3rd Battalion

3rd Battalion
Staff
CO	MAJ Ben Francis Ryan
XO	CPT Zander Fisch
COS
RSO
ROO
AG
AG
RFO
CSM
IMO
SGM	SGM Duke Barr
1SG
NCO
Aide to 3rd Battalion
Aide to the XO
Aide to the SecOps
IC
2IC
Lead
Lead
Lead
Lead
PL
PSG
Hierarchy
Superior Unit	Regimental HQ
Reporting Units	Alpha Company A/3-7 Bravo Company B/3-7
Esprit De Corps
Unit Motto	Equites Ex Umbra

3rd Battalion is a unit-level organization of the 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment. It is administratively known as 3-7, this abbreviation is used in MILPACs and the Forums. 3-7 is currently composed of two (2) Companies: Alpha and Bravo. 3rd Battalion's Area of Operation (AO) is currently Squad on PC.

Policies and Standard Operating Procedures

Document Number	Policy Letters
7CAV-BATT3-001	3BN - Guide to Processing AWOLs
7CAV-BATT3-002	3BN - Guide to Processing Discharges
7CAV-BATT3-003	3BN - Guide to Processing ELOA's
7CAV-BATT3-004	3BN Reporting Policy
7CAV-BATT3-005	3BN - FTX Policy
7CAV-BATT3-007	3BN Platoon & Company Staff Roles at an SP
7CAV-BATT3-008	3BN Trooper Transfer Process
7CAV-BATT3-009	3BN Section Practice Policy
7CAV-BATT3-011	3BN - Guidance on Callsign Selection
7CAV-R-001	Chain of Command
7CAV-BATT3-012	3BN General SOP
7CAV-BATT3-013	3BN Performance Development Plan SOP

Introduction

3-7 Battalion "Palerider" is a unit within the 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment, forged in the fires of tactical discipline and operational excellence in the game Squad. Rising from the legacy of Charlie Company, ACD, 3-7 Battalion embodies the relentless spirit of the Pale Rider — swift, silent, and decisive. Our structure blends infantry, armored, and logistics elements under a unified combined arms command, enabling us to adapt and dominate in dynamic combat scenarios.

At the heart of 3-7 lie our core values: Loyalty, Readiness, Discipline, and Brotherhood. Every trooper is trained not only to execute with precision but to lead by example. We hold the line together — from the first shot to the final objective. In 3-7 Battalion, we don't just play the mission — we become it.

Sub-Units

Alpha Company A/3-7	Bravo Company B/3-7
Alpha Company is an armoured and mechanized Company assigned to the Squad Area of Operations. It utilizes M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles together with dismountable Infantry. Their MOS designations are 11B and 19K.	Bravo Company is a combined-arms Company assigned to Squad Area of Operations. It utilizes different light armored vehicles like APCs, MATVs, Trucks and others together with aviation assets within its dedicated Rotary Wing like the MH60 Blackhawk. Their MOS designations are 11B, 12B and 153A.

Approved MOS's

• Alpha Company - Armored and Mechanized
  • 11B (Mechanized Infantry)
  • 19D (Armored Cavalry)
  • 19K (Armor Crewman)

• Bravo Company - Combined Arms
  • 11B (Infantry)
  • 12B (Combat Engineers)
  • 153A (Rotary Wing Aviator)

