3:73 Cavalry

• Origins and Activation: The 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment (3/73 CAV) was constituted in 1941 as part of the 73rd Antitank Battalion and has undergone multiple redesignations, eventually becoming part of the 82nd Airborne Division. • Airborne Armor: The 3/73 CAV is unique for being an airborne cavalry squadron, specializing in rapid deployment and reconnaissance missions via parachute insertion. • Operation Just Cause: Elements of the 3/73 participated in the 1989 invasion of Panama, aiding in the swift removal of General Manuel Noriega’s regime. • Gulf War Service: The unit deployed during Operation Desert Storm, providing vital reconnaissance and anti-armor support for coalition forces. • Light Armor Expertise: The unit was the only airborne unit equipped with the M551 Sheridan light tank during the late Cold War, making them a unique blend of armor and infantry capabilities. • Global War on Terror: After reorganization, 3/73 CAV has been deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting reconnaissance, security, and combat operations. • Distinguished Unit Citations: The squadron and its antecedent units have received multiple unit citations for valor and meritorious service throughout their history. • Nickname: Known as the “Recon Squadron” of the 82nd Airborne Division, the 3/73 CAV prides itself on its motto, “Honor, Vigilance, Courage.” • Deactivation and Reactivation: The unit was deactivated in 1997, but its lineage was reactivated in 2006 as part of the Army’s transformation to modular brigades. • Modern Role: Today, 3/73 CAV operates as a Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) squadron, using advanced vehicles and technology to support the 82nd Airborne Division’s rapid response missions worldwide.