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I've always wondered this. What is the history and tradition behind having a red and white, swallow-tailed guidon?
UPDATE: A member said it is because the US Cavalry traces it's linage to European Dragoons and Dragoons are often associated with red and white. This makes a lot of sense. So the next question is why are Dragoons red and white?
UPDATE: A member said it is because the US Cavalry traces it's linage to European Dragoons and Dragoons are often associated with red and white. This makes a lot of sense. So the next question is why are Dragoons red and white?
Cavalry
19D: Cavalry Scout
19C: Cavalry Officer
Military History
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 71
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I know the signal flags were/are red/white for visibility purposes. I'm assuming these guidons are red and white for similar reasons.
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As an 11C who was in three different Cavalry units and, who proudly earned the nickname "The Anti-CAV", I have some derogatory comments. However, I'll refrain.
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Oh dear God... Heels down, sit deep, and most importantly GET OF THE HORSES FACE!!! SMH... Cav my ass.
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SSG (Join to see)
OMG!! Thank you!! I was going to pipe up but didn't want to hear the wraith from Hell. You are are a braver horseman than me!
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SSG (Join to see)
BTW-I'd love to see a pic of that horse being ridden. It looks to have the potential of good lines.
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Traditionally, the carrying of a Guidon, Color, or Standard remained the exclusive privilege of those who fought face to face with the enemy, namely the Cavalry and the Infantry. Originally they were battle flags, carried by the headquarters staff to show the position of the King, Lord, General or unit commander. For that reason they were always cut with a swallow tail design so that they would flutter better in the breeze, which actually made it easier for Troopers to recognize. It is a tradition that has been followed by many countries with mounted units. Hence the color scheme.
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Red and White is for Calvary.
The reason the Army decided to separate the into two colors was because it knew the rest of the military would make fun of them if it was pink. Calm down that was just an attempt at a joke.
I think, and do not quote me, was for better visibility when guidons served a true purpose. Cavalry units would be moving across the field faster than other unit and would be more likely to detach smaller units from the main body.
The reason the Army decided to separate the into two colors was because it knew the rest of the military would make fun of them if it was pink. Calm down that was just an attempt at a joke.
I think, and do not quote me, was for better visibility when guidons served a true purpose. Cavalry units would be moving across the field faster than other unit and would be more likely to detach smaller units from the main body.
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As a matter of fact if you look at India's Cavalry unit which is the only Cavalry unit to actively use horses they also are red and white but the history behind it I have yet to look. I would just Google that shit
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So to throw a wrench in the gears. Why then is 1st Cav for instance. Yellow. As for the reason it supposedly goes back to the Dragoons, but many thru the years have also used Yellow.
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