2nd Infantry Regiment

2nd Infantry Regiment
Unit name	2nd Infantry Regiment
Caption	Regimental distinctive insignia
Dates	1808–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry, garrison, expeditionary
Size	Regiment
Command structure	United States Army Center of Military History
Garrison	Fort Jay, Governor's Island (historical)
Nickname	"Second Infantry"
Motto	"Noli Me Tangere"

2nd Infantry Regiment is a longstanding unit of the United States Army with continuous service since the early 19th century, participating in major conflicts from the War of 1812 through the Global War on Terrorism. The regiment has served in expeditionary operations, garrison duties, continental defense, and overseas campaigns, and is recognized for actions in the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, both World War I and World War II, and post-9/11 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its history intersects with institutions such as the War Department (United States), the Department of the Army, and the United States Military Academy.

History

The regiment traces origins to the reorganization of the United States Army in 1808 under the Jefferson administration and early directives from the Secretary of War (United States), reflecting tensions preceding the War of 1812 and operations along the Atlantic Coast (North America). During the War of 1812, elements served at coastal defenses in New York City, Baltimore, and Plattsburgh, linking to campaigns associated with Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and General Jacob Brown. In the Mexican–American War, units fought under generals such as Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor in engagements related to the Battle of Monterrey and the Siege of Veracruz. The regiment's Civil War service included actions in the Army of the Potomac and engagements near Fredericksburg, Virginia, interacting with commanders like George B. McClellan and Ambrose Burnside. In the late 19th century the regiment deployed to Cuba in the Spanish–American War and to the Philippines during the Philippine–American War, confronting leaders of the First Philippine Republic. In the 20th century, the regiment participated in mobilizations during World War I and World War II, operating under theaters including the European Theater of Operations and linking to formations such as the Fourth Infantry Division and the Eighth Army. During the Cold War, elements served in homeland defense and NATO-related exercises, later deploying to Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) operations.

Lineage and honors

The regiment's official lineage records reflect consolidation, redesignation, and reorganization actions promulgated by the Adjutant General of the Army and preserved by the Center of Military History (United States Army). Honors include campaign credits for the Defence of New York (1813), Mexico 1846–1848, Vicksburg Campaign, Manila, Aisne-Marne, Normandy, and modern campaigns for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Decorations awarded to the regiment and its subordinate units include citations from the Department of the Army and unit decorations such as the Presidential Unit Citation (United States), foreign awards from allies like France and South Korea, and commendations associated with actions alongside formations including the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Infantry Division.

Organization and structure

Historically organized as a single regiment within the line infantry of the United States Army, the unit's structure evolved from company-based formations to battalion-centric organization under Army reforms such as the Regimental System (United States Army), the Combat Arms Regimental System, and the United States Army Regimental System. Typical subordinate elements have included rifle companies, heavy weapons companies, and headquarters companies; in modern eras the regiment has comprised multiple battalions assigned to brigades within corps-level commands like III Corps and V Corps. The regiment has been garrisoned at posts including Fort Jay, Fort Benning, Fort Lewis, and overseas at installations such as Camp Casey and Schofield Barracks.

Campaigns and engagements

The regiment's engagements span early 19th-century coastal defense actions during the War of 1812 to 19th-century continental campaigns in Northern Mexico and occupation duties in Cuba and the Philippines. Civil War operations placed elements in major Eastern Theater battles associated with the Army of the Potomac, including campaigns around Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg-era maneuvers. In the 20th century, the regiment fought in operations related to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in World War I and participated in amphibious and combined-arms operations during World War II under theater commands such as SHAEF. Late-century and contemporary campaigns include counterinsurgency and stability operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, collaborating with coalition partners including forces from United Kingdom, Australia, and South Korea.

Notable commanders and personnel

Prominent officers associated with the regiment include senior leaders who later served in the Department of Defense and as corps commanders within formations such as XV Corps and XIII Corps, as well as company-grade officers who received individual awards like the Medal of Honor (United States). Historical figures connected by service or command include officers who interacted with generals Winfield Scott, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, and Omar Bradley. Enlisted personnel from the regiment have been recognized in citations alongside units such as the Rangers, National Guard (United States), and United States Marine Corps forces during joint operations.

Traditions and insignia

Regimental traditions encompass the motto "Noli Me Tangere", the distinctive unit insignia approved by the Institute of Heraldry (United States), and colors displayed during ceremonies at locations such as Fort Myer and historic parades in Washington, D.C.. Honors are reflected on the regimental colors with streamers denoting campaigns like Vicksburg, Normandy, and modern operational streamers for Iraq and Afghanistan. Ceremonial practices align with Army customs originating from the Continental Army and institutionalized in regulations from the Center of Military History and the Army Human Resources Command.

Equipment and weapons

Over its history, the regiment has been equipped with small arms and crew-served weapons transitioning from early flintlock muskets and Model 1816 musket types to percussion rifles in the Mexican–American War, to breech-loading rifles such as the Springfield Model 1873, to semiautomatic and automatic arms including the M1 Garand, M14 rifle, M16 rifle, and modern M4 carbine. Support weapons fielded by the regiment have included machine guns like the Browning M2, crew-served systems such as the M240 machine gun, indirect-fire assets like the M224 mortar, anti-armor systems including the M72 LAW and Javelin (missile), and vehicles for mobility such as the Humvee and Stryker in later deployments.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army