U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division

Division of Choice

The 1st Cavalry Division—America’s First Team—is more than a unit; it’s a legacy of excellence, innovation, and strength. The First Team is the “Division of Choice” for Soldiers across the Army. Whether it’s world-class training, unmatched esprit de corps, or opportunities for personal and professional growth, the 1st Cavalry Division develops leaders, builds cohesive teams, and accomplishes any mission.
Choose legendary. Choose the First Team. (U.S. Army video by 1st Lt. Tyler Williams)

Mission Statement

On order, 1st Cavalry Division deploys combat-ready forces to deter or defeat our adversaries in support of the Joint Force anywhere in the world.

Who We Are

We are the U.S. Army's premier armored fighting force. Since 1921, we have evolved from horse-mounted cavalry to a modern armored force leading the Army's transformation efforts. Headquartered at Fort Hood, Texas, the division has played key roles in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the First Gulf War and recent global operations. Featuring three armored brigade combat teams, a cavalry regiment, division artillery, air cavalry and sustainment brigade, the Division stands ready to engage and destroy the enemies of the United States.

Pegasus Charge

1st Cavalry Division Trooper, Sgt. Nathaniel Martin, an Unmanned Aircraft System Operator, assigned to 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, launches a drone from his hand during Pegasus Forge, on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug.... — 1st Cavalry Division Trooper, Sgt. Nathaniel Martin, an Unmanned Aircraft System Operator, assigned to 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, launches a drone from his hand during Pegasus Forge, on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 6, 2025. Pegasus Forge allows the First Team to utilize new technology and gain experience in the field to support and progress in the Army's Transformation in Contact initiative. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. David Dumas) (Photo Credit: Spc. David Dumas) VIEW ORIGINAL

First Team Troopers fly the munition during a Switchblade live-fire exercise on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 15, 2025. The Switchblade, a lethal unmanned loitering munition system, is undergoing its first tests at Fort Hood as the U.S. Army evaluates... — First Team Troopers fly the munition during a Switchblade live-fire exercise on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 15, 2025. The Switchblade, a lethal unmanned loitering munition system, is undergoing its first tests at Fort Hood as the U.S. Army evaluates it for wider adoption going forward. Loitering munition training is part of 1st Cavalry Division's "Pegasus Charge" transforming in contact initiative. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Julian A. Winston) (Photo Credit: Spc. Julian Winston) VIEW ORIGINAL

An M109A7 Paladin, assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, fires a round during Operator New Equipment Training on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 25, 2025. The First Team is fielding new... — An M109A7 Paladin, assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, fires a round during Operator New Equipment Training on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 25, 2025. The First Team is fielding new equipment, as part of the Transforming in Contact initiative, and conducting training to increase familiarization and precision with the new vehicles. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. David Dumas) (Photo Credit: Spc. David Dumas) VIEW ORIGINAL

Two U.S. Army Troopers, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, operate the Terrestrial Layer System (TLS) Manpack during a training exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, on August 14, 2025. The TLS-Manpack is a modular, tactical electronic warfare and... — Two U.S. Army Troopers, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, operate the Terrestrial Layer System (TLS) Manpack during a training exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, on August 14, 2025. The TLS-Manpack is a modular, tactical electronic warfare and signals intelligence system capable of independent operation or networked deployment. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Zelika Stewart) VIEW ORIGINAL

Pegasus Charge is how 1st Cavalry Division will transform in contact. This is not solely looking for new equipment, we are looking to push the boundaries of how we think, organize, train, and how we operate. We will look across the entire DOTMLPF-P; doctrine, organizational design, experimentation and materiel procurement.

Pegasus Charge is about ensuring 1st Cavalry Division deploys Brigades that are lethal, survivable and maneuverable while having the full weight of the Division to shape the battlefield.

