Bravo Troop B/1-7
| Bravo Troop (B/1-7) | |
| |
| Staff | |
| CO | CPT Sindre Rodahl |
|---|---|
| XO | Vacant |
| 1SG | 1SG Logan Vincent |
| Hierarchy | |
| Superior Unit | 1st Battalion HQ |
| Esprit De Corps | |
Bravo Troop is a sub-unit level organization of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment. It is administratively known as B/1-7, this abbreviation is used in MILPACS and avatars. It is comprised of two Platoons, 1st Platoon containing Sections of Combat Engineers (12B) and 2nd platoon containing Sections of Mechanized Infantry (11B).
Mission
The mission of Bravo Troop is a collective of tasks, based on the MOS
Mechanized Infantry
The Mechanized Infantry is to close with the enemy by means of fire and movement to defeat or capture, or to repel assault by fire, close combat, or counterattack. Despite any technological advances, the only way to gain the advantage in operations is by close combat between ground forces. Bravo Troop's Infantry platoons play, but are not limited to, the following main roles in close combat situations:
- Operate mainly at night or during other periods of limited visibility.
- Penetrate and hold existing (natural and man-made) obstacles and difficult terrain as pivots for operational and tactical maneuver.
- Attack by Infantry squads over approaches not feasible for armored forces.
- Seize or secure wooded and built-up areas.
- Control restrictive routes for use by other forces.
- Conduct operations in the sustainment area.
Combat Engineers
Maneuver commanders rely on the three engineer disciplines—combat, general, and geospatial engineering—to add breadth and depth to the overall understanding of the Operating Environment (OE). Guided by a common understanding, the engineer perspective seeks to identify the potential challenges and opportunities that are associated with variables that affect the OE. Engineer capabilities are significant force multipliers in operations, facilitating the freedom of action necessary for the joint force commander to meet mission objectives. Engineer activities modify, maintain, provide understanding of, and protect the physical environment. In doing so, they—
- Assure the mobility of friendly forces.
- Alter the mobility of adversaries.
- Enhance the survivability and enable the sustainment of friendly forces.
- Contribute to a clear understanding of the physical environment.
- Provide support to non-combatants, other nations, and civilian authorities and agencies.
- Identify potential hazards of the OE through a lens of geospatially related attributes of terrain (natural and man-made hazards).
Bravo Company Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
Currently Bravo Troop employs 2 different Military Occupational Specialties, and trains in 1 non-deployed Military Occupational Specialty.
68W - Combat Medic
68W Combat Medics are the Military Occupational Specialty assigned to provide lifesaving care throughout the spectrum of conflict, including during war down to the Platoon level. Combat Medics are trained in First Aid, Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and operation of armored and un-armored Ambulances. Medics are sent to support all Combined Arms Battalion Companies, in a variety of circumstances. Medics can jump from C-130J Aircraft as part of an Airborne operation, or operate M113 Armored Ambulances in support of an Armored operation.
MOS IS CURRENTLY RETIRED FROM ACTIVE DUTY & DEPLOYMENT
11B - Mechanized Infantry
The 7th Cavalry Regiment, Bravo Troop, the Stryker Infantrymen, designated as 11 Bravos, are part of the 2nd Platoon, Assault Section, which includes two rifle squads. These soldiers are referred to as the "eyes, ears, and lightning" of the Battalion and Troop commanders. They perform a wide range of missions, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), as well as mounted and dismounted patrols, direct actions, high-value target missions, and specialty operations.
Bravo Troop Infantrymen are skilled at gathering intelligence on the enemy and terrain through both covert and overt methods, using hide positions and Infantry UAVs to support vehicles and mortars. They employ light or mission-specific platforms depending on the threat and support requirements of the Battalion and Troop. The section operates vehicles such as the M1296 Dragoon and HMMWV.
In counterinsurgency (COIN) missions, these infantrymen may conduct dismounted vehicle checkpoints, establish listening posts/observation posts (LP/OPs), provide rear-area security, conduct search and seizure operations, and escort Battalion forces. Although they are Stryker Infantry, they uphold Cavalry traditions.
12B - Combat Engineers
Within 1-7 we collate all three Engineering branches under Combat Engineers. Combat engineering is the engineering capabilities and activities that directly support the maneuver of land combat forces that require close and integrated support. General engineering are those engineering capabilities and activities, other than combat engineering, that provide infrastructure and modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment. Geospatial engineering is the engineering capabilities and activities that contribute to a clear understanding of the physical environment by providing geospatial information and services to commanders and staffs. Operationally, the tasks most frequently performed include:
- Constructing and maintaining Lines of Communication.
- Establishing small base camps.
- Repairing and restoring infrastructure where able.
- Supplying the main effort with ammunition and medical supply.
- Establishing logistical repair points and sustaining any vehicle in the AO.
- Coordinating with both Air and Ground assets around supply lines.
Traditions and History
Bravo Troop is a Stryker Infantry unit comprising Stryker Crewmen, Stryker Infantrymen, Stryker Weapons Specialists, and Medics, as well as the currently retired Armored and Cavalry Scout Soldiers. Members of the Troop are authorized to wear the traditional Cavalry Stetson if they are qualified on the M1A2 SEP V2 or M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, or upon completion of the Stryker Infantryman Course and Cavalry Scout Course. Infantrymen earn their Queen of Battle Blue Cord upon completing Infantry School. Soldiers who do not possess the Stetson wear the Black Beret with Regimental Flash. Those who complete the Cavalry Scout Course may wear Spurs on their combat boots or dress boots while in garrison. Additionally, soldiers who complete the Armored Career Pathway, or Master Gunner Qualification are authorized to wear the Master Gunner Badge on their uniforms, including the Combat Uniform.
