Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division cased the battalion's colors on Cooper Field Sept. 25 at Fort Hood, Texas. The casing of the colors symbolizes the departing of the unit from Fort Hood en route to the Republic of Korea for a nine-month tour.

"It is said, that the very soul of a unit is symbolized in its colors and its battle streamers," said Lt. Col. Elliot Rogers, commander of 3rd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. "These colors remind us of the past, stand guard over the present and provide inspiration for the unit's future."

The unit will bring approximately 800 Soldiers to replace 1st Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., also of 3rd BCT, but will use the vehicles and other equipment already in place to carry out its mission at Camps Hovey and Stanley.

The battalion's role on the peninsula is to operate as a Combined Arms Battalion. A new formation in today's army, the CAB is designed to be nearly self-sustaining on the modern battlefield. The addition of a third Combined Arms Battalion in South Korea brings added capability to 2nd Infantry Division's 1st BCT, to which 3-8 Cav. Regt. will be attached.

"Once again, [the battalion's] colors are about to embark on a historic journey, a journey that will add another chapter to the long and proud legacy, a journey that will protect the sacrifice of those that have gone before us," Rogers said. "We rest easy knowing that Fort Hood and the surrounding communities are supporting our Families and our rear detachment."