1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment

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Horse Cavalry Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division
Public Duties
Size40
Part of1st Cavalry Division
Garrison/HQFort Cavazos
Nickname(s)Horse Cavalry Detachment
Motto(s)"Hot to Trot!"
Mascot(s)Doc Holliday (dog) [1]
Commanders
Current
commander
Captain Michael C. Gates

The Horse Cavalry Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division is a

Fort Cavazos, Texas, it was activated in 1972 and is a subordinate unit of the 1st Cavalry Division
.

History

In 1943, at the height of World War II, the 1st Cavalry Division disposed of its remaining horses. The Horse Cavalry Detachment was activated 29 years later, in 1972.[2] It is one of seven horse-mounted units remaining in the U.S. Army.[2][3]

In 2014 the first woman to lead the detachment, Captain Elizabeth R. Rascon, assumed command.[4][5]

Soldiers of the Horse Cavalry Detachment pictured in 2010.

Mission

The mission of the Horse Cavalry Detachment is to support the 1st Cavalry Division and Fort Cavazos (Renamed from Fort Hood 5/9/2023) by participating in ceremonies and other events; to support the U.S. Army in its public relations and recruiting efforts; and to preserve and maintain the standards of drill and traditions of the U.S. Cavalry during the 1800's.

The detachment primarily performs public duties functions. The unit participates in change of command and medal ceremonies, the U.S. presidential inauguration, and represents the 1st Cavalry Division and the U.S. Army in parades, riding demonstrations, and civic events.[6] In addition to official state and military ceremonies, it has participated in the Rose Parade, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos, and U.S. Army recruiting events.[7][8] Finally, a weekly mounted drill demonstrating equestrian vaulting and cavalry tactics, such as sabre charges, is held for the public by the detachment every Thursday morning at Fort Cavazos.[1]

The Horse Cavalry Detachment's mounted drills are drawn from the U.S. Army's 1883 Manual of Cavalry Tactics.[3]

A Horse Cavalry Detachment trooper demonstrates equestrian vaulting in 2013.

Equipment

Armaments and vehicles

The 40-soldier unit is equipped with 33 dark bay

1860 Light Cavalry Saber.[1][2][9]

Uniforms

The Horse Cavalry Detachment is designated by the U.S. Army as a "special ceremonial unit" which allows it to wear specialized, unit-specific uniforms not part of standard Army issue.[2][9]

See also

References

  1. ^
    U.S. Army
    .
  2. ^ a b c d "History of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment". 1cda.org. 1st Cavalry Division Association. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  3. ^ .
  4. ^ "Fort Hood: Horse Cavalry Detachment Gets First Female Commander". KWTX-TV. 13 June 2014. Archived from the original on 2016-05-12. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  5. .
  6. .
  7. ^ Turner, Angel (25 February 2015). "1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment". Killeen Daily Herald. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  8. ^ "Who's in the Rose Parade: Keep track of all the floats, bands and horses (and see who won trophies)". Los Angeles Times. 1 January 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  9. ^
    Texas Co-op Power magazine
    . Retrieved 26 April 2016.