• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Days Forward

West Point Class of 1969

  • Starting Out
    • Making the Cut
    • Becoming a Cadet
    • Where Did They Go?
  • Browse the Stories
    • Authors
    • Map
    • Search
    • Archive
  • Contact

Armor

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 Combat Arm of Decision

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.

Motto: The Combat Arm of Decision

Authors Who Served in the Armor Branch

  • Hamilton, John
  • Ivany, Bob
  • Ivany, Marianne
  • Johnson, Doug
  • Leister, Al
  • Madigan, Doug
  • Miller, Guy
  • Moran, Geoff
  • Russell, Jim
  • Taylor, Bill
  • Wallace, Dick
  • Wallace, Sallie
  • Wance, Pat
VIEW ALL BRANCHES
CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Patron: St. George

Color: Yellow

Recognition: The St. George Medallion: awarded for outstanding service in the Armor and Cavalry.

Armor Notables: John J. Pershing, George S. Patton, Creighton Abrams, Sr.

Footer

Historians and other inquiries.

Submit a Form

Join our community.
Subscribe to Our Bulletin

Copyright © 2023 · Site by RK Studios