Tennessee Army National Guard's 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment has assumed the responsibility of the United States contribution to the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence initiative in Orzysz, Poland. The task force conducted a transfer of authority with 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based in Vilseck Germany. In cooperation with the National Guard Bureau, Army National Guard units will fulfill this requirement for the next two nine-month rotations.
One squadron (battalion) of the regiment is in Poland.
I had my hopes up that this was a real armored cavalry regiment. The unit home page actually says it is an armored cavalry unit, but it is clearly old since it also says it is one of only two such units in the Total Army. Alas, we lost the last of them in 2011. Drat.
Apparently the 278th is simply an armored brigade combat team these days, although with only two heavy battalions (squadrons). Oddly, the Wikipedia entry says the brigade is equipped with M-3 Bradley Cavalry Vehicles, which are the cavalry version of the infantry fighting vehicle that would only hold a couple scouts rather than part of a full squad.
It seems to me that we could use armored cavalry regiments in Poland and the Baltic states. The 278th is not providing that capability.
