WHO WE ARE
The Light Dragoons
Fast, adaptable and leading from the front
The Light Dragoons is a light cavalry regiment in the Adaptive Force. It used to be fast horses that helped these multi-skilled soldiers to cover the battlefield quickly – today it’s the Jackal 2 armoured vehicle.
FACTS & FIGURES
ACTIVE FROM
1 December 1992
ROLE
Light Cavalry
SPECIALISM
Reconnaissance
our skills
Every soldier in the Light Dragoons is trained to use the Jackal 2 armoured vehicle, but they’re just as capable at operating on foot. These light cavalry troops also have expertise in a wide range of weaponry and communications equipment.
- Driving a Jackal 2 armoured vehicle
- Firing heavy and grenade machine guns
- Communicating with radios
- Gathering and passing on intelligence
- Commanding from the front
- Making judgement calls in tough situations
Enhanced Forward Presence
The regiment is currently working alongside a US battle group in Poland.
Past deployments:
- Operation Althea (Bosnia)
- Operation Herrick (Afghanistan)
Our People
Soldiers in the Light Dragoons are mainly recruited from the North of England, earning them the nickname ‘England’s Northern Cavalry’. They have a well-earned reputation for being independent, resourceful and tough.
Catterick Garrison
Since 2015, the Light Dragoons has been based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.
The Light Dragoons
I want to be leading the way Max, 24
Our Role
These light cavalry soldiers are tasked with preparing the way for the rest of the force. They are out in front carrying out many different roles, from scouting for information to engaging enemy targets.
They use Jackal 2 fighting vehicles and other tactical, lightweight equipment to deploy anywhere in the world – often at short notice. And the wide range of operations they tackle means they get to make use of their diverse skills in times of peace and times of conflict.
Past to Present
The Light Dragoons was first raised in the middle of the 18th century and quickly became noted for their scouting expertise and courage. Since then, the regiment’s reputation has grown through the key role it played in high profile deployments, from the Napoleonic Wars to World War II.