'Brave Rifles' recognize new engineer squadron with activation ceremony

By Staff Sgt. Michael J Dator (3rd CR)June 22, 2015

'Brave Rifles' recognize new engineer squadron with activation ceremony
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Lynn Ray, commander of the Regimental Engineer Squadron "Pioneer", 3d Cavalry Regiment, unfurls the squadron flag for the first time signifying the squadron's official unit activation during a ceremony held June 16 at Starker Gym on post. (U... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
'Brave Rifles' recognize new engineer squadron with activation ceremony
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Friends and family members from of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment render salute during a playing of the National Anthem at the Engineer Squadron "Pioneer", 3d Cavalry Regiment activation ceremony held June 16 on post. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
'Brave Rifles' recognize new engineer squadron with activation ceremony
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Michael Gainey, a trumpet player with the 1st Cavalry Division Band, "sounds attention" during the Engineer Squadron "Pioneer", 3d Cavalry Regiment activation ceremony held June 16 at Starker Gym on post. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt.... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The "Pioneer" squadron coordinates engineer operations in support of the regiment during deployment and in garrison. The addition of this unit makes seven squadrons active in the "Brave Rifles." The additional squadron enables increased mission command for military and signal intelligence, as well as anti-armor capabilities for the regiment as a whole. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Lynn Ray, the Pioneer Squadron commander unfurled the unit colors with Command Sgt. Major Rodney Holloway, the squadron command sergeant major marking the official activation of the squadron.

"We have some of the best Soldiers the Army has to offer standing out here in formation,'" said Holloway. "I'm looking forward to the challenges the future holds for our engineers and as well as Soldiers in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment with one of the newest units the Army has to offer," he said.

The ceremony marks the complete transition of the regiment from a heavy armored cavalry unit to a fully mission capable Stryker unit.

"These transitions are all part of the Army's ever changing needs to win in a complex world across multiple mission sets," said Col. Cameron Cantlon, commander of the 3d Cavalry Regiment and host of the event. "We meet these challenges while also caring for Soldiers, Families and members of our community," he said.

A reception followed the activation that also included an awards ceremony, and pictures with leadership and the command team.