2nd Squadron - 183rd Cavalry Regiment
The Virginia National Guard's ongoing transformation efforts reached another milestone on Feb. 11, 2006 when the cavalry rode back into the Commonwealth. After an absence of more than two decades, red and white cavalry guidons once again flew in Virginia as the 3rd Battalion, 111th Air Defense Artillery was inactivated and the 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry was activated. The ceremony celebrated the rich history and tradition of the 3rd Battalion as its colors were cased and the colors of the the 2nd Squadron were unfurled.
The squadron was charged with trainining to perform the doctrinal cavalry missions of security, reconnaissance and target acquisition. This mission differed from the 3rd Battalion's air defense task of providing protection for ground forces from enemy air threats. According to the newly established unit's commander, Lt. Colonel Mercer, The 2-183rd gives the brigade commander eyes and ears on the battlefield so that he can develop the situation and disrupt the enemy’s decision cycle.