3rd Battalion Leadership

Battalion Commanding Officer	Battalion Executive Officer	Battalion Sergeant Major
MAJ Ben Francis Ryan	CPT.Zander Fisch	SGM Duke Barr
Major Ben Francis Ryan joined the 7th Cavalry Regiment in February 2024 as a trooper in C/ACD when the AO just came out of an all time low. Rising through the ranks from Section Staff, to Platoon and Company staff, he was serving as Company Commander of Charlie Company, ACD before the AOs standup as 3rd Battalion. Together with Major Maddox, Major Ryan was an integral part in the successful standup of the Squad AO as 3rd Battalion in the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Major Ryan also serves the Regiment successfully in several support billet capacities, ranging from S3 Operations as 2nd in Command, S1 Milpacs Lead to S7 Squad CAS Instructor to RTC Senior Drill Instructor for Squad. During his career Major Ryan earned several awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal as Regimental Officer of the Year 2025, Army Distinguished Service Cross for Operation Leadership performance, the Soldiers Medal for overhauling the S7 Squad Combined Arms School as Lead Instructor, three Bronze Stars for Operation performances as well as two Meritorious Service Medals for contributions to Charlie Company ACD and being selected Officer of the Quarter for Q4 2024 as well as multiple Recruiting Ribbons. With the Standup of 3rd Battalion, Major Ryan was transferred and assigned the Battalion Executive Officer as of 14 June 2025. Upon LTC Maddox Retirement on 28 FEB 2026, Major Ryan was assigned Battalion Commanding Officer on 01 MAR 2026.	Captain Zander Fisch joined the 7th Cavalry Regiment in May 2024 as a trooper in C/ACD when the AO just came out of an all-time low. Rising through the ranks from Section Staff, through Platoon and Company Staff, he was serving as Platoon Leader of 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, ACD before the AOs standup as 3rd Battalion. Together with several distinguished members like Lieutenant Colonel Maddox or Major Ryan, Captain Fisch was an integral part in the successful standup of the Squad AO as 3rd Battalion in the 7th Cavalry Regiment by providing expert technical knowledge and support to the Squad AO with multiple administrative and server side tools. Captain Fisch also serves the Regiment successfully in several support billet capacities, ranging from S3 Operations as Squad AO Lead to S5 Graphics Clerk and S7 Squad CAS Instructor. During his career Captain Fisch earned several awards, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal for tools he created, Defense Superior Service Medal for outstanding performance as S3 Squad AO Lead, the Soldiers Medal for several distinguished contributions to 3rd Battalion, as well as several Meritorious Service Medals for contributions to Charlie Company ACD and being selected Officer of the Quarter for Q3 2025 beside multiple other ribbons. With the Standup of 3rd Battalion, Captain Fisch initially served as the Bravo Company Commanding Officer until 07 APR 2026. That day Captain Fisch was transferred and assigned Battalion Executive Officer of 3rd Battalion.	Sergeant Major Duke Barr joined the 7th Cavalry regiment in July 2024 as a trooper in C/ACD. Serving as section staff in 1st & 2nd platoon and further platoon staff in 2nd and 3rd platoon, his ability to seamlessly transition between roles as required for the company helped ensure its continued progress towards Battalion. Sergeant Major Barr's no nonsense attitude and problem solving skills ensured the standup to Battalion alongside Major Maddox & Major Ryan. Sergeant Major Barr has worked tirelessly since he was able to join the S7 training department to develop and run courses to train troopers within the AO, earning a Legion of Merit for his efforts. He also served within S5 receiving a superior unit citation, S3 creating operations & NCOA training the future leaders within the Cav. Sergeant Major Barr's unmatched dedication to C/ACD has eared him two Meritorious service medals, 2 Army Commendation medals, and 2 Army achievement medals all specifically for contributions to C/ACD. In addition his battlefield contribuations have earned him a Bronze star with Valor, Bronze star, & Army commendation with Valor. With the standup of 3rd Battalion, Sergeant Major Barr was transferred and assigned the Battalion Sergeant Major as of 14 June 2025.

Tradition and History

Previously the home of the DCS AO Headquarters, 3rd Battalion was stood up on 01 April 2024 to accommodate DCS's expansion from the Auxiliary Combat Detachment of the 7th Cavalry. 3-7 remained active until it was stood down on 07 January 2025.

The journey of Squad within the 7th Cavalry Regiment is marked by perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of its members. Originally launched as E-Company under 2nd Battalion, the initial formation faced early dissolution. A renewed attempt followed under the Auxiliary Combat Detachment (ACD), with a third iteration emerging in 2023—though it encountered significant challenges and stagnation. It was not until 2024, under the decisive leadership of Maddox.D and Terlizzi.A, that the AO gained momentum. With the addition of highly distinguished members such as Ryan.BF, Barr.D, Fisch.Z, McKinley.S, Moe.J, Arco.A, Pannel.D and many more, the AO experienced rapid growth in structure, capability, and esprit de corps. These collective efforts culminated in the successful stand-up of 3rd Battalion on June 14, 2025—a milestone born from years of persistence and community-driven development.

3rd Battalion Roll of Honor

The 3rd Battalion Roll of Honor recognizes former members whose service, leadership, and commitment had a lasting and significant impact on the Battalion and the Squad AO during critical periods of its history. Inclusion reflects distinguished contribution beyond normal duty and serves to preserve the legacy of those who helped shape and sustain 3rd Battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel Dominick Maddox

Battalion Commander, 3rd Battalion 14 JUN 2025 - 28 FEB 2026

Lieutenant Colonel Dominick Maddox served as a senior leader within the Squad AO during the most critical periods in its history. In 2023, when the Squad AO faced significant decline and was at risk of closure, Colonel Maddox provided steady and decisive leadership that preserved unit cohesion, maintained standards, and stabilized the AO during a period of uncertainty.

Through consistent command presence and long-term planning, he was instrumental in restoring momentum and setting the conditions for recovery and growth. His leadership directly contributed to the successful reorganization and eventual stand-up of the Squad AO as 3rd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment on 14 JUNE 2025, marking a defining milestone in the AO's history. Following the stand-up of 3rd Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Maddox continued to serve with distinction as Battalion Commanding Officer, overseeing the Battalion's development, operational maturity, and internal structure. In parallel, he supported the AO and the Regiment through service in multiple secondary billets, most notably within the Recruit Training Command (RTC), where he served in various leadership roles, concluding his tenure as Second-in-Command (2IC).

His sustained commitment, steadfast leadership and contributions across multiple echelons left a lasting impact on the Squad AO and the Regiment as a whole.

3rd Battalion Commanders

Below is a list of the previous Commanding Officers of 3rd Battalion, sorted historically starting with the present CO.

Rank	Name	Dates of Service
Major	Ben Francis Ryan	01MAR26 - Present
Lieutenant Colonel	Dominick Maddox	14JUN25 - 28FEB26
Major	Alexander Oliva	27OCT24 - 07JAN25 (DCS)
Major	Jeffrey May	01APR24 - 16OCT24 (DCS)

This page is for the Squad AO 3-7 which was stood up on 13 JUN 2025. For information on the DCS 3-7, please see here