U.S. Army retires historic 4-10 Cavalry squadron after 160 years of service
The 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, known as 4-10 Cav, was formally deactivated at Fort Irwin, ending a lineage that began in 1866.
Founded in 1866 as part of the first segregated Black cavalry units, the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment—often called 4-10 Cav—has a storied history that includes the Spanish-American War and World Wars. After being reactivated in 2007 at Fort Carson, the squadron provided reconnaissance for the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. In 2026 it participated in trials of the Black Hornet nano-UAV, Ivy Sting software, and the PC-C6 multi-domain exercise.
On July 28, a ceremony at Fort Irwin formally retired the unit as part of the Army’s modernization drive toward autonomous systems and next-generation command and control. Commander Lt. Col. Shawn Scott praised the unit’s 160-year heritage and said its colors will be cased with honor. The deactivation marks the end of a historic formation while the traditions of the Buffalo Soldiers are expected to live on in other troops.
Why it matters
The retirement signals the Army’s shift from historic units to technology-focused forces for future combat.
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