FORT BLISS, Texas – The 5th Armored Brigade welcomed it’s tenth battalion - the 3rd Battalion, 364th Engineer Regiment, “Rampant” - during an uncasing ceremony at the Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums Aug. 24.

“Just a few moments ago, we witnessed a crisp, concise uncasing ceremony, a tremendous military tradition that signified the relocation to Fort Bliss and inclusion of the ‘Rampant’ team into the ‘Dagger’ Brigade,” said Col. Eric O. Schacht, commander, 5th Armored Brigade.

For the past two years, “Rampant” performed a diverse post-mobilization training mission at Joint Base Lewis-McChord as part of the 191st Infantry Brigade. During that time, the battalion trained portions of over 50 units, totaling over 4600 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

Most notably, the battalion had training readiness oversight responsibility for 11 diverse units ranging in size from brigade to detachment. These unit types range from a Tactical Theater Signal Brigade to a Forward Surgical Team.

Bringing a unique capability to the 5th Armored Brigade, they deliver technical engineer skills in addition to combat engineering, to include firefighting, surveying, and vertical and horizontal construction.

Schacht completed his speech by conveying his trust in the new “Rampant” team.

“Lt. Col. Dorf and Command Sgt. Major Meeks, let me express my complete confidence in your formation and their ability to provide outstanding training to our joint warfighters. The ‘Rampant’ battalion has already proven itself as a true asset in our brigade…,” added Schacht. “Your battalion’s leadership is strong, the soldiers are experienced and the brigade welcomes you. I know your battalion will continue to build upon Division West’s collective reputation as the Army’s premier trainers.”

Future missions for the “Rampant” soldiers include route clearance and engineer specialty equipment training; training to continually keep joint warfighters safe as they prepare to deploy.

“The patrols and lanes will be long, the air hot and dusty, the terrain similar to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Dorf, “Rampant” commander. “A real mission, a good engineer mission, a mission to hone skills and prepare engineers for the hardships of combat.”

In closing, Dorf addressed his soldiers, expressing assurance and faith in them to complete the mission successfully.

“To the soldiers of the battalion, especially those who made the trip south, I know this effort will be worth your while,” said Dorf. “As with all moves, there is uncertainty, trepidation and the unknown, but within a short time, we’ll transform and be ready to serve and train the engineer mission - whatever it will be.”

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