'Black Jack' activates former battalion, says farewell to one more

By Sgt. Quentin JohnsonJuly 5, 2014

'Black Jack' activates former battalion, says farewell to one more
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Don Nestor, commander of the 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team 'Black Jack,' 1st Cavalry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick Jones, 8th BEB command sergeant major, uncase the 8th BEB colors signifying the engineer ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
'Black Jack' activates former battalion, says farewell to one more
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Anthony Funkhouser, commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., speaks with Maj. Jason Legro, executive officer for the 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team 'Black Jack,' 1st Cavalry Division, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
'Black Jack' activates former battalion, says farewell to one more
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion 'Spartans,' 2nd Brigade Combat Team 'Black Jack,' 1st Cavalry Division,stand in formation before the start of the 2nd BCT's battalion activation ceremony here June 17. The 8th Brigade Engineer B... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
'Black Jack' activates former battalion, says farewell to one more
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Don Nestor, commander of the 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team 'Black Jack' 1st Cavalry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick Jones, 8th BEB command sergeant major, case the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, colo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
'Black Jack' activates former battalion, says farewell to one more
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Don Nestor, commander of the 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team 'Black Jack' 1st Cavalry Division, stands with the battalion color guard during the 2nd BCT's battalion activation ceremony here June 17. The 8th BEB replac... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
'Black Jack' activates former battalion, says farewell to one more
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers with Company B, 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team 'Black Jack,' 1st Cavalry Division march off Black Jack Field after the 2nd BCT's battalion activation ceremony here June 17. The 8th BEB replaced the 2nd Briga... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas - The 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion "Trojan Horse" returned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Black Jack," 1st Cavalry Division, during an activation ceremony at Black Jack Field here June 17.

The Trojan Horse Battalion replaces the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion "Spartans." The Spartans have served with Black Jack since 2005, providing assets such as engineers, military intelligence and communications.

Trojan Horse was first activated with the brigade in July 1917 when Black Jack was the 15th Cavalry Division. The battalion later served with the 1st Cav. Div. and 36th Engineer Brigade conducting campaigns in the Philippines, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 8th BEB adds to a phenomenal new chapter for Black Jack as they bring engineer expertise to the brigade level, something not seen since 2004 when engineer resources within brigades were reorganized, said Col. Robert Whittle Jr., Black Jack commander.

"The battalion will ensure future success for Black Jack," he said. "(8th BEB) brings with them engineers who can provide full support at all echelons."

Lt. Col. Don Nestor, Trojan Horse commander, said the 8th BEB will provide a robust staff who bring with them experience in route clearance, vehicle assault breaching and construction squads, better preparing the battalion to conduct combined arms operations.

Nestor said the transformation does not diminish the tremendous value of the 2nd BSTB. In fact, it continues to show the same dedication and success the Spartans have always brought into the team.

"(Trojan Horse) is a capable battalion that is just as dedicated as the Spartans to making Black Jack a success," Nestor added.

Whittle agreed saying with the deactivation of the 2nd BSTB goes a legacy of committed support and combat multipliers.

"(Black Jack) proudly accepts the 8th BEB colors and lineage, while inheriting the Spartan accomplishments and lineage, allowing us to have the best of both worlds," said Nestor.