1st Armored Division

Selfless Service: America’s newest citizens! 🇺🇸

On August 9, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalized 20 Fort Bliss Soldiers from 14 countries at a naturalization ceremony held at the Fort Bliss Noncommissioned Officer Academy. 17 Soldiers of the 1st Armored Division, 1 Soldier of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and 2 Soldiers of El Paso’s Army Reserve 900th Quartermaster Company raised their right hand and swore an oath of allegiance to become naturalized U.S.

Thank you for serving and congratulations to 1AD Soldiers Spc. Julian A. Garciarodriguez, Pfc. Ayana A. Jones, Pfc. Midjy Lafortun, Pvt. Ana E. Morales De Rauda, , Pvt. Zilal M. Obey, Spc. Daniel A. Valderramainsuasti, Pfc. Hakeem Barry, Pfc. Sadrack Michel, Pfc. Sadrack Michel, Spc. Carlos M. Cifuentesrodriguez, Pfc. Andrew T. Chemaringo, Pfc. Jodi M. S. Williamson, Spc. Marjorie Jon G. Jeremiah, Pfc. Orlando Bogle, Spc. Luis C. Valdez, Pfc. Jonelle, J. Smith, and Pfc. Showayne P. Simpson, , 32d AAMDC Spc. Nidisha George, and 900th QM Pfc. Diego Lunamaldonado and Pfc. Jorge L. Castaneda-Ramos.

Since 2002, the USCIS has naturalized more than 170,000 members of the U.S. military, welcoming them as citizens into the fabric of our nation.

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Speed and Accuracy!

2-3 Field Artillery - Gunners, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division continues to send rounds downrange at Rodriquez Live Fire Range, South Korea. On August 9, 2024, READY Soldiers conducted calibration and Artillery Table 6. Iron Soldiers are deployed to the Republic of Korea in support of Operation Pacific Fortitude supporting long-standing agreements between the U.S. and South Korea by deploying forces, drawing and transporting equipment to validate unit readiness and commitment to the alliance.

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: Rangers lead the way!

Congrats to the 1st Armored Division's newest Rangers 1st Lt. Bryce Milton assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, 2nd Lt. Anton Tumaliuan assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and Spc. Caleb Hilsman assigned to the 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.

They recently graduated from Army Ranger School at Fort Moore, Georgia, which further developed their leadership skills, resiliency, and technical and tactical proficiency.

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We can't be lethal without our equipment

1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, understands the importance of . Technical manuals and inspection worksheets are integral parts of command maintenance. Steel Tiger Soldiers annotate any deficiencies on these forms and work with mechanics to ensure their equipment stays mission ready.

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Are you ready for Relocation Fiesta?

Come join us at the Ft. Bliss Centennial Banquet and Conference Center for Bienvenidos A Bliss Relocation Fair Fiesta on August 20th from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and get a taste of all Fort Bliss and El Paso have to offer!

You will have the opportunity to visit over 100 on and off-post community organizations and learn how they can help make your experience at Fort Bliss a better one.

Remember,

“If the bar ain’t bending, you’re just pretending” 🏋️

1st Battalion 67th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division completed in a "max lift" competition for its recent Death Dealer Challenge. Each company put up an insane amount of weight, but Charlie Company pulled through as the winner. These Iron Soldiers don't just lift weights--they lift each other up, inspiring resilience and mental toughness.

Here’s to the Death Dealers who are pushing boundaries and proving that strength isn’t just physical—it’s a state of mind! 💪 🧠

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Bolstering proficiency 🇦🇺 🇨🇦 🇺🇸

6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division had the pleasure of introducing some of their equipment to our Allies from Australia and Canada. Both Australia and Canada had Officers, Warrants, and Non-Commissioned Officers at a Master Gunner conference held at Fort Bliss, Texas, Aug. 6 - 8. Service members shared learning tips on increasing lethality, trend analysis, and training progression.

Master gunners act as tactical and technical experts for their weapons platform. They earn certifications on their assigned weapons system, ammunition and maintenance. The Army tasks master gunners with preserving the integrity of direct fire training programs. Master gunners increase unit lethality by ensuring Soldiers are trained, ready, and proficient on their platforms.

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"Sappers Lead The Way! Earn the Right!"

Combat Engineers Capt. Jaehyeon Lee and Pfc. Hunter Deason, assigned to Alpha Company, 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, detonate an improvised bangalore during a demolition range at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, South Korea, Aug. 8.

