71st Cavalry Regiment (United States)
Encyclopedia
The 71st Cavalry was originally constituted on 3 December 1941 in the Army of the United States
as the 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion.
and earned campaign participation in Algeria
-French Morocco
, Tunisia
, Naples
-Foggia
, Anzio
, Rome
-Arno
, North Apennines, and the Po Valley
.
The 701st was inactivated on 29 October 1945 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
. The unit was converted and redesignated on 27 August 1947 as the 327th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, and allotted to the Organized Reserves. It was again converted and redesignated on 22 March 1949 as the 327th Heavy Tank Battalion. On 17 November 1950, it was inactivated at Ottumwa, Iowa
only to be converted and redesignated on 27 February 1951 as the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion; concurrently, withdrawn from the Organized Reserve Corps, allotted to the Regular Army, and assigned to the 1st Armored Division
.
On 7 March 1951, the 701st AIB moved to Fort Hood, Texas
for a period of six years until it was inactivated on 15 February 1957 at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and relieved from assignment to the 1st Armored Division. In September 2004, the 71st Cavalry was activated from newly assigned Soldiers as well as existing units from the Division.
11 months after activation, 1-71 CAV deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV. The squadron began combat operation throughout AO Cobra in Western Baghdad
, with a primary mission as the Military Transition Team
(MiTT), partnered up with 1st Brigade, 6 Division of the Iraqi Army.
The 15 October Constitution Referendum and the 15 December National Election marked two distinct watershed events in the fledgling Iraq
i nation.
In late February and through much of May, the squadron surged in response to an attack on the Samara Mosque. Intense 24 hour patrols throughout AO Cobra saturated the area, showing support for the Iraqi people and the Iraqi Security Forces
. Throughout this time, the squadron’s efforts assisted in easing sectarian tensions during a tenuous time.
By the first of April, the squadron was released from the MiTT mission and tasked with a new AO on the Western outskirts of Baghdad. AO Ghost included the strategic target Abu Ghraib
compound and 18 kilometers of Corps MSR. Throughout this period, the squadron once again was forced into a non-contiguous battlefield with a command and control node at Abu Ghraib. The rural environment of AO Ghost is the antithesis to that of the urban AO Cobra, enlisting the Soldiers of 1-71 CAV to adjust lessons learned over the course of six months into new, wide-open surroundings.
1-71 CAV redeployed with 1BCT, 10th Mountain Division
in July 2006. The unit recovered and prepared for another tour in Iraq. The Squadron is currently deployed conducting operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent, a bar Sable, overall a lion rampant Azure holding in dexter paw a fleur-de-lis Or. Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Silver scroll inscribed “GALLANTLY FORWARD” in Blue letters.
Symbolism
The colors blue and white are for Infantry, the previous unit designation. Black and golden orange were the colors used for Tank Destroyer organizations, indicating the unit’s origin. The raging lion symbolizes aggressive and warlike qualities. The fleur-de-lis is gold (for golden orange) to indicate the battle honors were awarded to the organization as a Tank Destroyer unit in World War II.
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion on 28 April 1952. It was redesignated with the description and symbolism updated for the 71st Cavalry Regiment on 10 August 2004.
Argent, a bar Sable, overall a lion rampant Azure holding in dexter paw a fleur-de-lis Or.
Crest
From a wreath Argent and Sable below an arc of seven mullets Azure an olive tree fructed Proper charged with a pheon Or, in base two cavalry swords points down saltirewise Proper.
Motto Gallantly Forward.
Shield Symbolism
The colors blue and white are for Infantry, the previous unit designation. Black and golden orange were the colors used for Tank Destroyer organizations, indicating the unit’s origin. The raging lion symbolizes aggressive and warlike qualities. The fleur-de-lis is gold (for golden orange) to indicate the battle honors were awarded to the organization as a Tank Destroyer unit in World War II.
