Capt. Michael C. Gates (Beta Commission–VMI ’17) is the commander of the Horse Cavalry Detachment for the First Cavalry Division in Fort Cavazos, Texas. His unit is one of seven active-duty Army units that work with horses. It is a very unique position with less than 200 soldiers.
Gates came to the cavalry unit with zero equestrian experience. “I didn’t necessarily need equestrian experience. I needed to understand our mission set and be able to utilize my soldiers and noncommissioned officers in roles that would allow the unit to thrive,” he said.
After joining the unit, he was tasked with representing the U.S. Army and the cavalry to a foreign military unit in leading the envoy for the King of England’s coronation.
