FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), witnessed and participated in the squadron's inactivation ceremony Friday on Magrath Field.
The squadron inactivated with its parent unit, 3rd BCT, as part of the division's realignment from four to three brigade combat teams.
Originally constituted in 1941 as the 701st Tanker Destroyer Battalion, the unit served in Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Naples- Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, North Apennines and the Po Valley during World War II. The unit was then designated as 327th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in 1947 and again as 327th Heavy Tank Battalion in 1949. In 1951, the unit became the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion where it was relieved from assignment to the 1st Armored Division.
Finally, the unit was activated as the 71st Cavalry Regiment in 2004 to fall under the 3rd BCT and the 10th Mountain Division (LI).
In 2006, Soldiers of 3-71 Cavalry deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where it became the most widely travelled battalion-sized element throughout Regional Command East. Elements of the unit fought Taliban forces in Kandahar, making the longest tactical movement in Operation Enduring Freedom history. The squadron established Forward Operating Base Naray, Command Observation Posts Keating, Lybert, Kamu and Monti.
On June 21, 2006, Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti and his patrol came under fire from approximately 50 enemy fighters. Monti's actions saved his 16-man patrol from being overrun. During the fight, Monti made three attempts to cross terrain under fire without cover to save a wounded Soldier. During his final attempt he was mortally wounded, sacrificing his life in an effort to save his Soldiers. Monti was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty for his actions that day.
Designated as Task Force Titan, the squadron deployed to Logar Province, Afghanistan, in 2009 where it conducted more than 3,000 patrols, 26 air-assault missions and more than 50 combined missions with Operation Detachment Alpha, which resulted in more than 200 insurgents captured and 175 killed. TF Titan also distributed more than $24 million to local projects and aid to the Afghan people, leading to more than 6,400 jobs and distribution of 54 tons of humanitarian assistance and 22 tons of food.
The Titan Squadron deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, and while in the western Arghandab District, Soldiers detained 40 high-value targets, including the leader of a major insurgent group, whose capture led to a steep decline in roadside bombs in the district.
In 2013, 3-71 Cavalry deployed to Assistance Platform Rushmore, Patika Province, Afghanistan, where they partnered with and advised all Afghan National Security Force pillars and civilian leadership with the focus of security operations, rule of law and ANSF sustainment and training. The Titans advised the ANSF during 12 brigade-level operations, more than 20 battalion-level operations and constructed 50 checkpoints. The squadron hosted or facilitated 45 training events, which enhanced the ANSF's ability to sustain itself and conduct independent operations.
With the Titans' assistance ANSF members executed two lethal strikes, resulting in the killing of four high-value targets, which caused a significant disruption of insurgent activity within the province.
The combined efforts of 3-71 Cavalry and ANSF led to a successful defense of Afghan National Combat Observation Post Ziruk against a large-scale attack. The Titans advised ANSF in planning of security of polling sites during the Afghan 2014 local and presidential elections.
Despite numerous insurgent attacks, the ANSF successfully defended all 266 polling sites, allowing the province to vote in a free and fair election.
The last commander, Lt. Col. Angel C. Mesa, and his senior enlisted adviser, Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick D. Wilson, cased the squadron's colors during the ceremony.
The 10th Mountain Division will not lose 3-71 Cavalry for long. The division's 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, is scheduled to reflag as 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 1st BCT, on Oct. 17 as part of the brigade's transformation ceremony.
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