The 73rd Cavalry Regiment, established in 1941, has a distinguished history within the U.S. Army. Initially formed as the 73rd Tank Battalion, it provided armored support during World War II and the Korean War. In the 1960s, the unit was reorganized as the 73rd Armor Regiment, with its 3rd Battalion (Airborne) equipped with M551 Sheridan tanks to support the 82nd Airborne Division. This battalion participated in various operations, including the invasion of Panama in 1989.
In the early 2000s, the regiment was restructured as the 73rd Cavalry Regiment, focusing on reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions. Its squadrons were integral to the 82nd Airborne Division's Brigade Combat Teams, providing critical intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities. However, by July 2024, the regiment's squadrons were deactivated as part of the Army's restructuring efforts. The 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, held its inactivation ceremony on July 31, 2024, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, marking the end of its service.