1st Combat Aviation Brigade (1 CAB) "Demon Brigade"

The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade (1 CAB), part of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, serves as the Army Aviation formation responsible for aviation operations. Colonel Chad P. Corrigan currently commands the brigade.

The brigade's origins trace back to the assets of the Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division. This division originally stemmed from the 1st Armored Division's 501st Aviation Battalion, established on 17 April 1986. While some references call it the "4th Brigade," it's worth noting that divisional aviation brigades don't have a specific numbering system.

Upon its inception, the brigade was comprised of the 10th and 501st Aviation Battalions and had a fleet that included Bell AH-1 Cobras, Bell OH-58 Kiowas, and Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. As time progressed, the brigade experienced several reflaggings and reorganizations. A notable change occurred when the 501st and 10th Aviation Battalions were transitioned into the 2d and 3d Battalions of the 1st Aviation.

The late 1980s and the 1990s were periods of significant change for the brigade. In particular, the 2nd Battalion, 1st Aviation, was inactivated in Germany and later reactivated as an AH-64 Apache battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. Throughout the 1990s, the brigade took part in numerous deployments. These included Operation Desert Storm and subsequent engagements across Europe and Southwest Asia.

In 1997, the Aviation Brigade was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide support for Operation Joint Guard. This involvement was followed by their deployment to Kosovo in 1999 as part of Operation Joint Endeavor. They continued their operations in the region until July 2003.

The early 2000s saw the brigade readying for combat operations in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Even though they prepared for a significant deployment to Turkey, the operation faced complications, and the brigade was redirected back to Katterbach. Nevertheless, their involvement in Iraq persisted. The brigade later welcomed the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment and, in the following years, played a critical role in Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–09. This deployment, often referred to as "The Demon Brigade," lasted fifteen months. The brigade's operations during this period were pivotal, especially during the OIF "Surge."

The brigade's involvement in Iraq didn't end there. In March 2010, they returned to Iraq for a 12-month rotation. This deployment was significant as it marked the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn in September of that same year.

Throughout its rich history, the Combat Aviation Brigade has been an essential component of several major U.S. military operations. Their adaptability, resilience, and crucial role in contemporary warfare stand as a testament to their enduring importance.