We witnessed one of the final joint training events as UH-60M Black Hawk flew over the last cavalry horse unit of the 1st Infantry Division.
It’s not every day that noise from a helicopter is considered a good thing. Especially military helicopters like the AH-64 Apache Guardian and UH-60M Black Hawk. However, the noise was a beneficial training element recently for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard at Fort Riley, Kansas. The CGMCG is a detachment of highly trained horses and riders who represent the U.S. Army at community events at the local and even national level.
The Aviationist was invited to see such training recently and provides an inside look for readers that will not be seen again as the unit is being disbanded. The announcement came via a news release issued by the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office at the close of business July 8, 2025, noting the changes were taking place as a cost-saving measure.
Ft. Riley is home to the famous 1st Infantry Division, known as the Big Red One, and holds a historic place in Army history as the former home of Major General George Custer, Union General admired for leading from the front who later led the expansion West in the late-1800s, fighting various Indian tribes while doing so. Ft. Riley’s CGMCG is an impressive reminder of the 1st IDs roots and lineage to modern warfare units of the Infantry, Armor and Air Cavalry.
The news release indicates a need, “to align more resources with our warfighting capability and readiness. This change does not impact the 1st Infantry Division’s core priorities: building warfighting readiness, caring for Soldiers, civilians, and families, adapting our formations to win, and developing inspirational leaders. We remain committed to strengthening partnerships and engaging with our surrounding communities.”
Recently, the CGMCG took their place in a national spotlight during ceremonies of the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3. Due to the large crowds, excessive noise and movement associated with these types of large community events, horses are desensitized as part of their training. In mid-April a training event took place using AH-64 Apache Guardians. Once this proved to be successful the next iteration used the larger and louder UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter.
This is the event witnessed for this report with a UH-60M from 3rd Battalion (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Regiment ‘Nightmares,’ 1st Infantry Division working with the horses on the large Parade Field at Fort Riley. The performance displayed the great horsemanship of the riders along with the training and temperament of the horses themselves.
The disbanding of the CGMCG will take place over the next fiscal year with homes being found for the horses through a close vetting process. The units’ disbanding will take place simultaneously with ceremonial horse units at Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Irwin, California, Fort Sill, Oklahoma with the Mounted Color Guard at Fort Carson, Colorado having already disbanded in the previous year.
The only ceremonial horse units remaining within the U.S. Army will be the Old Guard caisson in Washington, D.C. and San Antonio which are used at military cemetery internment ceremonies.
