BABIL, Iraq- The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment assumed responsibility for its portion of the New Dawn advise and assist mission in a ceremony marking the occasion in the Babil province of Iraq on Thursday, Sept. 30.
The regiment has trained to assist the Iraqis in the continued stabilization of the nation for the past year. This is the “Regiment of Mounted Riflemen’s” 4th deployment to Iraq. They are the first brigade size element to arrive in support of New Dawn.
“By advising and assisting our Iraqi brothers- we are here to help put a check mark in the victory column for the people of Iraq and the United States,” said Col. Reginald E. Allen, commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Operation New Dawn is a advise and assist mission designed to bring operations in Iraq to a close and bring the remaining US Troops in Iraq home by the end of 2011. It signifies the new role of the US military in a non-combat role. This allows the Iraqis to have command and control of their own country.
The regiment was created in 1846 and has proudly served in Iraq in three previous deployments. The unit known as the “Brave Rifles” is in southern Iraq and was one of the first units in Iraq when the war started and, fulfilling this mission, it will be one of the last.
“The 3rd ACR will be one of the last units in Iraq to advise and assist the Iraqi security forces and government to set them up for success as a nation, said Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Hunt, Command Sergeant Major of the Regiment, “Our families and friends back at Fort Hood are and should be proud of the unit and all of the Troopers in it and we are thankful for their great support.”
The 3rd ACR is the only armored cavalry regiment in the US Army and is eager to show its abilities and complete the mission with distinction and honor.
“The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment’s proud history spans 164 years of service. Our regiment’s service began with a mandate to secure the settlers of the old west as they moved along the Oregon Trail. Today, in our fourth deployment to Iraq we continue that tradition as we assist our Iraqi brothers in securing the people of Iraq,” said Allen.