When the war ended, the Second Calvary became part of the Army of Occupation in Europe. In May 1946, the Regiment was redesignated the Second Constabulary Regiment, undergoing special training and reorganization. Their mission was to "win the peace" in Europe and maintain control over the U.S. zone of occupation within Germany. Under a common occupation policy developed principally in conferences at Yalta and Potsdam in 1945, the Allied Powers assumed joint sovereign authority over Germany. American, British, Soviet and French forces occupied separate zones.

The Regiment was still under the command of Colonel Reed and worked for the Third Army under General George S. Patton, who was the Military Governor of Bavaria. The Regiment provided security force and performed police functions as they assisted with the round-up of war criminals and weapons caches. It also maintained order within the displaced persons camps and the area of southern Germany. The Regiment's contribution to winning the peace in Germany was not only significant, but foreshadowed future missions now referred to as "Peace Support Operations."

One of the most interesting changes to the Regiment's Table of Organization and Equipment was the
re-introduction of the horse. This modification was due to the fact that even the venerable jeep could not
patrol through some of the areas due to the battle damage and rubble. During a review of troops before
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Colonel Reed proudly passed in review with the Regiment handsomely
mounted. "Ike" expressed displeasure at the horses, stating that he thought that he had gotten rid of all the horses in the Army. The various commanders, including Colonel Reed, had to report to the general and explain the change to the authorized equipment list of the Constabulary. The mission of the Constabulary remained into the early 1950's, though the name of the Regiment changed to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in 1948.

This page is a part of the U.S. Constabulary Home Page