Mission:

The mission of the Horse Cavalry Detachmnet is composed of three elements.

• to serve as a link to the military past of the United States;
• to aid the recruiting efforts of the US Army across the country;
• to faithfully represent the 1st Cavalry Division, III Corps, and the US Army in military and civic ceremonies, parades, and demonstrations.

Philosophy

The Horse Cavalry Detachment is committed to professionally and safely representing the history, pageantry, and traditions of the US Cavalry of the Indian Wars Era. Every trooper is hand-picked and tested prior to acceptance into the unit. Great pride is taken in the ability to maintain current standards of military discipline while preserving the unique skills and traditions of the horse-mounted cavalry of an era gone by.

Organizational Summary:

The Horse Cavalry Detachment of the 1st Cavalry Division , based at Ft. Hood, Texas, is one of seven mounted cavalry units on active duty in the United States Army. The Detachment's representation of the US Cavalry from the Indian Wars period makes it unique amongst those units.

The Horse Detachment Barn is manned by at least one soldier 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitors are welcome to stop by and take a tour of the facilities at any time.

The Detachment participates in both formal and informal parades and reviews, provides VIP tours for distiguished guests of the 1st Cavalry Division, makes a variety of appearences designed to inform or amuse the public. Since its inception in 1972, the Detachment has appeared in 3 Presidential Inaugural Parades, six Tournament of Roses Parades, the 1984 World's Fair, and literally thousands of state and local fairs, parades, and rodeos.

The signature performance of the Horse Detachment is a 30-minute mounted drill and weapons demonstration that provides a thrilling exhibition of the skill and precision required of a trooper while mounted. It includes drill maneuvers at the walk, trot, and gallop followed by demonstrations of the use of the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, M1873 Colt Revolver (commonly known as "the Peacemaker"), and the M1873 Springfield Trapdoor-Model Carbine. The The Demonstration Team of the Detachment arrives on-site complete with eleven troopers and mounts, a muleskinner and swamper with mule team, an M1878 Escort Wagon, an M1841 Light Mountain Howitzer, and a dedicated ground support staff. No outside personnel or equipment is required in order to conduct the demonstrations.

Horse Cavalry Detachment Demonstration

The above video of the Horse Cavalry Detachment was taken during one of their recent preformances of drills, precision riding skills and equipment use at the Houston Rodeo.

The Detachment is flexible and can adjust its performances to create almost any effect. The unit requires an area about the size of a football field for its mounted cavalry demonstrations. There is no charge for any appearance of the Detachment. However, operating costs and travel expenses must be covered by the requesting organization whenever the Detachment is asked to travel more than one day to reach and return from a performance. For performances conducted within one-day trips from Ft. Hood, meals must be provided by the requesting organization.

Horse Cavalry Detachment - 4th of July Celebration

Capabilities

Features of the various capabilities within the Horse Cavalry Detachment cover the following functions:

• The Mounted Cavalry Demonstration is composed of two sections - mounted drill and mounted weapons. The demonstration, a 30-minute high-energy show that captivates both young and old alike, is designed to faithfully represent the traditions, techniques, and tactics of the US Army during the Indian Wars.
• The Horse Detachment's thirteen-rider parade team adds pageantry and Old West cavalry style to any parade or procession. The Team is ready to enhance any atmosphere from tame to tumultuous.
• Yesterday and Today Presentation: A two-person team from the Horse Detachment travels to a predetermined location - such as a school or meeting hall - and conducts a formal presentation on the history of the US Cavalry and the activities of the Horse Cavalry Detachment. Afterwards, the pair opens the floor to audience questions not only about the unit and cavalry history, but also bout Army life and other subjects.
• Community Ceremonies and Special Appearances: On certain special occasions, the Detachment participates in community ceremonies. Generally these are unique events requiring unique plans, so interested groups should contact the HCD early to explore the possibility of participation of the the Horse Detachment.
• Saddle Display: This service is similar to a Yesterday and Today presentation, described above, except that the team on-site has no formal remarks to make and relies on the curiosity of the public to begin conversation. Saddle Displays may include a DVD video, time and resources permitting, either as background or filler. When invited to participate in a fair or convention, the HCD usually provides this service.
• Partnerships with Army Recruiters: One of the primary missions of the Horse Detachment is to aid the recruiting of the US Army recruiting efforts across the country. The main method for accomplishing this aspect of our mission is to form temporary partnerships with local Army recruiting stations. HCD leadership and Operations staff will take the time to work out a detailed concept of support which will be as beneficial as possible to local recruiting without hindering the rest of the mission of the Horse Cavalry Detachment.
• At the Barn
  • Brigade Photo Shoot and Staff Ride: Each brigade organic to the First Cavalry Division is authorized one photo shoot and staff ride per calendar year. The brigade staff and command group work with HCD leadership to determine how many members of the brigade will participate in each aspect of the event.
  • Battalion Photo Shoot: Each battalion-sized element organic to the First Cavalry Division is authorized one photo shoot per calendar year. The battalion command group may bring battalion staff primaries, primary staff NCOs, company commanders.
  • Reenlistments on Horseback: In conjunction with a photo shoot or staff ride, the HCD is proud to offer the opportunity for First Team soldiers to reenlist on horseback.
  • Barn Tours: Any member of the public is welcome to stop by the HCD Barn for a guided tour. To get here, follow US Route 190 to the Fort Hood Main Gate exit (one mile West of Killeen, TX). Take the exit ramp and follow the signs to the "Martin Leath Visitor Center." Turn right off the main road to enter the Visitor Center parking lot. Once in the lot, look ahead and to your right and you will see signs for the "Horse Cavalry Detachment" and "Hunt and Saddle Club" beside a driveway. Follow that driveway to the first parking lot on your left. The big red barn beside that lot is the HCD Barn. Our CQ Desk (start point for Barn Tours) is on your left just inside the front door.

For additional information, contact the Horse Cavalry Detachment at:

PBX (254) 287-6307 or (254) 287-2229
FAX (254) 288-0405

This folio of material highlights of the many subsequent historical critical missions performed by members of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment Band, whose actions, and operations over its 37 years history at and the honors they achieved are summarized in the following sections:

Table of Contents

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