CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea - The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team "Bulldog," 1st Armored Division assumed responsibility as the rotational armored brigade combat team during a transfer-of-authority ceremony Monday, Oct. 22.
Thousands of Bulldog brigade Soldiers and equipment have been flowing in to the Republic of Korea since Sept. of this year to start their nine-month rotation. Bulldog brigade replaced 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team "Raider First," 3rd Infantry Division, who has served in Korea as a rotational armored brigade combat team from Jan. to Oct. 2017 and during the Korean War.
The TOA ceremony, officiated by Maj. Gen. Scott McKean, commanding general of 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, was the last step in the transition between the two rotational brigades.
"The strength of our Army is the ability to produce well-trained and well-led units" said Maj. Gen. Scott McKean. "We're very fortunate to welcome the Bulldog brigade to take the mantle of responsibility from the 'Raider' team. The Bulldog brigade has already come in demonstrating its professionalism by deploying its combat platforms from El Paso (Texas) to Busan (Republic of Korea)."
The Bulldog brigade's deployment is the Army's sixth regionally allocated force rotation to the Republic of Korea. However, it's a historic occurrence since it's the first 1st AD unit to serve on the Korean Peninsula.
"Our mission here in the Pacific is remarkable in the regard that it's the first time a 1st Armored Division unit will conduct operations on the Korean Peninsula," said Col. Marc Cloutier, commander of 3rd ABCT, 1st AD. "We're particularly excited for establishing relationships with our Republic of Korea partners and we know that our efforts will have a significant impact here in your country."
The Bulldog brigade will provide the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division with a fully trained unit in the ready phase of the force generation process during their time in Korea. Soldiers from Bulldog brigade will also have the opportunity to work with their ROK Army counterparts to help shape the Korean security environment and increase interoperability between each other.
"We're honored to have this opportunity and the Bulldog Brigade will continue to serve to make this world freer and safer every day," said Cloutier.
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