1-71 CAV deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV. The squadron
began combat operation throughout AO Cobra in Western Baghdad, with a primary mission as the
Military Transition Team (MiTT), partnered up with 1st Brigade, 6th Division of the Iraqi
Army.
In late February and through much of May, the squadron surged in response to an attack on
the Samara Mosque. Intense 24-hour patrols throughout AO Cobra saturated the area, showing
support for the Iraqi people and the Iraqi Security Forces. Throughout this time, the
squadron’s efforts assisted in easing sectarian tensions during a tenuous time.
By the first of April, the squadron was released from the MiTT mission and tasked with a new
AO on the western outskirts of Baghdad. AO Ghost included the strategic target Abu Ghraib
compound and 18 kilometers of corps MSR. Throughout this period, the squadron once again was
forced into a non-contiguous battlefield with a command and control node at Abu Ghraib. The
rural environment of AO Ghost is the antithesis to that of the urban AO Cobra, enlisting the
soldiers of 1-71 CAV to adapt over the course of six months to new, wide-open surroundings.
1-71 CAV redeployed with 1BCT, 10th Mountain Division in July 2006. The unit recovered and
prepared for another tour in Iraq.
1-71 CAV then again deployed in August 2007 - November 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom with 1IBCT, during the "Surge" for a 15-month rotation.
In March 2010, 1-71 CAV was again called upon to be deployed to combat, this time the
Squadron was sent to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They were
deployed for 13-months and redeployed in April 2011.