Courtesy Photo | Troopers with 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., 2nd ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., received their...... read more read more
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FORT RILEY, Kan. - Although the days of cavalry on horseback is a thing of the past, troopers earning their spurs continues to be an important part of becoming an expert cavalrymen.
Fifty troopers from the 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, earned their silver spurs in a tradition known as a spur ride Nov. 19-20 at Fort Riley.
“The spur ride is a tremendous two-day event that ties critical warrior tasks with the proud lineage and traditions of the cavalry,” Maj. Doug Baker, the squadron’s operations officer, said. “It brings together a diverse group of Soldiers from different Army jobs and make them a part of a team bigger than their individual professions.”
Spurs come in two colors: gold and silver. To earn gold spurs, a Soldier must be assigned to or attached to a cavalry unit while deployed. As long as a Soldier is eligible to receive an award, the unit they are deployed with will distribute them.
The silver spurs, however, are not so easy.
“As each candidate endured the rigors of the spur ride, he or she was faced with a variety of physical and mental tasks,” Baker said. “It was designed to simulate modern cavalry trooper tasks … serving as a reminder of our proud history and lineage.”
The candidates prepared weeks in advance for the opportunity to compete in the spur ride.
“Spur candidates first sought out a ‘spur qualified’ trooper to sponsor and guide them to attain their goal,” Baker said. “The candidates then had to pass an increased (Army Physical Fitness Test)], marksmanship test and pass a cavalry history board comprised of senior spur holders.”
Once the candidates successfully completed the preparation phase, they were eligible to move on to compete for a pair of silver spurs.
The spur ride kicked off with troopers running from the squadron with their assigned weapons and assault packs to the Fort Riley obstacle course. Once at the course, they formed small teams and tested on treatment and evacuation of a casualty and Nine-Line medevac procedures; nuclear, biological, chemical skills; M240B, M2 .50-caliber machine gun, M4 carbine weapons systems; recovery of a mired vehicle and sending free text messages and spot reports via Joint Capabilities Release.
“The stations were both physically and mentally challenging,” Pfc. Isaac Torgeson said. “We were thrown into some situations like recovering a mired vehicle with equipment — something I had never used before. We really had to think on our feet.”
The following morning, troopers were given their last challenge. They had four hours to complete a 12-mile road march. With lots of time still left on the clock, 50 troopers crossed the finish line where families, and fellow spur holders congratulated them. A spur-presentation ceremony followed.
“I am very proud of the way that our spur holders approached this event as an opportunity to teach and develop our troopers and build them,” Lt. Col. Brad Duplessis, squadron commander, said.. “I also acknowledge the senior leaders who led by example through demonstrating their skills as cavalrymen and earning their spurs.”
Editor's Note: 1st Lt. Cody Buck contributed to this article.
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2014 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 149656 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 380 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, 50 ‘Longknife’ troopers earned their silver spurs, by SFC Tamika Dillard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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