CAVALRY TRADITION CONTINUED

TX, UNITED STATES

11.17.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Tanjie Daniels 

1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

Like most military units, the Cavalry possesses a long history and love for tradition, with its practice of wearing spurs rooted in medieval knighthood, and although the Calvary no longer ride horses, instead scouting through vehicles such as Apache helicopters, they continue to keep the “Order of the Spur” tradition alive.
While the Soldiers serving in a Cavalry unit, referred to as Troopers, may receive gold spurs for serving as a member of a Cavalry unit in combat, to be inducted into the Order of the Spur with silver spurs they must successfully complete a Spur Ride. During the Spur Ride candidates must pass a series of physical and mental tests held over multiple days. These tests evaluate leadership skills, as well as technical and tactical proficiency. It also tests their ability to operate as a team while under high levels of stress and fatigue.
“Continuing the Order of the Spur helps to instill Cavalry traditions as well as teach Soldiers Cavalry lessons along the way,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Paul Bretey, Squadron Standardization Officer with 3-6 CAV and member of the Spur committee.
The Spur candidates were tested on multiple events for more than 24 hours. It started with a packing-list inspection and continued with a physical fitness test but eliminating the typical 10 minute rest period between events. They then qualified on their rifles and completed teambuilding obstacles at the Leader Reaction Course. The Spur candidates also completed lane training events which test their reconnaissance skills, a necessity for Cavalry Scouts. .
“It was a challenge for sure. I think it was 75 percent mental and 25 percent physical in my opinion,” said Pvt. Ty Guillotte, an Intelligence Analyst with 3-6 CAV.
1st Lt. Tavia Clark, a Signal officer also in 3-6 CAV, agrees with Guillotte. “It was definitely a more mentally challenging thing but you come out with the knowledge of knowing what it’s like to be in a Cavalry unit as well as the comradery that you build with your team along the way.”
The candidates concluded the Spur Ride with an oral board demonstrating their knowledge of Cavalry history, led by Lt. Col. Jonathan Shaffner, commander of 3-6 CAV.
Successful candidates were then inducted into the Order of the Spur and received their silver boot spurs during a dinner and ceremony.
“Receiving my spurs was an astonishing feeling,” expressed Guillotte.
“It was a great feeling to receive my spurs. I think once I received them it gave more meaning to what I actually did during the Spur Ride,” said Clark. “It was a proud moment for me and I would encourage other Soldiers and leaders to participate in the future.”

• Date Taken: 11.17.2016
• Date Posted: 11.30.2016 16:10
• Story ID: 216039
• Location: TX, US