Stryker Brigade News

"We determined that the Stryker brigade didn't have the reconnaissance capability internal to it, and that's what the 5th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment is," said Maj. Charles Scott Mitchell.

The unit was officially activated as a reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisitions squadron in line with the 1st, 2nd and 4th squadrons already activated in the Ft. Lewis, Wash., and Alaska Stryker brigades.

The 5th squadron is the first of its kind. There has never been a 5th Sqdn. with the 14th Cavalry Regiment in the 104 years of the regiment's history.

The squadron will combine an intelligence asset that was only used before in the division headquarters, by using the abilities to maneuver "the lethality, protection and digitalcon activity," said said Col. Stefan J. Banach, 2nd Brigade commander.

"We will provide reconnaissance and surveillance for the brigade using a variety of means. We've got a surveillance troop with ground surveillance radar and targeting acquisitions capability, as well as three reconnaissance troops in Stryker reconnaissance fields," Mitchell said.

During the ceremony, the 14th Cavalry's history was recounted from its beginnings in Ft. Leavenworth, Ks. in 1901 to the present. The reason for the activation of the new unit was also clarified at this event.

Then the new commander of the unit, Lt. Col. David S. Davidson addressed his troops.

"I am humbled to stand before such a remarkable group of troopers and to be given the opportunity to take command of the newest cavalry squadron in the United States Army," Davidson said.