"Major Charles Young was officially assigned to the Tenth Cavalry Regiment on September 9, 1915. He reported for duty to Fort Huachuca on or about December 31, 1915. This was Young's first active duty assignment with the Tenth cavalry. On February 22, 1916, Major Young was awarded the Spingarn Medal for his outstanding performances of duty in Liberia. He also served in Mexico with the Tenth Cavalry Regiment as part of the Punitive Expedition. On June 29, 1916, an Army Examining Board found him physically fit and he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on September 2, 1916. This promotion was monumental progress.

However, there were difficulties ahead. While assigned to the two black cavalry regiments as a junior officer, Young had not experienced much opposition from other officers who, being white and not directly under the command and supervision of Young, did not complain. However, as Young began to assume command of the regiment and squadron more often, racial prejudice became evident and some white officers personally exercised their right to request transfers in order to avoid serving under the black officer."