5th Armored Brigade

06/21/2026

The Dagger Brigade Welcomes Its Newest Stallions ⚔️🐴

Task Force Stallion’s outgoing Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Earl Hilliard, will be remembered as one who faithfully served 5th Armored Brigade and his Task Force.

He is also a recipient of the Doughboy Award and the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) 🎖️. Lt. Col. Hilliard, the formation thanks you for your service and wishes you the best in your next charge forward. Your legacy rides with the Stallions.

Before Hilliard passed the guidon to Lt. Col. Daniel Marshall, Master Sgt. Aaron Kirkendall, Operations Sgt. Maj. of Task Force Stallion, passed the guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Benny Modkins, 5th Armored Brigade’s newest senior enlisted NCO. The continues to uphold its standard of excellence with the finest.

Lt. Col. Marshall and Command Sgt. Maj. Modkins, welcome to the Dagger Brigade ⚔️. With your leadership, the formation is ready to run, push, and charge into the next fight at Stallion speed.
SHARPEN THE EDGE! 🗡️

For access to more images from this ceremony, please click the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/5tharmoredbrigade/albums/72177720334319868/

06/20/2026

Train to Sustain! ⚔️🦅

5th Armored Brigade honors Task Force Redhawk’s recent Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Derrick Dunlap, and proudly recognizes his unwavering service to country 🇺🇲, Task Force Redhawk, and 5th Armored Brigade.

During Redhawk’s Change of Command ceremony, the formation witnessed the Doughboy Award receive a new and deserving recipient. In addition, because Lt. Col. Dunlap has made division‑level impact since his time in the , he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) 🎖️, a reflection of leadership that soared high and struck true.

Lt. Col. Dunlap passes the guidon to Lt. Col. David Weinreich and the fierce legacy of the Redhawk. It is with cheerful resolve that the welcomes Weinreich to the formation and expects great talon‑sharp impact from him. The formation looks forward to flying with you on the next hunt, Lt. Col. Weinreich.

Welcome to the Dagger Brigade! ⚔️

SHARPEN THE EDGE! ⚔️

For access to more images from this ceremony, please click the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/5tharmoredbrigade/albums/72177720334298235/

06/18/2026

B.O.S.S. Soldiers Lead the Way ⚔️

Sgt. 1st Class Shayna Perlstein of 5th Armored Brigade’s Task Force Wolverine received high recognition 🥇from both the Fort Bliss Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Program and Col. Douglas Serie, commander of the .

Perlstein was recognized for her outstanding commitment to the BOSS Program and the Soldiers it serves. Through dedicated leadership, countless hours 🕰️of support, and a passion for improving the quality of life for fellow Soldiers, she helped strengthen morale and build a more connected Fort Bliss community. Her selfless service and positive influence embody the very best of the Army profession and bring great credit upon herself, Task Force Wolverine, 5th Armored Brigade, and the United States Army 🇺🇸.

SHARPEN THE EDGE! 🗡️



Fort Bliss MWR First Army U.S. Army Fort Bliss

06/18/2026

Welcome to Task Force Hammer! ⚔️

Yesterday, June 17, 2026, 5th Armored Brigade's Task Force Hammer held a Change of Command ceremony where they bid a "see you around" to their Company Commander, Cpt Aleksander Egyed.

Cpt. Egyed will be remembered as the Commander who stayed late, pushed himself through every grueling Dagger competition, and found genuine joy in mentoring Soldiers. His drive, his energy, and his commitment to excellence set the tone for what it means to lead within Task Force Hammer.

It is with great pride that the Hammer formation thanks you for everything you have poured into this team, Cpt. Egyed. Your impact will continue to echo through every Soldier you've trained, challenged, and inspired.

As Cpt. Egyed steps down from his role, Task Force Hammer welcomes Cpt. Tallon Pauley, who will be missed by his Warhawg family as he joins the Hammers and continues to build upon the standard of leadership each previous Hammer 6 has set forth. The Dagger formation has seen the strength of your leadership, Cpt. Pauley, and stands ready for the momentum you will bring to the Hammer team.

FORGE FOR WAR!⚒️

For access to more photos from this ceremony, please click the following link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5tharmoredbrigade/albums/72177720334287998/

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Join us this morning as the 5th Armored Brigade Commander conducts the BDE HHC (Taskforce Hammer) ⚒️ Change of Command Ceremony, honoring the leadership of CPT Aleksander J. Egyed and welcoming CPT Tallon L. Pauley as the incoming commander.

06/16/2026

Once a Dagger, Always a Dagger ⚔️

5th Armored Brigade says “See you later” to Lt. Col. Axel Acosta. Acosta served as the Battalion Commander for the Army Reserve Element (ARE), Task Force Hellfire 🔥.

Throughout his tenure, Acosta led with a steady presence and a genuine commitment to the Soldiers under his command. He understood the unique challenges faced by Reserve Soldiers balancing civilian careers, families, and military service, and he approached that responsibility with empathy, patience, and unwavering professionalism.

As Lt. Col. Acosta transitions to his next chapter, Maj. Jon McCurdy takes the reins, carrying forward the lessons, standards, and spirit he instilled.

The brigade expresses its gratitude to Lt. Col. Acosta and expresses full confidence in Maj. Jon McCurdy as he assumes command and continues the work ahead.

SHARPEN THE EDGE! 🗡️

For access to more images from this event, please click the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/5tharmoredbrigade/albums/72177720334245399/

06/15/2026

Leadership Meets Legacy at White Sands, NM ⚔️

On June 12, 2026, 5th Armored Brigade’s Command Sgt. Maj. Deondre Long led the Master Sergeants on a Staff Ride to White Sands, New Mexico.

The intent was to give senior NCOs a break from their daily battle rhythm while still creating an educational and meaningful experience. It also served as an opportunity for senior leaders to fellowship and strengthen their professional relationships.

During the visit, the group learned about the origins of the White Sands Proving Ground, established in 1945, and its early role in missile development and testing.

They explored the history of the V‑2 rocket program and the missile ranges that advanced U.S. weapons technology.

The group also gained insight into how the rocket testing conducted at White Sands supported the nation’s first space initiatives and helped lay the foundation for what later became NASA.

As the staff ride concluded, the Master Sergeants walked away with a clearer view and a deeper appreciation for the history that continues to influence today’s operations.

SHARPEN THE EDGE! 🗡️

For access to more photos from this event, please click the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/5tharmoredbrigade/albums/72177720334216352/

06/15/2026

Game Night 🎲 Meets Spiritual Insight ⚔️

5th Armored Brigade’s CH (MAJ) Stephen Prescott hosted the brigade’s quarterly Dice and Devotional, bringing Soldiers together for an evening of fellowship, fun, and connection.

With more than 30 games to choose from, Soldiers jumped into friendly competition, sharing laughs and stories, while enjoying good food and great company.

The night concluded with everyone feeling more grounded, more connected, and strengthened as a team. This is what community in the looks like.

SHARPEN THE EDGE! 🗡️