‘Brave Rifles’ recognize new engineer squadron with activation ceremony

Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Dator | Friends and family members from of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment render salute during a playing of the National Anthem at the Engineer Squadron “Pioneer,” 3d Cavalry Regiment activation ceremony held June 16 on post. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Dator, 3rd Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

06.16.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Dator 

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

FORT HOOD, Texas - More than 100 Soldiers gathered to attend the Regimental Engineer Squadron “Pioneer,” 3rd Cavalry Regiment activation ceremony held June 16 at Starker Gym on post.

The “Pioneer” squadron coordinates engineer operations in support of the regiment during deployment and in garrison. The addition of this unit makes seven squadrons active in the “Brave Rifles.” The additional squadron enables increased mission command for military and signal intelligence, as well as anti-armor capabilities for the regiment as a whole.

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Lynn Ray, the Pioneer Squadron commander unfurled the unit colors with Command Sgt. Major Rodney Holloway, the squadron command sergeant major marking the official activation of the squadron.

"We have some of the best Soldiers the Army has to offer standing out here in formation,'" said Holloway.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges the future holds for our engineers and as well as Soldiers in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment with one of the newest units the Army has to offer,” he said.

The ceremony marks the complete transition of the regiment from a heavy armored cavalry unit to a fully mission capable Stryker unit.

“These transitions are all part of the Army’s ever changing needs to win in a complex world across multiple mission sets,” said Col. Cameron Cantlon, commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and host of the event.

“We meet these challenges while also caring for Soldiers, Families and members of our community,” he said.

A reception followed the activation that also included an awards ceremony, and pictures with leadership and the command team.

• Date Taken: 06.16.2015
• Date Posted: 06.22.2015 12:11
• Story ID: 167643
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US