Archive for the 'OIF 2003-2004' Category

Operations Iraqi Freedom – Resolute Sword – Dragoon Sabre

December 18th, 2005

IraqCampaignMedalCamp Muleskinner, Iraq
The 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment and attached units served with distinction in the Global War on Terrorism in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM from 30 March 2003 until re-deployment on 15 July 2004. The Regiment had elements OPCON to the 3rd Infantry Division and the 82nd Airborne Division during Major Combat Operations (30 March -“ 15 May 03) against Saddam’ s Regime and the destruction of the Iraqi Army and then OPCON to 1st Armored Division (16 May 2003 -15 July 2004), distinguishing themselves by extraordinary heroism and gallantry during combat, stability and security operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Resolute Sword (90 day combat extension). Regardless of the mission or task at hand, each Squadron and separate company played a vital role in returning Iraq to the control of the Iraqi people and in improving the quality of life for the citizens of eastern Baghdad and southern Iraq. Throughout the deployment, all assigned and attached units performed their missions while under constant threat from guerilla style attacks by former regime loyalists, insurgents, and foreign terrorist networks. This narrative highlights some of the Regiment’ s greatest accomplishments, but cannot hope to give due recognition to all the remarkable accomplishments of the Troopers of the Regiment. It is simply an overview of the major events that contributed to the success of the Regiment during its fifteen months in the Iraqi theater. Continue Reading »

Lightning Troop

December 18th, 2005

Article and photos courtesy of Jason Hastings.

IraqCampaignMedalLightning Troop, 3/2 ACR deployed to Camp Doha, Kuwait on October 1, 2002 for a six-month rotation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Lightning replaced Bull Troop, 1/2 ACR, who had deployed in April of that year. Lightning’ s mission was to provide convoy escort to US forces who were moving from the port in Kuwait City to staging areas near the Iraq border.

While at Camp Doha, Lightning was given three additional missions. They assumed the security for the camp itself, detached 1st Platoon (+) to Camp Doha, Qatar for a 45 day security mission, and detached 2d Platoon to provide security for nearby Camp Udari, for approximately 60 days. Lightning was also augmented with an MP platoon to help with their growing schedule of convoy escort missions, and were also bumped up with a platoon from the Marine Corps Reserve during a particular port security mission.

On March 21st, 2003 the ground war began and Lightning Troop watched the war develop on their television sets at Camp Doha, Kuwait. Each day 6-10 Scud missile alerts kept them on their toes and they spent a few hours each day in MOPP 4. The sirens soon became routine and bothersome and the troop was only reminded of the reality of the situation when an occasional nearby Patriot missile was launched to intercept the Scuds. The Scud alerts died down as US forces made their way deeper into Iraq. Continue Reading »