Photo By Spc. Scott Lindblom | Capt. Joshua Vernlund, commander, Troop E. 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd...... read more read more
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga.—Cavalry troopers look like none other in the Army, but the Soldiers had to earn the right to wear the distinctive Stetson and spurs on their boots. A privilege that is only earned when assigned to a cavalry unit.
Fifty-four spur candidates from 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade experienced the cavalry tradition during a 46-hour Spur Ride on Hunter Army Airfield, April 19-21.
The Spur Ride tradition reaches back over 200 years to the beginning of the United States Cavalry. When a Soldier first arrived at their new cavalry assignment, he was assigned a horse with a shaved tail. The Soldier was known as a Shave Tail and was not allowed to wear spurs until he could prove his horsemanship. The tail was also a warning to others of his lack of experience. The modern day cavalry still upholds this tradition, but with a few twists.
The officer in charge, Capt. Antonio Apolito, operations officer, 3rd Sqdn. 17th Cav. Regt. organized the event with other spur holders to ensure the tradition continues.
“Somebody that earns their spurs in the cavalry is seen as an elite Soldier. It is someone that has separated themselves from the average run of the mill,” Apolito said. “They are more professional. They have demonstrated by earning their spurs that they have the leadership qualities.”
It was early Tuesday evening when the Shave Tails learned that team work was the only way they will make it through the next two days. Teams consisted of Soldiers from across the squadron that had to quickly learn about each other and ensure that they always stayed together as a team. Mistakes were paid for with corrective physical exercises leaving the Shave Tails tired and weak within hours of starting.
Grueling road marches and land navigation stretched through the night leaving only an hour of rest before the Shave Tails faced their next obstacle.
Pfc. Hunter Miller, Troop D, 3rd Sqdn. 17th Cav. Regt. wanted to challenge himself and join the cavalry tradition like other troopers in his unit.
“We had to tie up all of our gear inside of a poncho, then wrap that up in another poncho and then swim with that poncho burrito across the entire pond,” Miller said. “It was cold, it was extremely terrifyingly cold. It really sucked, but it was fun. I enjoyed it.”
The Shave Tails completed lanes consisting of rifle stress shoot, vehicle recovery, and warrior tasks and drills. They would only have three hours of sleep before a four mile run, obstacle course and stable cleanup.
Spc. Leslie Johnson, Co. E, 3rd CAB took advantage of the opportunity to be part of the 3rd Sqdn. 17th Cav. Regt. legacy that has carried on for a hundred years.
“Everybody is aching. We are moving extremely slow and our brains are not working. So it has really tested us,” Johnson said. “Despite all the aches and pains and the little sleep it has actually been pretty fun. Everyone has been in high spirits and our team has done great.”
It was finally over. Two days of mental and physical trials had taken their toll. However, nothing could keep the smile off their faces. One by one each Soldier stepped forward to receive the silver they had been chasing. One by one they were welcomed into the Order of the Silver Spurs.
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2016 16:46 |
| Story ID: | 196471 |
| Location: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 329 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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