This study examines the structure and employment of the light cavalry regiment in the Force XXI environment. The development of the cavalry regiment is examined through an historical review of the Fourth Cavalry Group prior to and during World War II. Next, the impacts of the Army of Excellence Study and the continued proven relevance of the cavalry regiment are explored. Christopher Bellamy and Richard Simpkin demonstrate future global regions of conflict and possible techniques for employing combat forces. The XM8, Armored Gun System (AGS) is explored as a candidate for the primary weapon system in the light cavalry regiment. The air-deployable AGS and the light cavalry regiment possess several advantages over the M1 equipped regiment. Former commander of the Second ACR, LTG L.D. Holder iterates his views about the development and employment of the light cavalry regiment. This study concludes with several recommendations in favor of developing the light cavalry regiment. Given that the U.S. Army is now a CONUS-based force, the light cavalry regiment provides the Force XXI commander with a lethal and deployable armored organization that is capable of executing his vision of warfighting.

ADA 309839 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)