Introduction: The Evolution of Mounted Cavalry Units

The question of what the modern day equivalent of a mounted cavalry unit might be has several intriguing answers. Traditionally, heavy cavalry such as lancers, or medieval knights, were replaced by tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). However, it is not just military units that retain the legacy of cavalry; mounted police continue to serve as living embodiments of this tradition.

In the 1960s, within the 101st Airborne Division, members of the Division Recon Platoon Troop B 17th Cav were part of this lineage, volunteering for roles that required the daring and mobility of mounted cavalry, albeit in a jeep-mounted capacity. This article will explore these equivalents and the roles they play today.

Tanks: The Modern Heavy Cavalry

One of the primary roles of medieval heavy cavalry was to break through enemy lines and create gaps for infantry to exploit. Modern tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) play a similar role. They are designed to breach enemy defenses and create openings for follow-up units to pass through.

Tank Evolution: Tanks were designed to withstand and destroy armor while also providing fire support. They are the descendants of the heavy cavalry, inheriting their ability to break through enemy lines. IFVs as Cavalry Support: IFVs, such as the M2 Bradley, provide infantry with protected mobility, allowing them to quickly move across potentially hostile terrains while maintaining weapon platforms for defense.

The heritage of heavy cavalry lies with the capabilities of tanks and IFVs. They are capable of heavy offensive actions, but their primary role is often to facilitate the strategic movement of infantry and other units.

Mounted Police: The Last Cavalry?

Beyond the military context, the tradition of mounted units persists in the form of mounted police. These units serve a variety of roles, some of which have direct parallels to traditional cavalry duties.

Harassment and Reconnaissance: Light cavalry often performed tasks such as harassing the flanks, provoking counterattacks, and executing small-scale assaults. Mounted police today perform similar duties, often acting as a mobile force for crowd control or border patrols. Supply and Logistics Protection: While tanks are not as effective in ambushing and withdrawing to support supply columns, mounted police play a crucial role in protecting supply lines and maintaining order.

Mounted police units are often equipped with modern technology, such as drones and communication devices, to enhance their effectiveness. However, their primary mission is still rooted in traditional cavalry roles, such as providing a visible deterrent and maintaining order during large-scale events or security situations.

Technological Superiority in Military Roles

While tanks and IFVs have replaced traditional heavy cavalry in many military scenarios, the roles of light and mobile units are still evolving due to advances in technology. Attack helicopters and drones now fulfill many of the tasks previously handled by light cavalry units.

Attack Helicopters: These units perform the role of harassing enemy formations and supporting ground units, similar to how light cavalry units could disrupt enemy lines. Drones: Modern drones provide reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, invaluable for tasks such as mapping out enemy positions and identifying potential targets for airstrikes.

Despite these technological advancements, the essence of mobile and adaptable units remains a critical component of modern military strategy. The tradition of mounted cavalry, with its focus on mobility and surprise, continues to influence the design and tactics of modern armored units.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Mounted Cavalry

From heavy tanks to IFVs and from mounted police to modern drones, the legacy of mounted cavalry remains strong in modern military and law enforcement units. While the technologies and roles have changed, the spirit of mobility, adaptability, and strategic advantage continues to drive the design and operation of these modern equivalents.