Draft:1st Infantry Division Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard



= 1st Infantry Division Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard = The Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard (CGMCG), 1st Infantry Division is one of seven United States Army Equestrian Military Units. Posted at Fort Riley, Kansas, it was started in 1992.

History
In 1992 the CGMCG was started as part of the Fort Riley Riding Club by a group of civilian and military volunteers, including commanding general at the time MG William W. Hartzog. The general was responsible for instructing troopers on the mounted pistol portion of the training program. As of 12 July 1994, the CGMCG was stood up as an official army unit under the 1st Infantry Division Artillery Brigade. The army began to actively promote the unit by staffing it with active-duty soldiers and housing it in the historic cavalry stables on what is called Cavalry Stable Row.

Mission
The mission of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard is to support the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley by participating in ceremonies and other events; to support the U.S. Army in its public relations and recruiting efforts; and to preserve and maintain the standards of drill and traditions of the U.S. Cavalry during the 1800's.

The CGMCG is an ambassadorial unit for the U.S. Army and the 1st Infantry Division travelling across the country from Minnesota to Washington D.C.. They participate in parades, Change of Command ceremonies, Retirement Ceremonies, Rodeos, and other national events. The unit has also been a part of four presidential inaugurations.

The unit is comprised of volunteer Soldiers with all job skills and levels of riding experience. After a 60-day training candidacy period, successful candidates are attached to the CGMCG for two years.

Equipment
The CGMCG currently maintains a herd of 21 equine to include 10 Quarter horses, 9 Mustangs, and two Mules.

Saddle
The 1859 McClellan saddle is used exclusively in all ceremony and events. Each saddle is equipped with an oilskin poncho attached to the front, feedbag on the front right, two saddle bags on the rear, grey wool blanket on the rear top, a modern saddle pad with a blue wool blanket sewn on top (modern saddle pad is used for the health and safety of the equine).

Saber
a M1860 light cavalry saber is used by the team during their cavalry tactics demonstration and is attached to their saddle on the left side.

Firearms
the following firearms are used by the unit during their cavalry tactics demonstrations. · 1858 Remington New Army Revolver, .44 caliber, single action six-shot

· 1863 Cavalry Sharps Carbine, .44 caliber

· Double barrel, hammer fired, Remington shotgun (modeled after the Remington 1889 side by side)

Uniform
The CGMCG represents the Cavalry as it appeared in the 1860s to 1870s. the uniform was composed of a light blue wool pant, dark blue wool top, white cotton shirt, suspenders, black leather dragoon boots, leather gauntlets, and kepi (campaign hat). In addition to this uniform the unit also wears a black felt Stetson western hat with the individuals branch affiliated cord, CGMCG emblem, and rank.

Equipment
two 1870’s Studebaker cavalry supply wagons.