Division Cavalry in Sicily: The 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in Operation Husky, July-August 1943

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1158521 | Open PDF

Abstract:

As the U.S. Army takes steps towards transitioning from a brigade-centric to a division-centric organization, this study draws lessons from a Division Cavalry squadron in Large-Scale Combat Operations. It follows the 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (CRS) during Operation HUSKY-the liberation of Sicily from Axis control in July and August 1943- as they performed a variety of reconnaissance, security, and direct action missions. It concludes that division cavalry squadrons are essential to success in large-scale ground combat operations. It demonstrates the key role mechanized cavalry played in highlighting the importance of fighting as a combined arms team. Furthermore, engineers in particular proved to be a critical asset needed to enable the 91st CRS to achieve its maximum effectiveness. Fourth and finally, this study shows that the 91st CRS was capable of performing a dizzying variety of missions, yet it was most effective while performing the traditional cavalry missions of reconnaissance and security.

Author(s):
Graydon, Jeb S.
Author Organization(s):
US Army Command and General Staff College
Funding Organization(s):
US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth , KS
Document Type:
Technical Report/Master's Thesis
Publication Date:
2020 Jun 12
Pagination:
90

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
military history, reconnaissance, second world war, governments, united states, warfare, employment, combat operations, maneuvers, military art, national security, new york, guns, machine guns, security, students, united states government
Keyword(s):
Division Cavalry, Mechanized Cavalry, World War II, Large-Scale Combat Operations, Operation HUSKY, Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized cavalry, Security Operations
Subject Categories:
Military Sciences
Creation Date:
2022 Feb 03
Update Date:
2022 Feb 16