The Mission of the Armor Branch
The Armor Branch is a combat arms branch equipped with tanks. Armor units destroy
enemy forces using maneuver, shock, and firepower.
The History of the Armor Branch
George Washington realized his need for a mounted branch for his Army. In January
1777, four regiments of dragoons were raised. They fought during the rest of the
Revolutionary War. This mounted force was later re-designated the United States Cavalry with that designation remaining until the early 20th century when on 5 March
1918, it became the Tank Service of the Army. In 1920, the Tank Service was
disbanded. Preceding WWII (1941-1945), the U.S. Cavalry transitioned to a
mechanized, mounted force with the Cavalry operating as a horse-mounted,
mechanized or dismounted force. The last horse-mounted cavalry charge by a U.S.
Cavalry unit took place on Bataan in the Philippines in 1942. In 1950 the Cavalry branch
became the Armor branch with tanks.
Read about the legacy of notables who served in the Armor branch of the United States Military.
Motto: The Combat Arm of Decision
Authors Who Served in the Armor Branch
- Donohue, Hugh
- Hamilton, John
- Ivany, Bob
- Ivany, Marianne
- Johnson, Doug
- Leister, Al
- Madigan, Doug
- Meischen, Danford
- Miller, Guy
- Moran, Geoff
- Russell, Jim
- Taylor, Bill
- Wallace, Dick
- Wallace, Sallie
- Wance, Pat
Patron: St. George
Color: Yellow
Recognition: The St. George Medallion: awarded for outstanding service in the Armor and Cavalry.
