The Expedient Dragoon Guards

The Expedient Dragoon Guards (EDG) is an regiment of the Federal Republic Land Force Command. The regiment was founded in 1918 during the revolutionary period, as the Gugolev Horsemen of Line. The regiment was activated in its current capacity as armored reconnaissance in 1968. When the modernization of the Land Force Command occurred in 1996, the regiment was assigned to the Capital Division.

Unification 1916 - 1948
The regiment was founded in early September, 1916 although the precise date remains unknown. The Prince of Novo-Gradisov, Radislashov De-Tyutoloneov raised a horse mounted regiment known as the Gugolev Horsemen of Line. This regiment was initially commissioned to protect the Tsarist government, and enforce the rapidly changing border areas. Although officially loyal to the Tsar, the regiment quickly became a secret revolutionary group. On December 12th, 1918 the regiment's soldiers and officers declared separation from the Tsarist regime, and instead allied with the revolutionary government, under the command of Alexandrejov Rikkcardiziekson. While continuing to provide protection to revolutionary leaders, the regiment began harassing operations in the border regions and the defense of revolutionary territory.

In March 1919, soldiers from Number Six Squadron engaged in urban street battles against the Tsarist forces as part of the increasing tensions throughout the country. It was at the Battle of Olestya Heights that soldiers used armored cars, for the first time in FRAUT history. The vehicles were reportedly used to great effect and inflicted several hundred casualties on the Tsarist forces. Agitation and harassing operations such as those at Olestya Heights continued into the 1930s. In 1949, communist revolutionary forces attempted to gain control of the Tsarist government, leading to the Glorious War.

The Glorious War 1949 - 1967
During the pre-war period, the regiment grew in size greatly. By 1949, the regiment had over 100 independent cavalry, artillery, and formation reconnaissance squadrons. The regiment adopted both the cavalry and armored reconnaissance role, however several squadrons continued to provide protection to the highest leadership of the Soviet of the Federal United Peoples of East Orda, or SFUPEO.

The first major battle the regiment was involved in was the First Battle of North Olestya, which occurred from September 10th, 1952 to January 1st, 1953. Cavalry Squadrons were assigned to the 2045th Guards Formation as divisional cavalry and formation reconnaissance to defend the provisional capital of North Olestya. Number Four and Eleven Squadrons were assigned to the business and industrial districts. Fierce urban combat progressed as the Tsarist government launched several brigade and division attacks on the city. While fighting inside was a stalemate, it was broken October 25th, 1952 when Gugolev Horsemen of Line soldiers conducted a daring flanking attack, destroying a large Tsarist reconnaissance company. The shattering of the Tsarist's reconnaissance formation meant that subsequent attacks became far less coordinated. This allowed for a coordinated and devastating attack by the Olestian Grenadiers, resulting in the destruction or routing of the Tsarist's main attack force: The 500th Royal Foot Division.

During the battle of Gorozinh Valley, soldiers from Number Three Squadron, Gugolev Horsemen of Line carried out a daring dawn raid on Tsarist forces by using armored cars to break a defensive line of the Tsarist forces. Later in the battle, Number 78 Squadron conducted a 6,789km route clearance and convoy escort mission to relieve the city of Gorozinh proper. The squadron escorted over 1000 logistics vehicles, which allowed for the defenders to break the stalemate and finally end the siege of the city on July 23rd, 1960.

In 1966, the Gugolev Horsemen of Line were called into action during the capture of the First and Second Secretary. Monday, February 10th, 1966 seven high ranking members of the communist party were kidnapped by Tsarist Special Forces. To add to the chaotic situation, four bombs were detonated at the capital building and central train station were detonated. 17 civilians were also killed in the bombings. Elite members of Security Squadron were called to conduct a rescue. In another daring action, an elite four man team of Security Squadron breached the complex holding the Second Secretary, and killed 56 captors. The First Secretary was rescued unharmed, although four junior ministers were killed by the Tsarist captors. Later in the afternoon, soldiers from the Presidium's Own Regiment rescued the Second Secretary. With the country's top planners rescued, the war could continue against the Tsarist government. Several honors were bestowed upon the regiment, and all members were commissioned as officers.

The final action the Gugolev Horsemen of Line was involved in was the Siege of Queredmo. On November 4th, 1967, attached to 673rd Formation Headquarters, Divisional Cavalry, Number Three and Number 89 Squadrons used highly modified armored vehicles to breach the last stronghold of the Tsarist forces. Embarking on a suicide mission, the heavily modified vehicles were fitted with explosive payloads. After 60 days of intense artillery fire, the two squadrons charged the fortified walls and breached the city. The explosions were so great that an estimated 1,200 Tsarist soldiers defending the city were instantly killed. The massive break in the defense of the city meant that over 50% of the strength of the SFUPEO military was able to enter and begin fighting through the city. Over 1 million Tsarist soldiers would be killed, with 100,000 SFUPEO soldiers being killed as well. Although both squadrons were killed in the suicidal action, their heroic efforts ended the Glorious War. After the seizure of Queredmo, the Gugolev Horsemen of Line were re-named by the communist party. They were awarded the title of "EXPEDIENT" for their action rescuing the First Secretary and breaking the final lines of the Tsarist forces. So, the regiment was renamed "The Expedient Dragoon Guards" officially on October 12th, 1967.