1st Cavalry Division Leadership

Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division

MG Thomas M. Feltey

BIOGRAPHY
Command Sgt. Major, 1st Cavalry Division

CSM LeVares J. Jackson

BIOGRAPHY

1st Cavalry Division Units

1ABCT "Ironhorse"

1-7 CAV

2-5 CAV

2-8 CAV

2-12 CAV

91st Engineer

115th Support

2ABCT "Blackjack"

4-9 CAV

1-5 CAV

1-8 CAV

1-9 CAV

8th Engineer

15th Support

3ABCT "Greywolf"

6-9 CAV

2-7 CAV

3-8 CAV

1-12 CAV

3rd Engineer

215th Support

3rd Cavalry Regiment "Brave Rifles"

1-3 CAV

2-3 CAV

3-3 CAV

3rd CAV Artillery

3rd CAV Support

Air CAV

7-17 Attack

1-227 Attack

2-227

3-227

615th Support

1st CAV Sustainment Brigade "Wagonmasters"

1CD STB

553rd DSSB

Division Artillery "Red Team"

6-56 ADA

1-82 FA

3-16 FA

2-82 FA

IN OTHER ARMY NEWS!

Yellow Book (May 2025)

(May 2025)

Yellow Book

Yellow Book

1st Cavalry Division, America's First Team!

The saga of the 1st Cavalry Division weaves a vibrant tapestry of valor, beginning in the dusty deserts of Fort Bliss, Texas, where it was born on September 13, 1921. Here, Troopers on horseback galloped across rugged terrain, guarding the Mexican border with steely resolve. As the 1940s dawned, the march of technology retired their trusty steeds, transforming them into dismounted cavalry ready to face the trials of World War II’s Pacific Theater.

In 1943, the division sailed to Queensland, Australia, honing their skills for jungle and amphibious warfare. By February 1944, they charged the beaches of Los Negros Island, clashing fiercely with Japanese forces and leaving 7,000 enemy casualties in their wake. Months later, on the Philippine island of Leyte, they battled through dense jungles, and in 1945, their “Flying Column” thundered into Manila, liberating internees at Santo Tomas University. Two Troopers earned the Medal of Honor posthumously, their sacrifices etched into the division’s lore. Under Major General William C. Chase, the “First Team” moniker took root, and they rode into history as the first to enter Tokyo, securing Japan’s capital during the occupation and patrolling 5,000 square miles while aiding in disaster relief and demobilization.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, the First Team answered the call, storming ashore at Pohang Dong in a daring amphibious landing. They surged across the 38th parallel, capturing Pyongyang, only to face a relentless Chinese counteroffensive at Unsan that tested their grit. Despite heavy losses, they fought on, holding the line. Eleven Troopers earned the Medal of Honor, their courage never forgotten.

Reborn as an airmobile force, the division soared into Vietnam. During the 1965 Pleiku Campaign, they earned the Presidential Unit Citation, and in 1968, they shattered the Tet Offensive in Hue and relieving the besieged Marines at Khe Sanh and striking into Cambodia in 1970. Thirty Troopers received the Medal of Honor, their bravery a testament to the “Sky Troopers’” indomitable spirit. The division was the first full unit into Vietnam and the last to leave, returning to Fort Hood in 1971 as a “Tricap” Division blending armor, air mobility, and cavalry.

Through the Cold War, the First Team sharpened their skills at Fort Hood, training for global conflict and facing mock battles at Fort Irwin. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, they deployed to Saudi Arabia, outwitting the enemy with a deceptive feint along the Wadi al Batin. In a breathtaking 24-hour, 300-kilometer charge, they smashed through the Republican Guard, fulfilling General Schwarzkopf’s command to “send in the First Team” and end the Gulf War.

In 1998, the division deployed to Bosnia, ensuring stability following years of brutal conflict in the region. By 2003, they were in Iraq, liberating a nation and guiding Baghdad toward democracy in 2004. They returned in 2006 and 2009, commanding vast forces and transferring bases to Iraqi control. In Afghanistan, from 2011 to 2016, they led Regional Command-East and trained Afghan forces, their colors unfurled in Bagram as a symbol of enduring strength.

Recently, the First Team deployed brigades to Iraq to support the fight against ISIS, Korea to reassure our allies, and Europe, to counter Russian aggression in 2014 and bolstering NATO allies in 2022. Now, the Division stands ready to Transform in Contact, setting us up to fight and win on the modern battlefield. With 24,000 Soldiers carrying the hard-riding spirit of the cavalry, the 1st Cavalry Division stands ready, their legacy a saga of courage, adaptability, and triumph, forever the “First Team.”