Allons and greetings from the Blackhorse Regiment. This past month has been busy and full of many events, as we are preparing for the upcoming rotation. Our Troopers worked non-stop and dedicated their full time to our change of commands, spur rides, leader events, and more. Allons!
The Gunslinger Troop of 2nd Squadron held a Change of Responsibility recently, bidding farewell to 1SG Pavlin as he passes the guidon to 1SG Lally. We extend our gratitude to 1SG Pavlin as his leadership during his tenure left a remarkable impact amongst the ranks and wish him the best on his next endeavor. We welcome 1SG Lally, coming from NTCs Operations Group, as we look forward to his implementation of leadership and expertise from this day forward.
Please join us in congratulating U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence for winning the inaugural T2COM Best Squad Competition! This victory is a testament to their unwavering teamwork, grit, and mastery of their craft. They represent the lethal, adaptable, and ready force we are building for the future.
We also want to recognize the incredible individual achievements of two standout leaders. A massive congratulations to SPC Ryan Jones for being named the T2COM Soldier of the Year and SGT James Kitchen National Training Center/Fort Irwin for earning the title of T2COM NCO of the Year! Your leadership and dedication are inspiration.
We recognize SGT Christopher Rezabeck for his outstanding initiative and leadership. SGT Rezabeck led the cleanup and movement of over 51,000 pounds of excess equipment and coordinated the lateral transfer of more than 50 pieces of property from the Horse Detachment back to garrison control. His organization, attention to detail, and drive ensured the mission was completed efficiently and set conditions for continued success. On top of it all, he’s simply a solid teammate and great guy to have in the formation. Well done!
After days of demanding lanes and tough competition, the inaugural T2COM Best Squad Competition has officially wrapped. Teams were pushed through rigorous physical and mental challenges designed to test warrior tasks, medical skills, teamwork, and overall readiness. Blackhorse Troopers proudly represented the Regiment showcasing their grit and professionalism throughout the event. Congratulations to all participants and our Troopers for representing Blackhorse with pride and reinforcing the standard of excellence.
1st Squadron, Dealer Company marked a day of transition and continuity with a Change of Command and Change of Responsibility ceremony, honoring the outgoing leadership while welcoming the new command team.
During the Change of Command, outgoing commander, CPT Dawn Mcluckie relinquished the guidon after a period of dedicated leadership, passing command to incoming commander, CPT Paul Duffy, who expressed confidence in the formation and the mission ahead. Immediately following, outgoing 1SG Alfred Gernon transferred responsibility to 1SG Joshua Whitfield, entrusting the care, discipline, and mentorship of the troopers to the unit’s new senior enlisted leader.
Together, the ceremony highlighted the strength of the command team and the continued commitment to readiness and excellence moving forward.
1st Squadron, Bandit troop, held a change of command to mark the passing of leadership and the continuation of the mission. CPT Eduardo Silva passed the guidon after leading the Troop through a period of hard work, commitment and steady readiness. The formation then welcomed CPT Andrew Mosser who assumed command and shared his enthusiasm for serving alongside the Troopers of Bandit. The ceremony recognized the accomplishments of CPT Silva while ushering in new leadership focused on building momentum and driving the Troop forward.
Coldsteel Troop, 1st Squadron bid farewell to one chapter of leadership and welcomed the next during a change of command recognizing the service of CPT Jones, and the arrival of CPT Lee.
During his time in command CPT Jones led Coldsteel through demanding training, field exercises, and daily operations that strengthened the Troop’s readiness and cohesion. His commitment to soldiers and mission set a strong foundation that will continue to shape the Troop moving forward.
As CPT Lee assumes command, Coldsteel Troop looks ahead with confidence and momentum. With new leadership at the helm, the Troops remain ready to build on past achievements and continue delivering excellence wherever the mission calls.
1st Squadron, HHT recently conducted a Change of Command marking the transition of leadership and continued mission focus.
Outgoing commander, CPT Ratta relinquished command after a period of strong, ready, and dedicated service to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop. Incoming commander, CPT Lopez assumed command, expressing pride in the formation and confidence in leading Troopers forward.
The ceremony highlights transition, continuity, and honoring CPT Ratta’s impact while welcoming CPT Lopez as she takes the guidon and leads 1st Squadron HHT. Allons!
Immortal Troop lit up the range during recent M4 day and night operations, pushing the pace from sunrise through the dark. Troopers dialed in their marksmanship, speed, and communication while engaging targets in both daylight and low-visibility conditions.
Under night skies and limited light, Soldiers proved they can identify, engage, and win the fight anytime, anywhere. Reps on the range today mean readiness for whatever comes tomorrow.
