About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (HHT 2/11 ACR) serves as the command and control element for the 2nd Squadron of the storied "Blackhorse Regiment." The 11th ACR was constituted in 1901 and has seen action in major conflicts including World War II, the Vietnam War, and Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. HHT 2/11 ACR has played a critical role in organizing and supporting squadron operations, particularly during the Vietnam War where the regiment earned distinction for its armored cavalry tactics. Today, HHT 2/11 ACR continues its legacy as part of the Opposing Force at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, providing realistic training to U.S. Army units deploying worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins of 2/11 ACR: The 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/11 ACR) is a unit of the legendary "Blackhorse" Regiment, which was first constituted in 1901. The Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (HHT) is the command and control element of the squadron.
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Vietnam War Service: 2/11 ACR played a critical role during the Vietnam War, conducting reconnaissance, security, and combat operations throughout the conflict.
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Border Patrol in Germany: During the Cold War, 2/11 ACR was stationed in Fulda, Germany, and was responsible for patrolling the border between West Germany and East Germany, a hotspot of tension between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces.
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Fulda Gap Defense: The unit was the first line of defense at the Fulda Gap, a strategic corridor that was considered a likely invasion route for Soviet forces into Western Europe.
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HHT's Key Role: As the command troop, HHT provided essential support, intelligence, and planning for squadron operations, playing a pivotal role in mission success.
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Gulf War Participation: 2/11 ACR, including HHT, deployed to Saudi Arabia and participated in Operation Desert Storm, conducting reconnaissance and security operations during the liberation of Kuwait.
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Peacekeeping Missions: The squadron, with HHT’s leadership, served in peacekeeping roles in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s, helping to stabilize the Balkans after years of conflict.
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National Training Center (NTC) Role: Since the early 2000s, 2/11 ACR has served as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the NTC in Fort Irwin, California, helping to train thousands of U.S. and allied troops for combat operations.
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Traditions and Mascots: The Blackhorse Regiment is known for its distinctive unit crest and the tradition of maintaining a regimental horse herd, which symbolizes its cavalry heritage.
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Decorations and Honors: Over its history, HHT 2/11 ACR and the regiment have earned numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign awards for their exemplary service in multiple conflicts.
