In July 2000 orders were received to form Task Force 1-34 Armor (Centurions) for Intrinsic Action 01-03 (Operation Desert Spring). With 1st Battalion, 34th Armor forming the nucleus of the Task Force becoming a formidable and most forward deployed maneuver force in ARCENT and the Army and kept the Iraqi Army in check.
As the Task Force departed Fort Riley in July 2001 and closed on Camp Doha, Kuwait, it was obvious the Centurions arrived ready to fight, deter, and train.
For four months, Task Force Centurion the most forward deployed Army unit in the harsh climate of high winds and sand and unbearable desert heat, had accomplished its mission of deterring aggression and conducting demanding and realistic training. During that time, the Centurions planned and executed real world missions in one of the world’s harshest environments. Although difficult the men and women representing Task Force lived life the best they knew how…… as proud, professional Centurion soldiers.
Uday was recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Task Force Centurion- and also for his dedication and hard work was also awarded with the first of his two Army Achievement Medal for – “Meritorious Service while forward deployed to Kuwait from August to December 2001. The award read “Your professionalism and warrior attitude were key to Task Force Centurions Success”.