Photo By Maj. Briana McFarland | ERBIL, Iraq -The 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Chad Corrigan...... read more read more
CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – The 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment creates their footprint on Operation Inherent Resolve as they unfurl their colors in a transfer of authority ceremony in Erbil, Iraq, Feb. 23, 2018.
The unfurling of the colors signifies the command is operational in its new location and aligns with the total joint force concept integrating National Guard and Reserve units with their active Army components.
“I have never served in a task force that was comprised of both active duty and National Guard Soldiers,” said the 7-17th CAV Commander Lt. Col. Chad Corrigan. “Our unit patches may be different, but all of our name tags say U.S. Army. They immediately proved to be skilled Soldiers and great teammates. There is no way we can do the mission without them, and it is just another example of how vital the National Guard is to us in this fight.”
Corrigan assumed command of the cavalry regiment on Feb. 2, 2018 and immediately hit the ground running in preparation for their deployment to Iraq. Soon after entering into country, they had multiple engagements.
“Everything moved very fast; however, it has been great,” said Corrigan. It is truly an honor and a privilege to join and lead such a high performing unit. The 7-17th CAV has trained very hard and is ready for the mission. It was immediately apparent to me that this squadron has great Soldiers and they were ready.”
Prior to a deployment, units have to complete various tasks to include: individual Soldier readiness, premobilization training and equipment maintenance checks and services to be fully mission capable. In order to complete the transition, the 7-17th CAV, also known as Task Force Palehorse, had to complete a relief-in-place with the outgoing unit, the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment.
“It was great to relieve 2-17th CAV. Both squadrons are great, historic units with storied combat records,” said Corrigan. “During the handoff, 2-17 CAV passed on to us everything they knew and also shared the lessons learned from previous cavalry regiments. I am thankful for the handoff; they made sure we were postured to continue to press the enemy.”
The 7-17th CAV is assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, National Guard, headquartered out of North Carolina. The 449th CAB assumed command of aviation operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in December of 2017.
“The 449th CAB immediately welcomed us,” said Corrigan. “Since they had been leading this fight for months, they had a firm grasp on the fight and systems in theater, which they leveraged to help us assume the mission. We’re ready to support the ground forces and our partners as we secure the defeat of ISIS.”
The units were first introduced during the 449th CAB’s post mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas. The culminating training exercise was a requirement to validate the unit for their upcoming deployment to ensure mission readiness. According to the 7-17th CAV Command Sergeant Major Brandon Perry, it was necessary for unit cohesion and success.
“The training was good, but even more important was getting to know each other and building relationships among the command teams and staffs”, said Perry. “It helped when we got to Iraq because we already knew each other.”
The same sentiments were felt by the 449th CAB Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Joseph Bishop who hosted the transfer of authority ceremony.
“We’ve already built a strong foundation and now it’s time for the 7-17th CAV to take their place,” said Bishop. “Make sure that everyone knows that it’s you that creates your own legacy; take charge of that. The communication has been great thus far, and we want to make sure you’re successful. I know you guys can do this. I’m looking forward to it.”
The 7-17th CAV was first organized under the provisions of the National Defense Act of 1916 at Fort Bliss, Texas. After multiple aviation restructuring initiatives, the TF Palehorse Squadron, continues its legacy as part of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2018 05:20 |
| Story ID: | 267134 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Hometown: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 318 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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