The unit is participating in a deployment readiness exercise in support of Operation Pacific Fortitude, which supports long-standing agreements to the Republic of Korea by deploying forces, drawing and transporting equipment to validate unit readiness and the U.S. commitment to the ROK-US alliance.

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. David Poleski)

Iron Soldiers and Miners in action 🏃

2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division held a competition with the University of Texas - El Paso Miners women’s soccer team.⚽️ Friendly competition motivates us to improve, foster social bonds, develop resiliency, and helps provide stress relief.

This event underscores our strong ties with the El Paso community. We are proud to work closely with UTEP, fostering teamwork both on and off the field. ⛏️

(U.S. Army photos by: Staff Sgt. Mauricio Quezada)

2-3 Field Artillery - Gunners l 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division

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commemorates those wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

the Purple Heart is the oldest American Military Award? Please take a moment today and thank the Purple Heart recipients across the nation for their contributions to their country and service.

Last weekend, El Paso and Fort Bliss leaders and community members honored the lives lost on August 3, 2019, during the City of El Paso Remembrance Ceremony. They unveiled the “August 3rd Memorial,” a stunning granite installation created by local artist Albert “Tino” Ortega.

We came together as a community to reflect, share stories, and pay tribute to our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. In this moment of remembrance, we united to celebrate their lives and the indomitable spirit of El Paso. Let us continue to stand strong together, cherishing the memories of those we lost and committing to a future filled with compassion and understanding.

Happy

M1A2 SEP v2 Abrams tanks assigned to Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, and M109A6 Paladins assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1/1 AD, began live-fire training at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, South Korea. Our Soldiers continue to demonstrate excellence and professionalism as they showcase their precision-fire capabilities.

This portion of their rapid deployment readiness exercise comes after they drew prepositioned vehicles and equipment after arriving the last week of July. This exercise is in support of Pacific Fortitude, which supports long-standing agreements to the Republic of Korea by deploying forces, drawing and transporting equipment to validate unit readiness and the U.S. commitment to the ROK-US alliance.

(📸 by Cpl. David Poleski, Spc. Hunter Grice & Pfc. Dariel Cortes De Jesus)

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Check it out! 📝

The 1st Armored Division made it in the Korean news!

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US Army unit trains for rapid deployment to Korea A U.S. armored unit is conducting a routine exercise to quickly deploy soldiers from the U.S. mainland to Korea as part of efforts to maintain rapid response capabilities, the U.S. Army stationed in the South said Monday.

Attention 19 Series Soldiers! 📣

Interested in career opportunities? The Armor Talent Manager is holding an Armor brief on August 6 and 7, 2024, at the Simulation Center on Fort Bliss. For more details, contact your unit Master Gunner!

Mondays are for the motor pool! 🔧

is an Army wide event that makes sure that units have a specific time set aside to conduct maintenance on their assigned equipment in order to maintain readiness.

READY FIRST Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team demonstrate their commitment to their equipment and mission through their routine maintenance on vehicles and tanks. These could not be fully mission capable without the help of our hardworking Army mechanics and clerks!

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Precision Firepower Unleashed!

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment conducted M320 Gr***de Launcher qualifications at McGregor Range complex.
This standalone, single-shot powerhouse packs a punch with its 40mm grenades, providing our troops with unmatched firepower and versatility on the battlefield.

Our commitment to excellence drives us to stay lethal and continually enhance our knowledge and performance. Iron Soldiers!

(U.S. Army Photos by: Staff Sgt. Felix Mena📸)

Iron Thunder 4-27 FA

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Fort Bliss Sports, Fitness, & Aquatics is hosting the Norwegian Foot March. 🥾

Participate in this endurance test on September 27 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.. Participants will complete an 18.6 mile march while carrying a 24 lb. rucksack. Registration is required and includes a shirt.

Cost: 💵
$20 -- Active Duty
$25 -- DoD Civilian
$30 -- General Public

Register online before Sept. 6 at active.com and search 'Fort Bliss Norwegian Foot March'.

Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division, Division Sustainment Brigade recently conquered an obstacle course at Fort Bliss! 💪🏃‍♂️ The adrenaline-pumping challenge put their skills and teamwork to the test, increasing unit cohesion and mental toughness.

