It is wise not to forget that history, though - both as a rich part of our western culture, and as a source of lessons that remain valuable for the track, wheel, and helicopter mounted cavalry of today. It's flexibility and daring also make it the force of choice for the essential tasks of reconnaissance and security. It is able to operate detached from the main force for limited periods of time and is frequently used in economy of force roles, responsible for large areas and often fighting grossly outnumbered so that main force elements may be moved or massed elsewhere. 2 Cavalry units usually exhibit speed in excess of the preponderance of the main force and are likewise able to execute a higher level of maneuver. Early cavalrymen rode horses.
Later ones sit atop mechanized or wheeled vehicles, or fly in helicopters.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, there are several threads common to them all. These mounted units are normally expensive to outfit and take longer to train than other forces. They can be relatively vulnerable and are difficult to replace. But when employed properly in battle, they can do their job like no other. The missions associated with the cavalry are summarized in Figure 1.