Current Status 1968 - Present
When the SFUPEO became the Federal Republic of Autonomous Unified Territories on March 22nd, 1968, The Expedient Dragoon Guards was reduced in size greatly. Although precise wartime status varied during the Glorious War, over 350 squadrons were maintained at the highest points of the war. The regiment was reduced to 100 squadrons in 1978, and this authorized strength was maintained until 1994. The regiment continued to provide security to the FRAUT First and Second Secretary. In July of 1996, the regiment was recognized for their contributions during the Glorious War as the most senior regiment in the FRAUT Land Force Command. In July of 1998, under the Land Force Command Modernization Strategy 2000, the regiment was reduced to 10 Armored squadrons and 2 special squadrons, consisting of a VIP protection squadron and public duties squadron.

Organisation
The regiment currently serves in the armored reconnaissance, public duties, and VIP protection roles, and is based in North Olestya, Olestya. The regiment will continue armored reconnaissance under the Land Force Command 2020 modernization strategy. The regiment is organized into a total of twelve conventional squadrons: In addition, two special squadrons are authorized:
 * Number 1 Squadron (Light Armored Reconnaissance)
 * Number 2 Squadron (Light Armored Reconnaissance)
 * Number 3 Squadron (Light Armored Reconnaissance)
 * Number 4 Squadron (Armored Cavalry)
 * Number 5 Squadron (Armored Cavalry)
 * Number 6 Squadron (Armored Reconnaissance and Surveillance)
 * Number 7 Squadron (Armored Reconnaissance and Surveillance)
 * Number 8 Squadron (Armored Reconnaissance and Surveillance)
 * Number 9 Headquarters Squadron
 * Regimental Headquarters Squadron (Number 10 Squadron)
 * Administration Squadron
 * Maintenance Squadron
 * The First Secretary's Own Squadron (Close Protection and VIP Protection)
 * Public Duties Squadron (Ceremonial Duties)

Order of Battle
Each of the eight armored reconnaissance squadrons is capable of independent maneuver, and rarely operate together. Usually, each Brigade Combat Group will be assigned several squadrons.

Commissioned Members
After rescuing the First Secretary during the Glorious War, all members of the regiment were commissioned. Regardless of role, all members are addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am" by members of other regiments. Because of this, the regiment is known for having extremely strict admittance standards, especially for an armored regiment. While members are addressed by these courtesies by other regiments, within the regiment special titles are awarded. All officers are known as "Horsemen" when in fighting units. Officers in headquarters are known as "Headquartersmen", and officers who serve in supporting roles are known as "Supplymen".

Motto
On the anniversary of the Battle of Gorozinh Valley, the regiment was given the motto: "Second to None", or "Nulli Secundus" in Latin. On parade, the Expedient Dragoon Guards always march first as the senior regiment in the Land Force Command.

Headdress Badge Backing
Awarded after the Glorious War, all soldiers wear a maroon backing behind their headdress badge in memory of Black Friday, 1967. This maroon backing is reserved exclusively for Guards regiments who have displayed the utmost sacrifice and bravery as a regiment in combat, or have performed exceptionally dangerous or daring missions in defense of the FRAUT.

Current Equipment
The regiment is armed with a large fleet of vehicles, including three primary armored vehicles.

M67 "Scimitar" Mark 2
Number Six through Eight Squadrons are assigned the M67 Scimitar Mark II Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle. Armed with the M3090 Autocannon, the M67 Mk. II is capable of destroying armored targets and infantry forces alike. The Expedient Dragoon Guards divested all Mark I vehicles in 2005. The EDG was the second regiment to be equipped with the Mark 2 Scimitar, second only to the Number 4 Lancers of Lacinya. The Mark II vehicle was successfully fielded during Exercise Federal Shield 06, when three squadrons were sent equipped with the platform. All EDG Scimitars are painted in the Adaptive Woodland Camouflage pattern (AWCP).

M21 LTUV C&R
The versatile M21 Light Tactical Utility Vehicle is employed by Numbers One to Three Squadron. Equipped as a Command and Reconnaissance Vehicle, the M21 LTUV mounts the M84 12.7mm Crew Served Weapon and is equipped fully armored. The M21 can also be equipped with a Grenade Machinegun, and an Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Squadron typically has a combination of these vehicles. The M21 may be equipped with a 20mm Autocannon for future operations.

M1090 Kodiak IFV
The newest addition to the regiment's fleet is the M1090A1 Kodiak Infantry Fighting Vehicle. While originally designed for mechanized infantry forces, the Kodiak holds dismounted reconnaissance soldiers and uses its advanced optics for reconnaissance. Assigned to Number Four and Five Squadrons, the M1090A1 allows for a fighting cavalry capability, as well as reconnaissance. The M1090A1 is painted in the AWCP and is armed with the M9030 30mm autocannon, enabling excellent anit-tank capability at range.