The Cottonbalers: More Than 200 Years of 7th Infantry History The 7th Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest active units in the United States Army. Known as the “Cottonbalers,” the regiment has served for more than two centuries and fought in conflicts ranging from the War of 1812 to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its nickname dates back to the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. On January 8, 1815, soldiers of the 7th Infantry fought under Major General Andrew Jackson as American forces turned back a much larger British assault. The defensive line was...
There’s something about legacy. It’s not just old photos in a dusty archive or a faded name etched in stone. It’s a living thing — a pulse that beats through generations. And when you talk about the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, you’re talking about a legacy so deep, it doesn’t just march into battle. It echoes. You might’ve heard the nickname: “Rock of the Marne.” It’s more than just a cool-sounding title. It’s a testament — to grit, sacrifice, and the kind of bravery that doesn’t flinch when the world around it crumbles. So let’s walk through why this...
The U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, known as the “Dragoons,” is one of the longest-serving and most battle-tested units in American military history. Since its founding in 1836, the regiment has earned a formidable reputation across nearly every major conflict the United States has faced—from the Florida swamps of the Seminole Wars to the deserts of the Middle East. With a legacy rooted in mobility, reconnaissance, and fierce combat, the 2nd Cavalry has evolved into a modern Stryker unit while honoring nearly two centuries of valor and service. Forged on the Frontier (1836–1848) The 2nd Cavalry Regiment was constituted as...
When most people think of U.S. Navy special operations, their minds go straight to the legendary Navy SEALs. But behind nearly every successful SEAL mission is a lesser-known, equally elite force operating in the shadows: the Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen, or SWCC (pronounced “swick”). These highly trained maritime warriors are the best at what they do—executing high-speed, high-risk operations on the water to insert and extract Navy SEALs, gather intelligence, and deliver precision firepower where it counts. They don’t seek the spotlight. In fact, they thrive without it. But make no mistake: the U.S. Navy’s mission wouldn’t be the same...
On May 10, 1969, the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division was ordered to take the hill. They were told it would be a relatively straightforward operation. What followed was anything but.
The 24th Infantry Regiment holds a unique place in U.S. military history as one of the original units of the famed Buffalo Soldiers—African American troops who served with distinction despite facing systemic racism. Established in the aftermath of the Civil War, the regiment's journey spans multiple conflicts, periods of segregation and desegregation, and its eventual reactivation in modern times. This article explores the regiment’s history, its role in various wars, and its legacy today. Formation and Early Years (1869-1898) The 24th Infantry Regiment was officially formed on November 1, 1869, as part of the U.S. Army's reorganization following the Civil...
