319th Cavalry Regiment (United States)

The 319th Cavalry Regiment is a former unit of the United States Army. It has a complex lineage, having been constituted and activated, inactivated and reactivated numerous times throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Its history is intertwined with armored reconnaissance, aviation, and security force assistance missions.

History:

The regiment's lineage traces back to various earlier cavalry units. Specific details regarding initial constitution and activation vary depending on the iteration. Throughout its existence, the 319th has been associated with various divisions and brigades.

Key periods of activity often involve service during times of conflict and peace. Records indicate involvement in training, peacekeeping operations, and potentially combat deployments, though these details are subject to specific unit activations and deactivations.

The regiment's role has evolved over time. Originally conceived as a traditional cavalry unit, it later transitioned to armored reconnaissance. In more recent iterations, elements of the 319th have been organized into aviation reconnaissance and security force assistance teams, reflecting the changing nature of warfare and the Army's evolving needs.

Organization:

The organization of the 319th Cavalry Regiment has varied significantly depending on its mission and period of activation. Earlier formations likely included traditional cavalry troops. Later configurations have incorporated armored reconnaissance squadrons and aviation elements, consisting of helicopter troops equipped for reconnaissance and security. The most recent iterations have often included specialized teams focused on advising and assisting foreign security forces.

Notable Elements:

While a comprehensive list of all elements is difficult to assemble due to fluctuating organization, notable components have often included:

• Reconnaissance Squadrons: Focused on gathering intelligence and providing situational awareness.
• Aviation Troops: Utilizing helicopters for reconnaissance, surveillance, and security missions.
• Security Force Assistance Teams: Providing training and advisory support to foreign military and police forces.

Deactivation and Legacy:

The 319th Cavalry Regiment has been inactivated multiple times throughout its history, often reflecting post-war drawdowns or changes in Army force structure. Despite these inactivations, the regiment's lineage is preserved, and its honors and achievements remain a part of the Army's heritage. The unit's history demonstrates the Army's adaptability and its commitment to evolving to meet the challenges of modern warfare and security assistance.