A Dying Breed - The United States Cavalry in Today's Army

This study examines how the U.S. Army’s recent changes in organization, doctrine, and technology have directly impacted the role of the cavalry in today’s operating environment. Given the recent changes in the Army’s doctrine, organization, and advance in technology, does the United States Cavalry still perform a unique and necessary function in today’s Army? Section One focuses on the “unique and necessary” function of the U.S. Cavalry. Section Two focuses on the two main conflicts that led to the most dramatic changes to the cavalry, World War II and Operation Desert Storm. Section Three analyzes the changes that have occurred over the years to bring the cavalry’s role into question. Finally, concluding that the cavalry no longer performs a unique and necessary function, this monograph recommends how the Army should approach the employment of the cavalry in future conflicts.