Wars have been studied from every viewpoint from the most abstract to the intensely personal. In the case of Major Joseph C. Barto's "Task Force 2-4 Cav-"First In, Last Out": The History of the 2d Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, During Operation Desert Storm," war is viewed from the perspective of one man's impression of a volatile, fluid battle. Re-creating his experiences in Operation Desert Storm from pieced together notes, an extensive journal, and a variety of other sources, Barto tells the story of TF 2-4 Cav. From his position as the squadron's executive officer and officer in charge of its tactical operations center, Barto reports the planning and execution of his squadron as it advanced across the desert in pursuit of Iraqis. The end result of Barto's reporting is a uniquely personal view of one man's experience during a rapidly evolving operation. Barto's exercise is not meant to be a polished analysis but rather provides students of military history with an inside view of the operations of a cavalry squadron on a dynamic, oftentimes uncertain, battlefield.

Introduction -- Prelude: deployment and Operation Desert Shield -- Transition to war -- Organization for combat -- TF 2-4 Cav at war -- Reconnaissance and security mission -- Preparation for the attack -- The execution of the battle -- Operational summary -- Conclusions -- Appendix A: glossary -- Appendix B: key personnel, 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized).