4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The unit, known as the "Long Knife" Brigade, is a maneuver brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. It was first activated in 2005 as part of the United States Army's modular force transformation, seeing extensive combat in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). After a period of inactivation, the brigade was reconstituted in 2021 to serve as a modernized armored formation within the III Armored Corps.

History

The brigade was originally constituted in 2005 during the Global War on Terrorism, drawing personnel and lineage from various units within the 1st Cavalry Division. Its initial deployment was to Baghdad in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where it conducted full-spectrum operations across the Karkh district. A subsequent deployment in 2009 saw the brigade operating in Diyala Governorate and later in Kirkuk, partnering with the Iraqi Security Forces. Following its role in Iraq, the brigade deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, taking responsibility for security in Paktia Province and Paktika Province as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit was inactivated in 2015 at Fort Hood as part of a broader United States Department of Defense force structure reduction. The Secretary of the Army announced its reactivation in 2021, with the brigade officially standing up again to field new equipment like the M1 Abrams SEPv3 tank.

Organization

As a modern Armored Brigade Combat Team, its structure includes two combined arms battalions equipped with M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The brigade also fields a cavalry squadron for reconnaissance, an artillery battalion equipped with the M109 howitzer, and a dedicated brigade engineer battalion. Support elements include a brigade support battalion for logistics and a signal company for communications, ensuring the formation's self-sufficiency. This organization aligns with the United States Army Futures Command design for large-scale combat operations against peer adversaries.

Campaign participation and decorations

The brigade's campaign streamers include the Iraqi Governance and Iraqi Surge campaigns from its tours during the Iraq War. For service in South Asia, it is credited with the Transition I campaign of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). The unit was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for actions in Iraq from 2009 to 2010. Individual soldiers within the brigade have earned numerous valorous awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart.

Notable commanders

Among its leaders was Colonel Philip Battaglia, who commanded the brigade during its pivotal 2009-2010 deployment to Iraq. Colonel Brian Winski later led the unit during its 2011-2012 deployment to Afghanistan, overseeing operations in the volatile Paktika Province. Upon reactivation, command was assumed by a new cadre of officers prepared to integrate advanced technologies and tactics in line with the Army Modernization Strategy.

Current status and location

The reactivated brigade is permanently stationed at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Texas. It operates under the command and control of the 1st Cavalry Division and the higher headquarters of III Armored Corps. The unit is currently focused on training and equipping with next-generation platforms as part of the United States Army's commitment to maintaining overmatch in contested environments.

Category:Armored brigade combat teams of the United States Army Category:Brigades of the United States Army Category:Units of the United States Army in the Iraq War