Brave Rifles Return: 3rd Cavalry Regiment Uncases Colors, Reinforces Readiness in Korea

CAMP HOVEY, Republic of Korea - The 3rd Cavalry Regiment, known as the "Brave Rifles," officially marked the beginning of its mission as the 18th Korea Rotational Force (KRF 18) during an uncasing ceremony at Hovey Field, Camp Hovey, Oct. 16, 2026.

The ceremony signified more than the regiment's arrival on the Korean Peninsula. It marked the return of a combat formation charged with strengthening the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division's (2ID/RUCD) readiness, reinforcing the ROK-U.S. Alliance and maintaining the combat power necessary to deter aggression and defend the Republic of Korea.

The uncasing of the regimental colors, a time-honored military tradition, symbolizes the unit's arrival and assumption of its mission. For the Brave Rifles, it also represents the continuation of a legacy of service and a renewed commitment to readiness on the Korean Peninsula.

The regiment replaces the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, as part of the Army's rotational force mission in Korea. During its nine-month deployment, 3CR will provide additional maneuver capabilities to the Warrior Division, strengthening its ability to respond rapidly and decisively to potential threats.

"Today, we are uncasing the colors of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment as we begin our mission here on the Korean Peninsula. It is a privilege to serve in the historic 2nd Infantry Division," said Col. William B. Chastain, the regiment's commander.

The deployment marks a return to familiar ground for the Brave Rifles. The regiment previously served as KRF 14 in 2024, conducting extensive combined training alongside Republic of Korea (ROK) Army counterparts. That rotation included live-fire exercises and operations at the Korea Combat Training Center, where U.S. and ROK Soldiers trained side by side to strengthen tactical proficiency and interoperability.

Building on that experience, 3CR will focus on generating and sustaining combat power through rigorous training, combined arms maneuver and the integration of fires, intelligence and sustainment capabilities. Working alongside ROK Army counterparts, the regiment will further strengthen the coordination and interoperability essential to combined operations.

As part of the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, the Army's only permanently forward-stationed division, the Brave Rifles contribute to a formation whose mission remains central to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The Korea Rotational Force also plays an important role in the broader Indo-Pacific security environment. Maintaining capable, forward-deployed combat formations demonstrates the U.S. Army's commitment to regional security, reinforces its ability to project combat power and strengthens deterrence through a credible, ready force.

For the Soldiers of 3CR, the uncasing ceremony represents both the beginning of a new mission and the continuation of a proud regimental legacy. Their presence reinforces the enduring commitment of U.S. and ROK Soldiers who train together, stand together and remain prepared to defend the Korean Peninsula.

"We are here to keep the peace and honor the sacrifice of those who came before us. The Regiment of Mounted Riflemen is ready to fight tonight, and we will meet any challenge together," Chastain said.

With its colors unfurled and its mission underway, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment once again takes its place alongside the Warrior Division, ready to strengthen the Alliance, deter aggression and, if called upon, Fight Tonight.