The 1st Armored Division is the oldest and most prestigious armored division in the United States Army. From its desert tank battles against Field Marshall Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps, beach landing at Anzio to the end of the war in the Italian Alps. Maintaining a forward presence in the Cold War in Germany, its stunning victories in the Persian Gulf War to the Global War on Terrorism in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In peace or war, the "Old Ironsides" Division has amassed a proud record of service to America. The current home of the Division is at Fort Bliss, Texas.
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In March 2008, the First Cavalry Division's Fourth Brigade Combat team reflagged as the 4/1 AD on Fort Bliss. In April 2009, the brigade deployed to the southern Iraqi provinces of Dhi Qar, Maysan, and Al-Muthanna, as the Army's First "Advise and Assist Brigade," a concept in which US forces would take a backseat to Iraqi Security Forces and local government officials. The brigade, under the command of Col. Peter A. Newell and Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip D. Pandy, partnered with Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Civil Affairs Teams, Department of State officials, and MIlitary Transition Teams, while assisting ISF and the Government of Iraq. The brigade's partnership allowed over one million voters to participate in an incredibly successful election in 2010.
