About this Unit
The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR), known as the "Blackhorse Regiment," has a distinguished history dating back to its activation in 1901. The 2nd Squadron, with its F Troop, played a significant role during the Vietnam War, conducting armored reconnaissance and security operations in challenging environments. F Troop was instrumental in patrolling the Cambodian border, engaging in combat operations, and providing critical intelligence for larger unit maneuvers. In later years, the 2nd Squadron, including F Troop, was stationed at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, where it served as the Opposing Force (OPFOR), training U.S. Army units for deployment by simulating enemy tactics and scenarios.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR), known as the "Blackhorse Regiment," was constituted in 1901, with the 2nd Squadron and its subordinate units—including F Troop—being integral parts of its structure through many reorganizations and deployments.
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Vietnam War Service: F Troop, 2nd Squadron, played a critical role during the Vietnam War (1966–1972), conducting reconnaissance, security, and combat operations throughout the III Corps Tactical Zone, often engaging in ferocious battles with enemy forces.
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Battle of An Loc (1972): F Troop was instrumental in the defense and relief of An Loc, helping to break the North Vietnamese siege and earning recognition for bravery and tactical prowess.
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“Thunder Run” Tactics: The 11th ACR, including F Troop, was known for their aggressive “thunder run” armored assaults, where columns of tanks and armored vehicles would rapidly penetrate enemy-held areas to disrupt, surprise, and destroy opposing forces.
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Cold War Guardian: After Vietnam, the regiment, including F Troop, was stationed in Germany along the Fulda Gap, serving as America’s first line of defense against potential Soviet invasion during the Cold War.
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Border Patrol Missions: F Troop regularly patrolled the East-West German border, conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response drills—earning the motto “Find the Bastards, Then Pile On.”
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OPFOR at NTC: Since the 1990s, the 11th ACR has been the premier Opposing Force (OPFOR) unit at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, with F Troop providing realistic enemy tactics to train U.S. and allied forces.
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Distinctive Blackhorse Patch: Members of F Troop wear the famous Blackhorse insignia, symbolizing speed, power, and the cavalry’s storied history.
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Honors and Decorations: F Troop and the 2nd Squadron have earned multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations for their actions in Vietnam and other deployments.
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Continued Legacy: Veterans and current troopers of F Troop maintain a strong regimental association, holding reunions and supporting one another, ensuring the storied legacy of the Blackhorse lives on.
