As envisioned in the late 1970s, a modern Army with the capability of rapid troop movement or deployment was not carried out due to some bureaucratic complications. It was only after the famed EDSA Revolution of 22 to 25 February 1986 when the plan was revived. Part of the impressive plan was to upgrade the armored unit and improve its capabilities.

 

On 19 March 1986, the unit was upgraded into a brigade size and was officially designated the Light Armor Brigade or LABde.18
Following the sale of military reservations in Metro Manila by virtue of Republic Act No. 7227, or Bases Conversion Development Act of 1992, which was signed into law by President Corazon Aquino on 13 March 1992, to include a substantial part of Fort Bonifacio, the Brigade transferred to its present station at Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on 3 February 1996.

The Light Armor Brigade was upgraded into a Division on 11 September 2006.19

Today, the Division maintains five (5) Light Armor Battalions, three (3) Mechanized Infantry Battalions, two (2) separate Light Armor Companies deployed in various parts of the archipelago, one (1) Aviation Battalion stationed in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, an Armor Maintenance Battalion, a Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion, a Signal Company, an engineer Combat Company and the Armor School, 1ACT, all based in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.

For the first time in the history of the Armor, the Division was given a task to undertake internal security operation (ISO) mission in the areas of operation (AO) of Tarlac City, Capas and Concepcion, all of the province of Tarlac (3MIB).

In Line with the Army Modernization Plan, the Armor Division at the advent of the 21st Century, would be geared towards it new role – conventional warfare combat arms. Equipped with state-of-the-art materiel and military hardware and trained in first-rate armor curriculum, its personnel is envisioned to produce men of sterling qualities to serve in a fully professional army of tomorrow – a vision deeply rooted by its long history of existence and service to God, country and people.