278th Cavalry

• Origin: The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) traces its roots to the organization of the 278th Infantry Regiment in the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1887. • Nickname: The unit is often called the “Volunteer Regiment,” reflecting Tennessee’s nickname as the “Volunteer State.” • Historic Deployments: The 278th ACR has been mobilized for federal service multiple times, including for World War I, World War II, and most recently, the Global War on Terror. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 278th ACR was deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005 and again in 2010, serving in the Diyala and Nineveh provinces and earning high praise for their performance. • Unique Heritage: The regiment is one of only two armored cavalry regiments in the U.S. Army National Guard, making it a unique and elite unit. • Distinctive Insignia: The unit’s distinctive unit insignia features a horse’s head, a nod to its cavalry tradition, and the motto “I Volunteer, Sir.” • Cold War Service: During the Cold War, the 278th ACR trained extensively for potential deployment to Europe, participating in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises. • Community Support: The 278th ACR has a deep relationship with Tennessee communities, providing disaster response and support during emergencies such as floods and tornadoes. • Modern Equipment: Today, the 278th ACR is equipped with modern armored vehicles, including M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, reflecting its transformation from horse cavalry to modern armor. • Honors and Awards: The unit and its soldiers have received numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation for service in Iraq, and individual awards for valor.