2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

Recently renamed from the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is among the oldest Cavalry units in the United States Army, first riding horses, then tanks and heavy armored fighting vehicles, and now the medium-weight wheeled armored Stryker combat vehicles.

History

It is the longest-standing cavalry unit in the Army.

Organization

Assigned to Seventh United States Army and United States Army Europe, it is a Stryker Brigade Combat Team with three ground squadrons, an aviation squadron, and a fires squadron. It is commanded by COL James R. Blackburn, whose senior enlisted adviser is Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Mark A. Morris. The unit is based at Rose Barracks in Vilsack, Germany.

Early history

As the 2d Regiment of Dragoons , it was created on May 23, 1836 to fight in the Florida Seminole Indian Campaigns. Dragoons are mounted infantry that dismount to fight. In 1942, it was moved to Fort Jessup, Louisiana and Fort Towson, Indian Territory, to guard the western frontier of the United States.

In 1846, the War with Mexico began over control of Texas. At the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, General Taylor ordered Captain Charles May to attack a Mexican defensive positioned, reinforced with a battery of artillery. Captain May led his squadron of D & E companies against the strongly held Mexican position and with speed and shock effect penetrated the Mexican lines allowing for the defeat of the Mexican defenses. Captain May’s order of the day would become the Regiment’s motto “Remember your Regiment and follow your Officers!” During this war the Regiment earned 14 additional Battle Streamers for their actions in combat.

Gulf War

It served as an Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Gulf War, distinguishing itself at the Battle of 73 Easting.