Brave Rifles conduct spur ride

Photo By Staff Sgt. Erik Warren | Troopers of 4th Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, receive the coveted silver spurs during a ceremony April 27 in front of the regimental headquarters building. (US Army Photo taken by Spc. Erik Warren, 3rd Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs) (Released)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

04.27.2016

Story by Spc. Erik Warren 

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

Troopers from 4th Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, conducted a spur ride April 27-28 at various training locations here, which gave Troopers the opportunity to earn their silver spurs.
As the oldest active cavalry unit in the U.S. Army, the 3rd Cav. Regt. has been forging traditions for centuries. One of those traditions is transforming quality Troopers into leaders through the Order of the Spur.
The events ranged from a physical fitness test, an obstacle course and numerous warrior tasks. It culminated with a 12-mile road march back to the regimental headquarters.
“We are tired and worn down, but not going to quit,” said Sgt. Joshua Lazusky, a Trooper assigned to the squadron, as he changed his socks between events. “Keep your head down, keep moving and try to have a good time.”

During the squadron’s spur ride, Troopers put their leadership skills to the test.
“I want to lead from the front,” said Capt. Casey Clarke of Headhunter Troop, 4th Squadron.
The traditions of the spur ride stem back to the beginning of the cavalry. When new Troopers arrived in cavalry units, they were not allowed to wear spurs until they demonstrated their proficiency while riding horses.
The modern-day spur ride is designed to test the physical conditioning of the spur candidates and evaluate their performance under stress, said Clarke.
Throughout, Troopers leaned on each other to get through the numerous tasks. Officers and NCOs conducted the training together, side-by-side, to show their proficiency in skills the leaders will ask their Troopers to perform.
“If I am going to ask Troopers to do something, I need to be able to do it myself and understand what it’s like,” said Clarke.
After successfully completing the spur ride, Troopers are inducted into the Order of the Spur and receive their silver spurs.
It remains a great honor for a Trooper to earn his or her spurs, Lazusky said.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2016
• Date Posted: 05.05.2016 10:35
• Story ID: 197377
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US