Deputy Commanding General - Operations, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss

Congratulations to our Deputy Commanding General – Operations Brig. Gen. Paul T. Krattiger and his family on his promotion. Brig. Gen. Krattiger has had a positive impact on many people assigned to the division and throughout the Army. His leadership and mentorship are a testament to his character and service, and no one is more deserving of this honor.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dennis McDonough and the Director of VA-DoD Collaboration Office Michael Bowers visited El Paso and Fort Bliss to meet with local leaders and host a roundtable with Soldiers at the El Paso VA Medical Center, Aug. 1, 2024.

Additionally, we were honored to host Mr. Bowers at the 1AD headquarters where he met some of our division leadership and received an overview of the division from our 1AD Historian Maj. Aditya Iyer. Following his visit, Mr. Bowers transitioned to a window tour of the Fort Bliss installation.

High Angled Hell 🚀💥

Mortarmen from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, held mortar gunnery tables I through VI last week. Training as they fight, mortarmen conducted a variety of tasks such as direct lay, quick smoke missions, stress shoots, and coordinated illumination, enhancing cohesiveness within the platoon increasing lethality!

Did you know the earliest use of mortars dates back to the 15th century? Today, mortars have undergone drastic changes with significant improvements, such as the Soltam K6 120mm mortar seen mounted on the M1064A3 Mortar Carrier.



(U.S. Army Photos by: Cpl. David Poleski)

Check out this article by about our Iron Soldiers! 📝

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 1/1 AD, 1st Armored Division, were notified they would leave Fort Bliss, Texas, for a no-notice deployment readiness exercise on July 17, 2024, in support of Operation Pacific Fortitude. Six days later, they began drawing combat equipment at Camp Carroll, South Korea. This demonstrates 1AD's capability to project combat power anytime and anywhere when the nation calls.

Pacific Fortitude enhances the U.S. Army’s combat readiness and the ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, and further strengthens security and stability on the Korean peninsula.

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Deployment readiness exercise demonstrates Army’s rapid response capabilities On July 17, 2024, Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, were notified they would le...

Maintaining lethality through sustainment support! ⛽

On July 31, 2024, Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division conducted an aerial refueling mission at Fort Bliss, Texas. A platoon of M1097s Paladins executed a tactical movement to a helicopter landing zone in the desert and linked up with a CH-47 for a successful refueling operation.

Charlie Battery “Conquerors” showcased the viability of refueling armored vehicles in a tactical environment while demonstrating the prowess of the 1st Armored Division’s artillery capabilities.

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(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Marquis McCants📸)

Paladin Partnership for Pacific Readiness

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment teamed-up with cannon crew members assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment to help train them as they prepared to deploy in support of Operation Pacific Fortitude.

This crucial exercise is testing the readiness of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division provide capable, trained and combat-ready forces that will sustain the defense of the Korean Peninsula, while building on the already strong Alliance with our Republic of Korea counterparts. To ensure seamless operations, the 2-3 Field Artillery - Gunners crews cross-trained with Iron Thunder 4-27 FA on the M109A6 Paladin. From classroom instruction to hands-on training, these dedicated Soldiers increased their expertise to support our Allies.



(U.S. Army Photos by: Staff Sgt. Felix Mena📸)

See something, say something!

August is U.S. Army Antiterrorism Awareness Month, intended to increase threat awareness for our Army community. We can preserve readiness by educating how to detect and report suspicious behavior or activity.

If you see suspicious activity, please report concerns to authorities: Military Police, Local Police, Army CID. Let's work together to keep our Nation, Service Members, Families and Civilians safe from terrorism.

Join us for August’s Warrior Restaurant Family Dinner Night! 🌴🍽️

Mark your calendars for an evening of delicious food on August 6, 2024. This month, we are excited to feature mouth-watering dishes from the Pacific Islands, prepared by our talented culinary teams from Ready First, Strike Hard, Muleskinner, Bamford, and McGregor!

Forging Strength Through Unity 🌍

The 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 1/1 AD, 1st Armored Division, forward deployed to the Republic of Korea in support of Operation Pacific Fortitude continues to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability in the Land of the Morning Calm. The 1ABCT, 1AD is currently executing RSOI to increase the collective defense and security to train and fight alongside our Korean Allies.

Iron Soldiers deployed around the world are committed to enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and ensuring a unified and effective response to today's complex challenges.

(📸 by Sgt. Eric Kestner, 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne) )

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Happy from America’s Tank Division 💥

Today, we spotlight 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. Our Soldiers and their tanks are always ready to roll, showcasing their dedication and strength. 🪖

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