I know this is a redundant question... But being a civilian I have a general question on an International scale.

Anyway, what is a vague definition of modern Calvary? And how do different militaries from different areas of the world treat the idea of modern Calvary?

Also are there any recent military campaigns where modern Calvary made a difference?ANYWHERE in the world in terms of armed conflict?

A general question, and I mean legitimate modern military Calvary, not nostalgic operations where you "felt" as if you were the Calvary.

Not aware of any after WWII. Large numbers of Cossacks in Russia. As far as real battles probably the Soviet-Polish War in the 20s was the end of Cavalry fighting.

George you answered the question right in the way of horseback calvery. The Cossacks in WW2. Who fought for both sides and still used their sabers and lances "as well as rifles" were likely the last large scale group to fight from horse back. They could be quite deadly charging into light infantry. They are famous for decimating the Germans as they retreated from Korsum.

As for modern calvery the term can often refer to United Stated armored regiments such as the 3rd or 11th armored calvery regiment which of course have no horses. And yes they fought in Operations Desert Storm, the Iraq War and Afghanistan.

Originally Posted by JOC

George you answered the question right in the way of horseback calvery. The Cossacks in WW2. Who fought for both sides and still used their sabers and lances "as well as rifles" were likely the last large scale group to fight from horse back. They could be quite deadly charging into light infantry. They are famous for decimating the Germans as they retreated from Korsum.

As for modern calvery the term can often refer to United Stated armored regiments such as the 3rd or 11th armored calvery regiment which of course have no horses. And yes they fought in Operations Desert Storm, the Iraq War and Afghanistan.

That was more of the answer I was hoping to learn, the evolution of the premise with modern elements such as Armored Fighting Vehicles and aircraft. If the concept still hold enough merit to have dedicated fighting units trained to do so.

And how many countries still take the idea seriously.

Originally Posted by Yossarian

That was more of the answer I was hoping to learn, the evolution of the premise with modern elements such as Armored Fighting Vehicles and aircraft. If the concept still hold enough merit to have dedicated fighting units trained to do so.

And how many countries still take the idea seriously.

I can only speak for the US Army. And you are right the term is evolutionary as these units originally say 130 years ago " I don't know exactly" were calvary units with horses, now instead they have a large armored contingent

using horses in modern Army?! Maybe it is possible but I think for us camels would be more useful than horses, at least for terrorists.

That's "Cavalry"
They motorized today, but still wear Stetsons and spurs.

If we go for non-horse Cavalry, the Hueys of the Air Cavalry in Vietnam certainly increased the body count in that War. As far as mechanized, it'd be hard to sort out "Cav" from Armored ops.

Originally Posted by George

If we go for non-horse Cavalry, the Hueys of the Air Cavalry in Vietnam certainly increased the body count in that War. As far as mechanized, it'd be hard to sort out "Cav" from Armored ops.

George what do you question? I thought I gave a straightway explanation?

Originally Posted by JOC

George what do you question? I thought I gave a straightway explanation?

Reading the historical context of many past armored engagements form the Second World war up to and including the Invasion of Georgia.

I have seen the term Calvary applied to many armored units or the phrase "they were like the Cavalry". I know that the later is most likely just reference to old school horse mounted Calvary.

But I also had a basic understanding that there are mechanized units as well as airborne units in modern militaries that have high mobility paired with ready and available firepower.

Just trying to clarify what is considered Calvary as opposed to different types of units that maybe very similar.