News from the Regiment - February 2026 |
As we prepare for the first rotation of the year, 26-05 with 3d Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Blackhorse leads strong after weeks of recovery and preparation, ready to fight. February has brought many achievements, competitions, community events, and lots more. Blackhorse has prepared and is hitting the ground running with the first rotation. Allons! |
Blackhorse recently celebrated its 125th birthday, with this, we acknowledge and thank those that served before us and those Troopers that serve this day.
Founded on 2 February 1901 as a horse mounted cavalry unit, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment has served the nation for over a century across nearly every major era of conflict. Blackhorse troopers first saw action during the Philippine-American War and the Mexican Expedition, later charging into history in World War II during the Normandy invasion and the liberation of Europe.
The Regiment continued its legacy through Vietnam, stood watch against aggression during the Cold War, and answered the call again in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Cuba. In every generation, Blackhorse has adapted to meet the demands of modern warfare while preserving its proud cavalry heritage.
Today, the Regiment carries that legacy forward as the Army’s premier Opposing Force at the National Training Center, forging combat-ready formations and sharpening the force for future conflict.
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Earlier this month, the 58th Combat Engineer Company, 1/11, conducted a Change of Responsibility ceremony marking a transition in leadership. During the ceremony, 1SG Baker formally relinquished responsibility and passed the colors to 1SG Korkki. The event recognized 1SG Baker’s dedication and service while welcoming 1SG Korkki to assume responsibility and uphold the unit’s standard of excellence. Allons! |
Trooper of the week, SGT Guillen, a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, excelled during E3B by developing and executing a maintenance plan that ensured all Rear D vehicles completed required QA/QC for the upcoming rotation. He achieved over 90% manhours documentation the highest in the regiment. Serving as the HHT Team Chief, he leads one of the regiment’s largest fleets with exceptional technical skill and leadership. His performance earned him selection for promotion to Staff Sergeant, effective 1 February 2026.
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Recently, a few of our Troopers were recognized with the High Desert Heroes award for their outstanding service and excellence in support of the National Training Center. Congratulations to these fine Troopers on a well-earned recognition! |
The Regiment is proud to welcome the newest Expert Badge holders! Congratulations to the Troopers who earned their Expert Badge during E3B testing. Through discipline, technical proficiency, and mental toughness, these Troopers demonstrated mastery of warrior tasks and drills under demanding conditions. Earning the Expert Soldier Badge (ESB), Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB), and Expert Field Medic Badge (EFMB), represent commitment to excellence and a standard that sets the example for others to follow. Well, done to all who met the mark and proved they are experts in their craft. Blackhorse!
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Recently, Immortal Troop attended a demonstration hosted by General Dynamics Mission Systems with support from AeroVironment (AV) and Swarmbotics, providing leaders a firsthand exposure to emerging capabilities supporting next-generation terrain shaping. The demonstration showcased a range of systems, including UAS, autonomous platforms, and advanced artificial intelligence technologies, offering valuable insight into how these capabilities may enhance future training and operational environments.
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Congratulations to PFC Cerrillo on her selection as Trooper of the Week. PFC Cerrillo has become a key asset to her Platoon through her exceptional work ethic and focus. She has consistently shown exceptional work ethic by conducting thorough, timely PMCS on her own vehicle and those of other crews, significantly boosting the Platoon’s operational readiness. Her initiative in assisting the Platoon mechanics beyond the traditional operator–mechanic relationship has been clearly recognized and remains a major contributor to the Platoon’s readiness. During the Troop COMMEX, her efforts were essential to 3rd Platoon’s success. Her maturity, commitment, and willingness to take on extra responsibility set the standard for her peers, and we again congratulate her on earning Trooper of the Week.
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The first-ever Best Drone Warfighter Competition launched and concluded in Huntsville, AL, where Blackhorse proudly showcased the capabilities, precision, and skill of our drone warfighters. Blackhorse and other units in Active duty, the National Guard, and Reserves tackled demanding drone scenarios that test lethality, adaptability, and agility through multiple training scenarios. From tactical maneuvers to mission-critical operations, this competition highlighted the future of modern warfare.
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Congratulations to PFC Edwin Garcia Torres on being selected as the Trooper of the Week. We proudly recognized this 92Y Unit Supply Specialist whose impact has been immediate and enduring. In just one year of service, he has exemplified professionalism, accountability, and mission-first dedication. He distinguished himself further by earning the Expert Soldier Badge—an achievement that reflects his discipline, technical skill, and pursuit of excellence. PFC Torres sets the standard and continues to lead through action.
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Congratulations to SPC Douglas Absher on winning the 2025 Western Hemisphere Command AG Soldier of the Year!
He performed against three Soldiers representing Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, and Fort Stewart—installations known for producing some of the most disciplined, resilient, and combat-ready warriors in our Army.
The AG Soldier of the Year is a prestigious Army competition within the Adjutant General’s Corps. It recognizes the top enlisted Soldier (42A Human Resources Specialist or similar AG MOS) across a command or corps based on a combination of Soldier skills, professionalism, and leadership excellence. Soldiers are nominated by their units and selected to represent their commands at higher-level competitions. |
Congratulations to SPC Aiden Diefenbacher and PFC Darien Harris on being selected as our Blackhorse Troopers of the Week.
SPC Diefenbacher, a Tank Driver in D Company, 1/11th ACR, has proven himself a dedicated leader and technical expert. During the block leave period, he stepped up as an informal leader for our newest Soldiers who remained at the National Training Center, building morale and strengthening the team. His in-depth knowledge of the M1 Abrams platform and his hands-on leadership during PMCS operations reinforced readiness and set the standard for excellence within the formation.
PFC Harris, a 19K M1 Armor Crewman in C Troop, 1/11th ACR, continues to lead by example. Earning the Expert Soldier Badge with the distinction of “sharpest edge,” he demonstrated discipline and technical skill by completing every task on the first attempt. As a member of the Order of the Spur and a proven contributor during NTC rotations, he has shown versatility by serving as a rifleman in a dismounted squad and participating in night raids on enemy C2 nodes. His reliability, initiative, and commitment to mission success reflect tremendous potential for future leadership.
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Do you have items of interest that are related to the Blackhorse? Please send them to Clint Ancker, Director of Communications, at band...@aol.com. |
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