s border patrol mission along the Fulda Gap in Germany, a critical potential invasion route for Warsaw Pact forces during the Cold War.
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Fulda Gap “Tripwire”: HHQ 2/14 ACR’s role in the Fulda Gap earned the unit the nickname "tripwire of freedom," as they would have been among the first US forces to engage in case of a Soviet invasion.
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Distinctive Insignia: The 14th Cavalry Regiment is recognized by its iconic insignia—a green and yellow shield with a horse's head—reflecting its cavalry heritage.
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Berlin Crisis Deployment: Elements of the 2/14 ACR were mobilized during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, reinforcing US presence in West Germany during a period of high tension.
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Border Observation Posts: The unit operated out of several key observation posts (OPs) along the East-West German border, such as OP Alpha, which became symbols of the US commitment to European security.
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Regimental Reflagging: In 1972, the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment was reflagged as the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, but the legacy of the 2/14 ACR continues to be celebrated by former members and historians.
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Motto: The 14th Cavalry’s motto, "Suivez Moi" (French for "Follow Me"), reflects the unit’s tradition of leading from the front.
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Multinational Exercises: HHQ 2/14 ACR regularly participated in NATO exercises, refining interoperability with allied forces and demonstrating US resolve during the Cold War.
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Veteran Community: Former members of the 2/14 ACR maintain a strong online and reunion community, preserving the stories and camaraderie forged during their service on the front lines of the Cold War.
