173rd Airborne Soldiers and Estonian scouts earn their spurs [Image 3 of 8]

PALDISKI, ESTONIA

08.01.2014

Photo by Sgt. John Carkeet IV 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

Cadre from the 173rd Airborne Brigade applaud American and Estonian spur ride candidates as they complete an 8-mile ruck march Aug. 1 in Paldiski, Estonia. The march marked the end of 26 hours of physical and mental challenges that culminated into the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s first spur ride. Honoring the traditions of medieval knights and 19th century U.S. cavalrymen, a spur ride is a rite of passage for Soldiers of any country serving in or with an Army cavalry unit. Candidates who endure the ordeal earn the privilege of wearing spurs on special occasions. Approximately 600 paratroopers from the brigade are deployed to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve to foster closer relationships with allied forces and demonstrate commitment to NATO obligations. (Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary))

• Date Taken: 08.01.2014
• Date Posted: 08.20.2014 04:56
• Photo ID: 1511263
• VIRIN: 140801-A-DB402-0109
• Resolution: 5184x3144
• Size: 8.75 MB
• Location: PALDISKI, EE