Traditionally the role of the Cavalry Squadron was to provide a highly mobile, heavily armed & quick reaction reconnaissance force, which was available to a Brigade commander.
The thinking behind this concept was to have a small independent unit which was capable of moving independently of the brigades forces and advance to a point where accurate intelligence could be obtained and returned to the Brigade commander and his staff in order for him to form a plan of action prior to committing his main force to any action.
For this reason the Cavalry Squadron had to be highly mobile, capable of defending itself in the event of contact with the enemy and have the ability to pass back the relevant information to the Brigade commander.
This in itself required a highly sophisticated skills base in the areas of driving, self sufficiency, communications, signaling, map reading and interpretation of routes and areas of possible advance, concealment and gunnery.
With the decline in horsepower in the First World War the Cavalry turned to light, fast, well armed tactical vehicles which could not only protect its crew but would also have the ability to defend a cavalry position in the event of enemy contact.
The roll of the Cavalry Squadron is to support the BDE by:
- Reconnaissance and reporting of enemy positions.
- To Secure bridges and crossing points.
- To provide flank protection .
- To provide Anti Tank and Fire support.
- To gather intelligence.
- To provide Convoy protection.
- Engage targets of opportunity.
Secondary to this identified primary role came the roles of flank protection, casualty evacuation, mobile support and firepower, escorting of convoys, guarding of prisoners of war and supply replacements in the event of casualties.
Other tasking includes Aid to the Civil power and commitment to overseas missions as part of a UN force.
From an early stage it became obvious that personnel within these units would have to be multi skilled and very flexible in approach to situations with all ranks possessing similar skills and the ability to take control of nay given situation.
As a result cavalry troopers were drawn from training units and given the required training from Driving of the vehicles to map reading, signaling skills on to gunnery.
It was to be expected that any rank within the unit would be able to fill in for a casualty at any unforeseen moment.
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