Lt. Col. Matthew Schardt, commander of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, presents the cased battalion guidon colors before relinquishing his authority and command to Col. Daniel Kearney, 1st Brigade Combat Team commander, July 26, 2024, on Fort Drum, New York. The unit was inactivated to restructure and modernize the U.S. Army’s fighting force as the military prepares for a future theater of war. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Samuel Bonney)
3-71 Cavalry inactivates at Fort Drum amid Army efforts to restructure, modernize
Pfc. Savannah Olvera
27th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (July 26, 2024) – Soldiers with 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), participated in the unit's inactivation ceremony July 26 on Fort Drum, as part of an effort to restructure and modernize the U.S. Army’s fighting force as the military begins preparing for a future theater of war.
The inactivation ceremony provided a somber moment of remembrance and gratitude for the unit’s accomplishments and dedication to executing the U.S. Army mission. During this process the unit will send Soldiers either to units in the 10th Mountain Division to continue building the unit’s legacy of Alpine excellence or to other units throughout the Army.
Lt. Col. Matthew Schardt, commander of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, addressed his troops with a sense of honor and reflection.
“Men and women of Ghost (Squadron), as you walk off today's field, you should feel pride and gratitude,” he said. “Be proud for the opportunity to add to the legacy of service that defines this regiment.”
Originally established in 1941 as the 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion, the unit played a pivotal role in various successful World War II campaigns, including engagements in Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, the North Apennines, and Po Valley.
Throughout its history, the unit underwent several redesignations or transitions ranging from the 327th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in 1947, then becoming the 327th Heavy Tank Battalion in 1949. By 1951, the unit had evolved into the 701st Armored Infantry Battalion before eventually being detached from the 1st Armored Division. In 2004, the unit was reactivated as 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, and assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
“Going forward, I urge you to continue to share stories of your time in the squadron, both the commonplace and the courageous,” Schardt said. “Share our stories with your fellow veterans and our fellow citizens.”
The 3-71 Cavalry has continued to serve as a consistent contributor to the Blue-Collar Division throughout the modern era, mobilizing to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, respectively.
Part of an inactivation ceremony is the casing of the unit's colors and relinquishment of command. These colors represent not only the heritage and history of the unit, but also the unity and loyalty of its Soldiers.
During the casing ceremony, retired Brig. Gen. Mark O’Daniel, honorary colonel of 1st Brigade Combat Team, joined the command team in casing the colors representing Ghost troopers past and present.
“Today we gathered to mark a momentous occasion, the inactivation of the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment,” said Col. Daniel Kearney, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team. “This ceremony is both a reflection on our past and a moment to honor the legacy that Ghost Squadron has built.”
Schardt offered a final salute to Kearney, who returned the gesture before delivering the concluding command, marking the end of the ceremony with a bittersweet farewell.