About this Unit
The 2nd Squadron, 10th Air Cavalry (2/10 AIR CAV) was originally constituted as part of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, a historic unit known as the “Buffalo Soldiers.” Transitioning to an air cavalry role during the Vietnam War, 2/10 AIR CAV provided aerial reconnaissance, security, and fire support, utilizing helicopters to enhance mobility and battlefield awareness. The squadron played a critical role in both offensive and defensive operations, supporting ground forces with rapid deployment and extraction missions. After Vietnam, 2/10 AIR CAV continued to adapt to modern threats, participating in training exercises and deployments before eventual inactivation or integration into other units as Army aviation evolved.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 2nd Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment (2/10 AIR CAV) traces its lineage back to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, one of the original Buffalo Soldier regiments formed in 1866.
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Nickname: The regiment is often known as the "Buffalo Soldiers," a title given to them by Native American tribes due to their fierce fighting abilities.
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Vietnam War: The 2/10 Cavalry served with distinction in the Vietnam War, operating as an Air Cavalry unit specializing in reconnaissance, air assault, and rapid mobility operations.
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Air Cavalry Transformation: During the late 1960s, 2/10 Cavalry adopted helicopters as their primary mode of transportation, fundamentally changing how cavalry units operated in combat.
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Decorations and Honors: The 10th Cavalry Regiment, including its 2nd Squadron, has earned numerous decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and multiple campaign streamers.
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Cold War Service: After Vietnam, 2/10 AIR CAV served in various locations in the United States and Europe, participating in NATO exercises and serving as a rapid deployment force during the Cold War.
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Modern Deployments: In recent decades, 2/10 Cavalry has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting reconnaissance, security, and combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Distinctive Insignia: The unit's distinctive insignia features a buffalo, symbolizing its heritage, and crossed sabers, representing its cavalry roots.
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Notable Members: Several members of the 10th Cavalry have received the Medal of Honor for acts of valor, some of whom served in the 2nd Squadron throughout its history.
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Annual Buffalo Soldier Commemoration: The unit participates in annual events honoring the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, fostering pride and remembrance of its historic contributions to the U.S. Army.