SGT Marinho showed outstanding initiative and leadership while serving as the troop’s sole NCO for chow operations—independently coordinating pickup, accountability, service, maintenance, and recovery to standard without supervision. She also took the initiative to restore two non-mission capable LMTVs, reestablishing contingency vehicle capability for the first time in over six months and boosting the troop’s readiness. Despite long hours and demanding conditions, she maintained a positive attitude and continuously asked “what’s next.” Her dedication and professionalism directly contributed to mission success and reflect great credit upon herself, the troop, and the regiment.
The CFT is designed to better reflect the physical demands of modern combat, focusing on strength, endurance, agility, and functional fitness. It’s all about ensuring Soldiers are prepared for real-world missions—lifting, carrying, sprinting, and pushing through under pressure.
As the Army continues to modernize and prioritize combat readiness, this test represents the shift toward building stronger, more resilient teams ready to fight and win. Blackhorse!
On May 15th, the Gunslinger Troop bid farewell to CPT Joshua Eatough.
During his command, CPT Joshua Eatough, provided steady leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the Soldiers and mission of the Regiment. His impact across the formation helped strengthen readiness, and professionalism.
We thank CPT Eatough for his service and commitment to the squadron and wish him and his family continued success as he takes command at his next unit.
In turn, CPT Michael Miles Coccaro takes on the mantle of GUNS 6. Poised to keep the momentum, the Gunslinger Troop heads into these upcoming months driving forward, pushing the Regiment forward.
Recently, troopers of Eaglehorse Squadron put their grit and teamwork to the test during the Squadron Spur Ride — a time-honored cavalry tradition that challenges Soldiers physically, mentally, and emotionally while strengthening esprit de corps. The Spur Ride is a rite of passage designed to test endurance, warrior skills, and the ability to push through adversity as a team while reinforcing the cavalry ethos of discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
Congratulations to our newest Spur Holders who proved their determination and earned the right to wear their spurs!
View Spur Ride Photos
On May 19th, the Regiment Support Squadron conducted a change of command to demonstrate the transition of leadership and continuation of mission focus, recognizing the service of the outgoing Squadron Commander, LTC Jason D. Phillips, and welcoming the incoming Squadron Commander, LTC Jairus Roberts.
During his time in command, LTC Phillips led the Regiment Support Squadron through intense rotational training, as well as mission readiness. His impact on RSS has drastically improved its battlefield lethality. We thank LTC Phillips and his family for their unwavering dedication to the squadron.
As LTC Roberts assumes command, we look forward to the experience as well as leadership that he brings to the team, as the Squadron continues to support the Regimental mission. With new leadership, the Squadron stands prepared to develop on the strong foundation built for them by past leadership and continue striving for operational excellence.
On May 20th, soldiers, leaders, and family members gathered as 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment received new leadership during their change of command ceremony. The Regiment bid farewell to LTC Don Y. Kim, who passed the guidon to the current Eaglehorse Squadron Commander, LTC Michael G. Wechsler III.
The event recognized the leadership and contributions of LTC Kim, whose time in command was defined by intense operational tempo, increased unit cohesion, and tactical excellency. Under his leadership, the Eaglehorse Squadron maintained a high focus on the Regimental mission, while overcoming challenges across the formation. The Regiment thanks LTC Kim and his family for their commitment and sacrifices during his command.
The ceremony also marked the beginning of LTC Michael G. Wechsler III’s command of the Eaglehorse Squadron. As the Squadron progresses onward, it remains committed to further bolster mission readiness, support the regiment, and build upon the professionalism and accomplishments of the unit.
We recognize SGT Rivera, who earned Trooper of the Week for exceptional leadership, tactical proficiency, and unwavering dedication to mission success throughout range density and preparation for Team Attack. His disciplined planning, thorough rehearsals, and attention to detail shaped Alpha Team into the Troop’s most capable and reliable element. Under his guidance, the team consistently demonstrated clear communication, coordinated movement, and confident execution during all reactions and assaults. SGT Rivera’s exampledriven leadership, commitment to standards, and ability to develop highly prepared Soldiers directly contributed to mission accomplishment.
1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment marked a transition in leadership as LTC Andrew A. Brown formally relinquished command of the Squadron on the 21st of May.
The event recognized the dedication and service LTC Brown provided to the formation during his tenure, highlighting the impact of his leadership on the troopers of Ironhorse Squadron and mission of the Regiment. As he departs the organization, the Regiment thanks him for his contributions and continued commitment to Blackhorse standards.
