CHARLESTON, W.Va. – When the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment appeared on the chopping block as part of the U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact (TIC) initiative in early 2025, it not only struck at the heart of West Virginia’s military heritage but also the structure and stability of the organization.
With support from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and against the tide of Pentagon force reductions and shifting Army priorities, WVNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward and his staff immediately began making the case directly to the highest levels of National leadership, fighting to keep West Virginia strong and to preserve the WVNG’s ability to support the State in crisis and defend the Nation when called upon.
Governor Morrisey is proud to announce that this preservation effort is leading to the transformation of the 1-150th Cavalry Regiment into a Tactical Combat Formation. Once formally approved by the Department of Defense, this strategic realignment will ensure the continuing heritage of the 150th’s unit designation while reinforcing West Virginia’s contribution to national defense and protecting hundreds of jobs in the region.
“I want to thank Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and the Administration for listening to the people of West Virginia and recognizing the importance of this unit—not just in terms of military capability, but also heritage, community, and economic resilience,” said Governor Morrisey. “I also want to commend Maj. Gen. Seward for his determined leadership. He argued forcefully that eliminating the 150th was not only a mistake strategically, but also a devastating blow to southern West Virginia. This is an area that has sacrificed greatly for this nation and deserves continued investment.”
Headquartered in Bluefield, West Virginia, deep in the southern coalfields, the permanent loss of the 532 authorized personnel for 1-150th Cavalry would have led to a 13% reduction in overall force structure while potentially impacting several rural counties where the Armory serves as the primary military presence.
“My main job is to fight for you, to make sure you have what you need to be the most lethal force on the planet,” said Maj. Gen. Seward during an address to the Soldiers of the 150th in early August. “And so we’ve been doing that from the White House to the Department of Defense.”
“I am proud to say that the voices of West Virginians were heard. After thoughtful deliberation and strong advocacy, the Department of Defense and the current administration agreed not to disband the 150th, but instead to transform it,” said Governor Morrisey. “Once decisions are finalized, we expect the 150th Cavalry Regiment will be reorganized into a Tactical Combat Formation.”
“This is more than a bureaucratic decision. It is a victory for the state, the West Virginia National Guard, its members, and the communities,” said Governor Morrisey. “By keeping the 150th, we are protecting hundreds of jobs in the southern coalfields — jobs that provide stability for families and economic security for a region that has too often been overlooked. The presence of the Guard is an anchor for our local economy, with ripple effects across small businesses, schools, and community services.”
The Army’s Transformation in Contact (TIC) initiative is meant to modernize and evolve formations in preparation for real-world deployments. The effort was announced in 2023 and has since entered its second phase. TIC is based on the delivery of new technology into the hands of Soldiers so that they can experiment, innovate, and be ready to fight on a modern battlefield. It accelerates the fielding of necessary capabilities and leverages commercial-off-the-shelf products to allow for faster integration of new technologies during realistic training scenarios.
“By converting the 150th Cavalry into a Tactical Combat Formation, the Army staff has preserved the unit’s storied lineage while aligning it with modern operational demands,” said Col. Robert Kincaid, WVARNG Chief of Staff. “This move will maintain structural integrity for the organization, enhance combat readiness, and secure a vital capability for both West Virginia and the United States Army.”
The 150th has never been just a number on an organizational chart. It represents generations of West Virginians who have worn the uniform with honor. Today, by securing its future, we ensure that generations yet to come will continue that proud tradition.
“This is more than a reorganization—it’s a reaffirmation of who we are,” said Maj. Gen. Seward. “The 150th has always answered the call, whether in war or in support of our communities. This transformation ensures that legacy continues with strength and purpose. West Virginia is stronger, safer, and more secure because of this decision—and I am deeply grateful to all who stood with us to keep the 150th alive.”