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1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment
"Blue Falcons"

The 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment combined the reconnaissance capabilities of a long range surveillance unit with the firepower of a heavy weapons company. Each motorized reconnaissance platoon consisted of 6 Humvees equipped with high-end communications technology, multiple long-range surveillance devices, and an array of weapons systems including Mk 19s, Javelins, TOW Missile launchers, and .50 caliber machine guns.

The vehicles were also equipped with an imaging device called the Long Range Acquisition System. The LRAS, which was mounted on the roof of the vehicle and powered by a generator inside, allowed users to identify targets from up to 10 kilometers away.

Operating in two-vehicle sections, the motorized reconnaissance platoons could either gather information on enemy targets and return unnoticed, or decisively engage and destroy them.

In 2006 the 82nd Airborne Division began transformation to the US Army's new modular force structure. As a result all 3 existing Brigades and the newly activated 4th Brigade Combat Team all gained Cavalry Squadrons, an integral element of the Modular Brigade. The 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry was activated in January 2006 when the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division was reorganized into a modular Brigade Combat Team. The addition of a Mounted Cavalry unit gave the brigade commander reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities that were previously available only at a division or higher level.

During the latter half of 2006, elements of 1-73rd Cavalry deployed in support of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, deploying again in 2007 for another tour.