Crest
The stars commemorate the seven campaign participation credits the unit earned in World War II. Blue and white underscore Infantry history. The olive tree, native to the Mediterranean Sea region, recalls the area of operation of their World War II service. The cavalry swords recall the unit’s history and symbolize the armored cavalry mission. The spear point (pheon) gives emphasis to military action and going forward in battle.
Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion on 28 April 1952. It was redesignated for the 71st Cavalry Regiment and amended to add a crest on 27 August 2004.
Army of the United States
The Army of the United States is the official name for the conscription force of the United States Army that may be raised at the discretion of the United States Congress in the event of the United States entering into a major armed conflict...
as the 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion.
History
The unit was activated on 15 December 1941 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The unit saw action throughout WWIIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and earned campaign participation in Algeria
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
-French Morocco
French Morocco
French Protectorate of Morocco was a French protectorate in Morocco, established by the Treaty of Fez. French Morocco did not include the north of the country, which was a Spanish protectorate...
, Tunisia
Tunisia
Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
, Naples
Naples
Naples is a city in Southern Italy, situated on the country's west coast by the Gulf of Naples. Lying between two notable volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, it is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples...
-Foggia
Foggia
Foggia is a city and comune of Apulia, Italy, capital of the province of Foggia. Foggia is the main city of a plain called Tavoliere, also known as the "granary of Italy".-History:...
, Anzio
Anzio
Anzio is a city and comune on the coast of the Lazio region of Italy, about south of Rome.Well known for its seaside harbour setting, it is a fishing port and a departure point for ferries and hydroplanes to the Pontine Islands of Ponza, Palmarola and Ventotene...
, Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
-Arno
Arno
The Arno is a river in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is the most important river of central Italy after the Tiber.- Source and route :The river originates on Mount Falterona in the Casentino area of the Apennines, and initially takes a southward curve...
, North Apennines, and the Po Valley
Po Valley
The Po Valley, Po Plain, Plain of the Po, or Padan Plain is a major geographical feature of Italy. It extends approximately in an east-west direction, with an area of 46,000 km² including its Venetic extension not actually related to the Po River basin; it runs from the Western Alps to the...
.
The 701st was inactivated on 29 October 1945 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Fort Leonard Wood is a census-designated place in Pulaski County, Missouri, United States. The population was 13,667 at the 2000 census. It is named in honor of Major General Leonard Wood, who was awarded the Medal of Honor...
. The unit was converted and redesignated on 27 August 1947 as the 327th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, and allotted to the Organized Reserves. It was again converted and redesignated on 22 March 1949 as the 327th Heavy Tank Battalion. On 17 November 1950, it was inactivated at Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa is a city in and the county seat of Wapello County, Iowa, United States. The population was 24,998 at the 2000 census. It is located in the southeastern part of Iowa, and the city is split into northern and southern halves by the Des Moines River....
only to be converted and redesignated on 27 February 1951 as the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion; concurrently, withdrawn from the Organized Reserve Corps, allotted to the Regular Army, and assigned to the 1st Armored Division
1st Armored Division (United States)
The 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...
.
On 7 March 1951, the 701st AIB moved to Fort Hood, Texas
Fort Hood, Texas
Fort Hood is a United States military post located outside of Killeen, Texas. The post is named after Confederate General John Bell Hood. It islocated halfway between Austin and Waco, about from each, within the U.S. state of Texas....
for a period of six years until it was inactivated on 15 February 1957 at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and relieved from assignment to the 1st Armored Division. In September 2004, the 71st Cavalry was activated from newly assigned Soldiers as well as existing units from the Division.
11 months after activation, 1-71 CAV deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV. The squadron began combat operation throughout AO Cobra in Western Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
, with a primary mission as the Military Transition Team
Military transition team
A Military Transition Team, or Transition Team, is a 10-15 soldier team that and trains local forces. The term has been used in the context of the "War on Terror" to design groups training in particular the Iraqi Security Forces, Afghan Army and other Afghan security forces.- Mission :The primary...
(MiTT), partnered up with 1st Brigade, 6 Division of the Iraqi Army.
