2. CAVALRY
Cavalry, like Infantry, was once of many different natures—“Light,” “Heavy,” Hussars, Dragoons, Lancers, etc. These names still survive in the armies of Europe, but the regiments so designated now form practically only one sort of Cavalry, and are all trained for identical action in war, although they still bear their historic names and uniforms, and keep up the old rivalry of their corps traditions.
The formations of Cavalry are the Troop, the Squadron, the Regiment, and the Brigade.
THE SQUADRON
The Tactical Unit of Cavalry has since the seventeenth century been the Squadron of about 150 men. Its strength in different armies now varies between 130 and 180 men.
The Squadron is divided into four Troops, each of which is commanded by a Lieutenant. The Squadron leader is a Major or a Captain. The British Squadron has both these officers, and four Lieutenants.
THE CAVALRY REGIMENT
The Regiment is the permanent and administrative Cavalry Unit, and like the regiment of Infantry, has its special title or number, its own history and esprit de corps, and its band.
The number of Squadrons in a Regiment varies in different armies, there being generally four, but five in the Italian and Japanese, and six in the Austrian and Russian Services. There are three in the British Cavalry at home, but four in the Yeomanry and also in India. The Regiment thus forms a body of from 500 to 900 men, and is commanded by a Colonel, or a Lieutenant-Colonel, with an Adjutant as Staff Officer, besides a small Administrative Staff.
THE CAVALRY BRIGADE
The Brigade is formed in most armies of two Regiments, but in the British, American, and Swiss armies of three—a superior form of organization for Command, as shown in [Chapter I.], and one probably better suited for the tactics of Cavalry.
The Brigade is commanded by a Brigadier-General, with a Staff Officer (or Brigade Major).