Well in the US Army it refers to primarily armored - mechanized regiments which likely evolved from age old more traditional units with horse cavalry. I don't know how else to explain it. The term is commonly excepted by the US Military.

There are units designated as cavalry organizations in the U.S. Army. What is different about them as opposed to other types of units? Essentially, it is the mission assigned to them and the resources provided to them to accomplish that mission. The missions of modern cavalry are; reconnaissance, screening ( keeping enemy reconnaissance forces away from your main body), economy of force missions ( missions where a light force can accomplish the job, raids, capture of key points).The characteristics of modern cavalry are first and foremost great mobility and speed of advance. In order to have those characteristics modern cavalry is a combined - arms force. They consist of armored vehicles and helicopters, mobile artillery support in armored self-propelled guns or mortar carriers, infantry units that can be transported either in helicopters of armored carriers. The mix of vehicles and types are constantly changing. The organization is being constantly tinkered with in order to achieve maximum efficiency. In any case; their jobs to go out in front and tell commanders what is out there, keep the enemy from getting close to their own forces and any other missions that require speed, mobility and the ability to communicate over long distances, relaying information back. They are not designed for sustained combat or holding ground against heavy enemy pressure. They are assigned the same missions as horse cavalry.

Originally Posted by Remington 1858

There are units designated as cavalry organizations in the U.S. Army. What is different about them as opposed to other types of units? Essentially, it is the mission assigned to them and the resources provided to them to accomplish that mission. The missions of modern cavalry are; reconnaissance, screening ( keeping enemy reconnaissance forces away from your main body), economy of force missions ( missions where a light force can accomplish the job, raids, capture of key points).The characteristics of modern cavalry are first and foremost great mobility and speed of advance. In order to have those characteristics modern cavalry is a combined - arms force. They consist of armored vehicles and helicopters, mobile artillery support in armored self-propelled guns or mortar carriers, infantry units that can be transported either in helicopters of armored carriers. The mix of vehicles and types are constantly changing. The organization is being constantly tinkered with in order to achieve maximum efficiency. In any case; their jobs to go out in front and tell commanders what is out there, keep the enemy from getting close to their own forces and any other missions that require speed, mobility and the ability to communicate over long distances, relaying information back. They are not designed for sustained combat or holding ground against heavy enemy pressure. They are assigned the same missions as horse cavalry.

While I was stationed at Ft Bliss the 3rd Calvary was stationed nearby "at that time 78" and I don't remember them having helicopters. Of course I wasn't a part of the unit so I could have missed this component.

From a New Zealand point of view Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles which was formed as a light cavalry unit in 1864 is now the primary component of the New Zealand Armoured Corps operating most NZLAV's.

I think for the most part horse powered cavalry units have evolved into armoured units with a focus on light armour and reconnaissance in Commonwealth units.

Swedish cavalry units changed from being an attack force to be a ranger/elite force shortly after the second world war, I think. Probably when they ate all the horses and never got new ones.

Swedish armor forces were developed from infantry units and they are armor/mech units today.

Originally Posted by Remington 1858

There are units designated as cavalry organizations in the U.S. Army. What is different about them as opposed to other types of units? Essentially, it is the mission assigned to them and the resources provided to them to accomplish that mission. The missions of modern cavalry are; reconnaissance, screening ( keeping enemy reconnaissance forces away from your main body), economy of force missions ( missions where a light force can accomplish the job, raids, capture of key points).The characteristics of modern cavalry are first and foremost great mobility and speed of advance. In order to have those characteristics modern cavalry is a combined - arms force. They consist of armored vehicles and helicopters, mobile artillery support in armored self-propelled guns or mortar carriers, infantry units that can be transported either in helicopters of armored carriers. The mix of vehicles and types are constantly changing. The organization is being constantly tinkered with in order to achieve maximum efficiency. In any case; their jobs to go out in front and tell commanders what is out there, keep the enemy from getting close to their own forces and any other missions that require speed, mobility and the ability to communicate over long distances, relaying information back. They are not designed for sustained combat or holding ground against heavy enemy pressure. They are assigned the same missions as horse cavalry.

There is a direct tie from Mechanized Infantry to the Mounted Infantry of the Civil War era, though many have never heard of mounted infantry. The above description of current "Cavalry" matches the use of Cavalry during most of the C.W. The Armor Corp as a whole is similar to the late C.W. use of cavalry like "Wilson's Raid", actually an Offensive, that captured Selma, Al., Montgomery, Al., Columbus, Ga. & later on President Davis. So..part of the O/P was has Cavalry contributed in an important way to modern war. If we're just talking the screening/recon section the answer is no. Armor as a whole has played critical role in the wars in the Middle East. I'd still say the "Air Cav" played a big role in Vietnam, of course another situation where many used helos even if no Cav designation.

Originally Posted by I3BrigPvSk

Swedish cavalry units changed from being an attack force to be a ranger/elite force shortly after the second world war, I think. Probably when they ate all the horses and never got new ones.

Swedish armor forces were developed from infantry units and they are armor/mech units today.

Interesting development... I'd say under duress I could fancy horse meat myself.

Also It is interesting to see armored units develop solely from infantry as well. I suppose that makes sense seeing as the tank in it's infancy a century ago was an infantry support multiplier.

Interesting on how that aspect of modern conflict changed over the years as well.

Originally Posted by Yossarian

Interesting development... I'd say under duress I could fancy horse meat myself.

Also It is interesting to see armored units develop solely from infantry as well. I suppose that makes sense seeing as the tank in it's infancy a century ago was an infantry support multiplier.

Interesting on how that aspect of modern conflict changed over the years as well.

many soldiers in both world wars ate horse meat

Horse meat seems to be popular in Europe.

Originally Posted by JOC

many soldiers in both world wars ate horse meat

Stop wetting my appetite, I have a lady friend who loves horses...

And thank you for the informative quip.