89th Cavalry Regiment ( United States ) The 89th Cavalry Regiment is a Regiment of the United States Army first established in 1940 . Lineage . Constituted 1 June 1940 in the Regular Army as the 10th Antitank Battalion . A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1 / 8 inches ( 2 . 86 cm ) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned : Azure , semé of caltrops Argent , on a bend of the second an elongated inverted pile of the first . Attached below the shield a Blue scroll inscribed “ READY NOW ” in Silver letters . The sprinkling of silver caltrops , an ancient military instrument , sometimes called “ cheval trap ” ( from the French word horse ) from its use in impeding the approach of cavalry - is symbolical of the first duty of the Tank Destroyer Battalions , i . e . , to stop the advance of enemy tanks by obstacles strewn in their path and sharp attack from all points . The silver bend represents the forward path to be traveled as well as Highway 99 , the birthplace of the unit and the scene of their first arduous convoy . The inverted pile shooting forward from this bend further illustrates advance and the penetrating qualities of the battalion toward any obstacle encountered . The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 6 August 1942 . It was redesignated for the 899th Tank Battalion on 25 April 1956 . The insignia was redesignated for the 89th Cavalry Regiment on 23 December 2004 . Azure , semé of caltrops Argent , on a bend of the second an elongated inverted pile of the first . On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure ( Ultramarine Blue ) upon a geared wheel of a tank track Proper issuant from base a lion passant guardant Or , the dexter forepaw resting on a fleur - de - lis Celeste . Coat Of Arms . Blazon . Motto READY NOW . The sprinkling of silver caltrops , an ancient military instrument , sometimes called “ cheval trap ” ( from the French word horse ) from its use in impeding the approach of cavalry - is symbolical of the first duty of the Tank Destroyer Battalions , i . e . , to stop the advance of enemy tanks by obstacles strewn in their path and sharp attack from all points . The silver bend represents the forward path to be traveled as well as Highway 99 , the birthplace of the unit and the scene of their first arduous convoy . The inverted pile shooting forward from this bend further illustrates advance and the penetrating qualities of the battalion toward any obstacle encountered . World War II campaigns in Europe , Italy and the Rhineland are recalled by the lion ; the fleur - de - lis represents campaign participation in Northern France , Normandy and Ardennes - Alsace . The geared wheel refers to Tank Battalion heritage and Tank Destroyer history . Gold symbolizes excellence , the grey and Sable of the wheel denote strength and the determination to prevail . The coat of arms was originally approved for the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 6 August 1942 . It was redesignated for the 899th Tank Battalion on 25 April 1956 . The insignia was redesignated for the 89th Cavalry Regiment on 23 December 2004 . The coat of arms was amended to add a crest on 9 February 2005 . Campaign Streamers . World War II