1-126 Cavalry conducts right of passage Spur Ride at CGJMTC

Photo By Staff Sgt. Seth LaCount | First Sgt. Scott D. Leist, Bravo Troop first sergeant assigned to the 1st Squadron, 126th Cavalry Regiment, 63rd Troop Command leads soldiers participating in the spur ride, a time honored cavalry tradition, to the flight line to be dropped off into the forest at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center for land navigation testing Aug. 14, 2014. The "maggots," those who haven't yet earned their silver spurs, were evaluated by multiple spur holders and passes through a series of physical and mental tests including a 5-mile ruck march and history quiz on unit history. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Seth LaCount, 126th Press Camp, Michigan National Guard/Released)  

GRAYLING, MI, UNITED STATES

08.16.2014

Story by Spc. Seth LaCount 

126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

GRAYLING, Mich. - The spur ride, a time honored tradition in the U.S. Army cavalry, was conducted by 36 Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 126th Cavalry Regiment, 63rd Troop Command, Michigan National Guard, to join the Order of the Spur and earn the coveted silver spurs on the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Aug. 14-15, 2014.

During the event, the “maggots,” those who hadn’t earned their silver spurs, were evaluated by multiple spur holders and passed through a series of physical and mental tests relevant to the cavalry. Some of the tasks included an initial 5-mile ruck march, land navigation, call for fire and a written test with questions that covered United States cavalry and unit history.

“The specific tasks that every scout must know, is really the bread and butter of the spur ride," Maj. Ryan Schuring, spur holder and operations officer assigned to the 1-126 who earned his silver spurs with the 1st Cavalry Division in 1997. “Over the years we’ve really tried to hone in on those skills and implement them in the ride.”

Additionally, the maggots were critiqued on leadership, technical and tactical proficiency, physical fitness, and the ability to operate as a team under high levels of stress and fatigue.

“That’s what it’s all about,” said Schuring. The team aspect of it all, shuffling through the woods with their feet blistered up and thinking they can go any further but pushing through it, building that comradery and esprit de core.”

To qualify for participation in the event, the Soldiers had to be nominated by the troop first sergeant and commander and have substantial time in service in the unit along with mission experience. They were also required to score a minimum of 250 on the Army Physical Fitness Test, meet height and weight requirements and qualify “expert” with their primary weapon.

At the conclusion of the right of passage, the Soldiers were presented with the silver spurs at a squadron award ceremony on the CGJMTC, which was followed by a ceremonial dinner celebrating the newest spur holders.

• Date Taken: 08.16.2014
• Date Posted: 08.18.2014 08:17
• Story ID: 139579
• Location: GRAYLING, MI, US