Historical Roles
Bravo Troop has always remained mechanized, but has fielded a wide range of capabilities. In Arma 2, (then) Bravo Company was responsible to force generate and employ 2x Armor Platoons and 1x Artillery Platoon. In late 2011, a 4th Platoon was opened with Combat Engineers. This capability was later transferred to Echo Company, a dedicated Combat Engineer Company. Following the closure of the 15 Series (Artillery) MOS in 2012, the Company was reduced in scope to Armor only. In 2014, following the closure of Delta Company, the Company was re-organized to 1x Armor Platoon and 2x Mechanized Infantry Platoons.
In late 2015, Bravo Company expanded to a 3rd Platoon providing Health Service Support (HSS) capability to the Combined Arms Battalion through Combat Medics. This capability was removed from the company in 2016 and transferred to the Headquarters, and Headquarters Company (HHC). In 2018, following the closure of the 1st Battalion HHC, the Combat Medical capability was reassigned to Bravo Company. The 3rd Platoon has continued to expand both medical and logistics capabilities into 2020, but officially only has Medical MOS.
In late 2020, 3rd platoon was stood down and the Medical MOS was combined into 1st Platoon with the Tanker MOS.
In July 2022, the Tanker MOS was transferred to 2nd Platoon to provide the Troop with a more streamlined Direct Action Platoon. Due to this change, 1st platoon became a support Medical Platoon, and has remained so until today.
Re-Designation from Company to Troop
In 2018, the sub-unit was officially renamed Bravo Troop, by Troop Commander Major Jon Argus, to align more closely with its real role as a Combined-Arms Armor and Cavalry force.
Leadership
The following is a list of Company and Troop Commanders beginning with the most recent.
| Rank | Name | Dates of Service |
| Captain | Sindre Rodahl | 02 Feb 2025 - Present |
| Captain | Adrian Narramoor | 04 Sep 2024 - 29 Jan 2025 |
| Major | Tom Gerrish | 09 Nov 2023 - 14 Aug 2024 |
| Major | Bob Stewart | 26 Jan 2023 - 09 Nov 2023 |
| Captain | Patrick Burton | 24 Sep 2021 - 18 Jan 2023 |
| First Lieutenant | Radu Moraru | 06 Aug 2021 - 21 Sep 2021 |
| Captain | Alex Storm | 01 Nov 2020 - 30 Jul 2021 |
| Captain | Adam Waldie | 20 Jan 2020– 01 Nov 2020 |
| Captain | Mike LaCombe | 09 Sep 2019 - 20 Jan 2020 |
| Major | Rip Tharen | 25 Nov 2018 - 09 Sep 2019 |
| Major | Michael Rosefield | 15 Sep 2018 - 25 Nov 2018 |
| Major | Jon Argus | 27 Mar 2018 - 15 Sep 2018 |
| Major | Dammond Richards | 03 Oct 2017 - 27 Mar 2018 |
| Major | Nate Thumper | 26 Jan 2017 - 03 Oct 2017 |
| Major | Kieran Kastor (Chilicki) | 24 Feb 2016 - 26 Jan 2017 |
| Major | Zachary Larouche | 24 Feb 2016 - 31 Mar 2016 |
| Major | Stefan Baeder | 17 July 2015 - 20 Feb 2016 |
| Major | Dan Emerson | 18 May 2015 - 11 July 2015 |
| Major | Zachary Larouche | 13 July 2014 - 18 May 2015 |
| Major | Mac Way | 01 Jun 2014 - 13 July 2014 |
| Major | Stefan Baeder | 11 Aug 2013 - 31 May 2014 |
| Major | Cameron Burgundy | 04 Aug 2012 - 11 Aug 2013 |
| Major | Ruairidh Duncan | 04 Jul 2012 - 05 Aug 2012 |
| Major | Jake Clarke | 06 Jun 2012 - 04 Jul 2012 |
| Major | Jake Clarke | 27 Mar 2012 - 09 Apr 2012 |
| Major | Nathan Redbeard | 03 Dec 2011 - 24 Mar 2012 |
| Major | Ryan Hartman | 02 Oct 2011 - 03 Dec 2011 |
| Major | Don Nichols | 30 Dec 2010 - 02 Oct 2011 |
| Major | Don Nichols | 15 Oct 2010 - 22 Oct 2010 |
| Major | Marion Francis | 21 Jun 2010 - 15 Oct 2010 |
| Major | Thiago Scout | 15 Aug 2009 - 13 Sep 2009 |
| Captain | Ben | 18 Mar 2009 - 18 May 2009 |
Order of Battle
The Troop currently consists of 2 Platoons, and a Headquarters Section.
| Element | Callsign | Size | Role |
| Troop Headquarters | Warhorse | Section | Company Command Team of B Troop, including the Troop Commander, Executive Officer and Troop First Sergeant |
| 1st Platoon | Atlas | Platoon | Combat Medical Soldiers to support the Combined Arms Battalion. Able to provide advanced medical aid for all combat situations. |
| 2nd Platoon | Viking | Platoon | 2nd Platoon acts as the Troop combat team for Warhorse, consisting of;
Viking - Mechanized Infantry. Viking squads utilize advanced equipment to locate, identify, and designate both active hostile targets and also points of interest. These squads can also act as mechanized infantry and excel in combined arms engagements. |