The unit saw action throughout World War II and earned campaign participation in Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and the Po Valley.

The squadron began combat operation throughout AO Cobra in Western Baghdad, with a primary mission as the Military Transition Team (MiTT), partnered up with 1st Brigade, 6th Division of the Iraqi Army.

In March 2010, 1-71 CAV was again called upon to be deployed to combat, this time the Squadron was sent to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

They were deployed for 13-months and redeployed in April 2011 In 2015, 3-71 and 1-71 combined into one Squadron and were re-flagged as 3-71 CAV for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY.

The unit insignia is a Silver color metal and enamel device 1+1⁄8 inches (2.9 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent, a bar Sable, overall a lion rampant Azure holding in dexter paw a fleur-de-lis Or.

The fleur-de-lis is gold (for golden orange) to indicate the battle honors were awarded to the organization as a Tank Destroyer unit in World War II.