The 15 October Constitution Referendum and the 15 December National Election marked two distinct watershed events in the fledgling Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
i nation.
In late February and through much of May, the squadron surged in response to an attack on the Samara Mosque. Intense 24 hour patrols throughout AO Cobra saturated the area, showing support for the Iraqi people and the Iraqi Security Forces
Iraqi Security Forces
The Iraqi Armed Forces are the military forces of the Government of Iraq. They consist of the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Air Force, and the Iraqi Navy....
. Throughout this time, the squadron’s efforts assisted in easing sectarian tensions during a tenuous time.
By the first of April, the squadron was released from the MiTT mission and tasked with a new AO on the Western outskirts of Baghdad. AO Ghost included the strategic target Abu Ghraib
Abu Ghraib
The city of Abu Ghraib in the Baghdad Governorate of Iraq is located just west of Baghdad's city center, or northwest of Baghdad International Airport. It has a population of 189,000. The old road to Jordan passes through Abu Ghraib...
compound and 18 kilometers of Corps MSR. Throughout this period, the squadron once again was forced into a non-contiguous battlefield with a command and control node at Abu Ghraib. The rural environment of AO Ghost is the antithesis to that of the urban AO Cobra, enlisting the Soldiers of 1-71 CAV to adjust lessons learned over the course of six months into new, wide-open surroundings.
1-71 CAV redeployed with 1BCT, 10th Mountain Division
10th Mountain Division
The 10th Mountain Division is a light infantry division of the United States Army based at Fort Drum, New York. It is a subordinate unit of the XVIII Airborne Corps and the only division-sized element of the U.S. Army to specialize in fighting under harsh terrain and weather conditions...
in July 2006. The unit recovered and prepared for another tour in Iraq. The Squadron is currently deployed conducting operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
DescriptionA Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent, a bar Sable, overall a lion rampant Azure holding in dexter paw a fleur-de-lis Or. Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Silver scroll inscribed “GALLANTLY FORWARD” in Blue letters.
Symbolism
The colors blue and white are for Infantry, the previous unit designation. Black and golden orange were the colors used for Tank Destroyer organizations, indicating the unit’s origin. The raging lion symbolizes aggressive and warlike qualities. The fleur-de-lis is gold (for golden orange) to indicate the battle honors were awarded to the organization as a Tank Destroyer unit in World War II.
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion on 28 April 1952. It was redesignated with the description and symbolism updated for the 71st Cavalry Regiment on 10 August 2004.
Coat Of Arms Blazon
ShieldArgent, a bar Sable, overall a lion rampant Azure holding in dexter paw a fleur-de-lis Or.
Crest
From a wreath Argent and Sable below an arc of seven mullets Azure an olive tree fructed Proper charged with a pheon Or, in base two cavalry swords points down saltirewise Proper.
Motto Gallantly Forward.
Shield Symbolism
The colors blue and white are for Infantry, the previous unit designation. Black and golden orange were the colors used for Tank Destroyer organizations, indicating the unit’s origin. The raging lion symbolizes aggressive and warlike qualities. The fleur-de-lis is gold (for golden orange) to indicate the battle honors were awarded to the organization as a Tank Destroyer unit in World War II.
Crest
The stars commemorate the seven campaign participation credits the unit earned in World War II. Blue and white underscore Infantry history. The olive tree, native to the Mediterranean Sea region, recalls the area of operation of their World War II service. The cavalry swords recall the unit’s history and symbolize the armored cavalry mission. The spear point (pheon) gives emphasis to military action and going forward in battle.
Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion on 28 April 1952. It was redesignated for the 71st Cavalry Regiment and amended to add a crest on 27 August 2004.
Current configuration
- 1st Battalion 71st Cavalry Regiment (United States)
- 2nd Battalion 71st Cavalry Regiment (United States)
- 3rd Battalion 71st Cavalry Regiment (United States)
- 4th Battalion 71st Cavalry Regiment (United States)
External links
- http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/lineages/branches/ar/default.htm
- http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/lineages/branches/cav/default.htm