The 1 st United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, formed in 1898, is one of America's most famous all-volunteer armies in history. The noncommissioned officers of the 1 st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, also known as the "Rough Riders," played a pivotal role in the unit's successes during the Spanish American War. From its inception, the noncommissioned officers of the Rough Riders were instrumental in training and drill of the volunteers. They demonstrated technical and tactical proficiency in both weapons and tactical formations. Their insistence on discipline and outstanding leadership firmly established the noncommissioned officer corps of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry.

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