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United States Cavalry

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United States Army Cavalry
Captain Charles A. May's squadron of the 2d Dragoons slashed through the enemy lines in an attack that climaxed the opening campaigns of the Mexican War. 2,500 American soldiers shattered the Mexican force of 6,000. May's attack order was simple and effective: "Remember your regiment and follow your officers."
ActiveNovember 17, 1775–1951
CountryUnited States
BranchRegular Army
TypeCavalry
RoleCavalry, Reconnaissance, Assault
SizeVaried

The United States Army Cavalry was a horse-mounted cavalry force that existed in various forms between 1775 and 1942. The Plains Cavalry played an important role in extending American governance into western North America.

The 1st Cavalry Division is the only division of the United States Army that retains the "cavalry" name and the division retains one detachment of horse cavalry for morale and ceremonial purposes. The division is otherwise divided into four armored brigades and one air cavalry brigade, both of which contain subordinate units that perform traditional cavalry tasks.

The last horse cavalry charge by the Army took place against Japanese forces during the fighting in the Bataan Peninsula, Philippines, in the village of Morong on January 16, 1942, by the 26th Cavalry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. Shortly thereafter, the besieged combined United States-Philippine forces were forced to slaughter their horses for food and the 26th Regiment fought on foot or in whatever scarce vehicles were available until their surrender. For the remainder of World War II, cavalry units were either mechanized with tanks and reconnaissance vehicles or fought as infantry.

The distinct cavalry branch ceased to exist when it was absorbed into the Armor branch in 1951, during the Korean War. Other regiments of both armored and air cavalry exist in the Army. The patches on 1st Cavalry Division helicopters that served in Vietnam retained the symbol of a horse, symbolizing the mobility that characterized the original horse cavalry.

Chief, the cavalry's last horse of the original tactical horses, died in 1968 at the age of 36.

There is still one Army Military Occupational Specialty that is active and has been since the early Cavalry days: 19D Cavalry Scout.

Culture

Solders with the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard, Fort Riley, Kansas, prepare for a parade.

The cavalry is classically employed in Western movies as a force that comes to save the day, typically against hostile Indians. They are often accompanied by a bugle call, and the cry "Charge".[1] The cry "Charge" is today also commonly used at United States sporting events with the same bugle call. It is one of the most instantly recognizable tunes in American culture, film and television, especially 1950s and 1960s Western shows.

Tradition

The cavalry, much like any other military force, has its own unique traditions and history. Among these traditions include the Order of the Spur commonly called "Spur Ride", cavalry Stetson, Saber Arch, Fiddler's Green poem, the song/rallying cry Garryowen, and the Order of the Yellow Rose.

Cavalry unit distribution

1st Cavalry Division's Horse Cavalry Detachment charge during a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, 2005.

American Revolution Era US Cavalry Regiments

1832/1833 and subsequent Cavalry Units

  • Divisions
  • Regular Army
  • National Guard
  • 21st Cavalry Division; New York; New Jersey; Pennsylvania and Rhode Island Army National Guards.
  • 22nd Cavalry Division; Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin Army National Guards.
  • 23rd Cavalry Division; Alabama, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin Army National Guards.
  • 24th Cavalry Division; Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming Army National Guards.
  • Army Reserve.
  • Brigades
  • Regular Army
File:SC120314.jpg
With colors flying and guidons down, the lead troops of the famous 9th Cavalry pass in review at the regiment's new home in rebuilt Camp Funston. Ft. Riley, Kansas May 28, 1941
  • National Guard
  • Regiments
  • Volunteers
  • Army Reserve.

Notable United States Cavalrymen

See also

External links

References

  1. ^ [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/bugle.htm
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