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Maryland Defense Force Cavalry Troop A From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

Maryland Defense Force Cavalry Troop A Active	8 Jan 2004 - Present Country	United States Branch	 State Defense Force Motto	“PRODEO” - Go Forward Garrison/HQ	Pikesville Military Reservation, Pikesville, MD

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is a State Defense Force of the United States and is made up by a group of men and women who perform a myriad of missions in support of the military and civilian infrastructure. The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) undertakes missions in support of the Maryland Army National Guard and the Maryland Air National Guard.

[edit] Maryland Defense Force Troop A Formation On January 8, 2004, the Mounted Troop of Maryland Defense Force was formed with the swearing in of its first and current commanding officer, then MAJ (MD) Ron Roberts. MDDF Cavalry Troop A was attached to the Headquarters component of the MDDF. Recruiting was undertaken focusing on retired military and non-military personnel who had equestrian skills and were of a patriotic mind.

The Troop received the organizational designation “CAV” and that is what is represented on its Guidon. On May 1, 2005 the Mounted Troop’s name was changed to Cavalry Troop to reflect the increased number of Troopers in the unit and the envisioned expanded role. In the spring of 2006 a proposal was made that the Cavalry Troop’s name be changed to honor Troop A, MDNG, which for many years was the State of Maryland's sole cavalry unit. This was granted and on May 1, 2006, the MDDF Troop was granted the privilege of changing its name to Troop A, Maryland Defense Force. On May 1, 2006, Troop A was granted the authorization to create a Regimental Distinctive Insignia. A final design was created and was approved on July 12, 2006.

Mission ·	Ceremonial Troop A’s primary mission is to function in a ceremonial role for the Maryland Military Department as an aid in recruiting and public relations. The Troop’s mounts provide an immediately recognizable aspect, which the public invariably respects and appreciates. Due to the bellicose nature of any military organization, this fact serves to enhance and encourage interaction between the public and the military department in a friendly and non-threatening environment (Roberts, 2007) ·	Search and Rescue In September 2006 a suggestion was made by the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police to train Cavalry Troop A in a search and rescue role. This was accepted and Troop A began training for this mission. Troop A’s secondary mission is to partner with Maryland agencies as a rural terrain mounted search and rescue (SAR) asset. [edit] External links ·	MDDF Official website ·	Maryland Military Historical Society ·	North County News Article ·	MDDF Cavalry Troop A Article, State Defense Force Publication Center Journal ·	State Defense Force Publication Center Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland_Defense_Force" Categories: Military in Maryland | State Defense Forces of the United States

Reference: ·	"Roberts, LTC (MD) Ron. “Maryland Defense Force Cavalry Troop A.” State Defense Force Journal, Volume 3, Issue 1, Fall 2007, pages 23-28.”