The Brigade deployed to Wiesbaden, West Germany between March and June 1976.
Originally designed as rotational forces, the Brigade was reassigned to Europe permanently in late 1976, when expected cost savings from the use of rotational forces failed to materialize.
After returning to Fort Hood, the brigade was reflagged as 4th BCT, 1st Cavalry Division.
On 3 October 2009, 54 Soldiers from the brigade's Troop B, 3-61 CAV were attacked by 300 or more insurgents at Combat Outpost Keating during the Battle of Kamdesh.
Two Soldiers from the brigade, Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha and then-Specialist Ty Carter were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the battle.