Former infantry Soldiers will spend weekend training for cavalry role

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa
  • Florida Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 153rd Cavalry Squadron
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. --  A Panama City-based National Guard unit that served in Iraq will be changing its mission, beginning with an official ceremony and day of training for its Soldiers' new roles at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The Florida Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, will reactivate as the 1-153rd Cavalry Squadron, during a ceremony, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m., at the Hiram W. Sperry Armory, 3121 N. Lisenby Ave., Panama City, Fla. The ceremony will include a traditional "re-flagging" during which the unit members will retire the unit colors of the Infantry and introduce the new unit's flag.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the unit will also conduct a change of command of the new cavalry squadron, as U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Atwell, commander, will pass command over to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mike Canzoneri.

The new unit will also hold its first "spur ride" training event at Eglin Oct. 13, beginning at 3 a.m. This event is a rite of passage for Soldiers consisting of a grueling rucksack march and subsequent testing on Soldier-skills. This gives them the opportunity to honor the tradition of the cavalry by earning spurs through a series of mental and physical challenges.

In 2003 Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, were engaged in security and stabilization missions in and around Baghdad, Iraq. In addition to numerous -- and dangerous -- raids, patrols and weapons seizures the men conducted in the capital city, the Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion were actively engaged in building strong ties to the local community. The unit returned from Iraq in early 2004.

The mission of the new 1-153rd Cavalry Squadron will include reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition for field artillery and close-air-support.