Armor Branch (United States)

Armor Branch (United States)
Unit name	Armor Branch
Caption	Branch insignia of the U.S. Army Armor Branch
Dates	1776–present (as cavalry); 1940–present (as armor)
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Combat arms
Role	Armored warfare
Garrison	Fort Moore, Georgia
Motto	"The Combat Arm of Decision"
Colors	Yellow
Equipment	M1 Abrams, M2 Bradley, M3 Bradley
Battles	American Revolutionary War, American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Current commander	Chief of Armor
Identification symbol	75px

Armor Branch (United States) is a combat arms branch of the United States Army responsible for armored warfare and mounted combined arms operations. Tracing its lineage to the cavalry units of the Continental Army, the modern branch was formally established during the sweeping reforms of the Army Reorganization Act of 1950. Headquartered at Fort Moore in Georgia, its forces operate main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and cavalry reconnaissance systems, serving as the Army's primary maneuver force in large-scale ground combat.

History

The branch's origins lie in the mounted troops of the Continental Army, with the 1st Cavalry Regiment being the oldest continuously serving unit. Following the American Civil War, the United States Cavalry played a pivotal role in the American Indian Wars and the Spanish–American War. The need for mechanized forces became apparent during World War I, leading to the creation of the United States Tank Corps under pioneers like George S. Patton. The National Defense Act of 1920 dissolved this corps, assigning tanks to the Infantry. The stunning success of German Panzer divisions in the early stages of World War II prompted the U.S. to establish the Armored Force in 1940 at Fort Knox, commanded by General Jacob L. Devers. Armor units were decisive in campaigns like the Battle of the Bulge and the Invasion of Normandy. Post-war, the branch was officially created, with its soldiers seeing extensive action in the Korean War at battles like Imjin River and during the Cold War in Europe. The Vietnam War saw the use of M48 Patton tanks and the M551 Sheridan, while the Gulf War showcased the dominance of the M1 Abrams during operations like Operation Desert Storm. More recently, armor units have been deployed to the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Organization

The Armor Branch is organized under the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), with the Armor School located at Fort Moore. The primary maneuver units are Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs), which are integral components of divisions like the 1st Infantry Division and the 1st Cavalry Division. These brigades combine tank battalions, armored cavalry squadrons, and mechanized infantry within the Stryker or Bradley Fighting Vehicle formations. The branch also includes reconnaissance units such as the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. Operational command typically falls under United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) or combatant commands like CENTCOM. The senior officer is the Chief of Armor, who represents the branch within the United States Department of the Army.

Equipment

The cornerstone of the branch's offensive power is the M1 Abrams main battle tank, continually upgraded through versions like the M1A2 SEP. The primary infantry fighting vehicle is the M2 Bradley, with the M3 Bradley serving as a cavalry fighting vehicle. Reconnaissance units employ the M1128 Mobile Gun System variant of the Stryker family and the M1296 Dragoon. Other critical vehicles include the M1097 Avenger for air defense and various versions of the M113 armored personnel carrier for support roles. Future modernization efforts are focused on the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program, which includes the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle intended to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and the M10 Booker combat vehicle.

Training

Initial officer training occurs at the United States Military Academy, Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs, and the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course (ABOLC) at Fort Moore. Enlisted soldiers attend the Armor Crewman (19K) military occupational specialty course at Fort Moore, which includes instruction on the M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley. Advanced collective training is conducted at combat training centers like the National Training Center at Fort Irwin and the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson. Key professional military education courses include the Armor Captain's Career Course and the Maneuver Captain's Career Course. The branch also participates in multinational exercises such as Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe.

Insignia and traditions

The branch insignia is the crossed sabers of the traditional cavalry, mounted on a tank track, symbolizing the merger of horse and mechanized cavalry. The branch color is yellow, derived from the cavalry. The official motto is "The Combat Arm of Decision." A key tradition is the Order of the Spur ceremony, where soldiers earning spurs are inducted into the "brotherhood of the tank." The Armor Association publishes the professional journal Armor. The branch celebrates its heritage at the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor at Fort Moore, named for General George S. Patton.

Notable members

Prominent figures include General Creighton Abrams, for whom the M1 Abrams tank is named, and General George S. Patton, a pioneer of American armored doctrine. General Paul Funk commanded the 3rd Armored Division during the Gulf War. Colonel John R. Haines was a notable commander in the Korean War. Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, a cavalry scout, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in the Iraq War. Other distinguished leaders include General Frederick M. Franks Jr., who commanded VII Corps during Operation Desert Storm, and General Donn A. Starry, a key architect of modern AirLand Battle doctrine.

Category:Armor Branch (United States) Category:Combat arms of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1950