Spur ride celebrates cavalry traditions beneath castle ruins

Photo By Staff Sgt. Timothy Hamlin | After the conclusion of the 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment spur ride, the spur candidates were granted access to the Flossenberg Castle located in Flossenberg, Germany, Aug. 9, 2018. To earn their spurs, Troopers must accomplish a 12-mile ruck march, a stress shoot with their M4 rifle and 36 continuous hours of “lanes” designed around the Expert in Armor concept to challenge participants physically, mentally and tactically. The spur ride ends with a spur board, where the candidates must answer questions regarding cavalry traditions before they are initiated as a spur holder. (U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. Timothy Hamlin, 2d Cavalry Regiment)  

VILSECK, BAYERN, GERMANY

08.08.2018

Story by Sgt. Timothy Hamlin 

2d Cavalry Regiment

A spur ride is a tradition that dates back to the earliest roots of the cavalry. In the “old tradition” of the U.S. Cavalry, when the primary mode of movement and maneuver were horses rather than Strykers, new Troopers could not wear spurs for fear they may misuse them, injuring their horse. Cavalrymen earned their spurs only when they proved their skill with both horse and saber. In today’s tradition, Troopers must complete a 12-mile ruck march, a stress shoot with their M4 rifle and 36 continuous hours of “lanes” designed around the Expert in Armor concept to challenge participants physically, mentally and tactically. The spur ride concludes with a board, where the candidates must answer questions regarding cavalry traditions before they are initiated as a spur holder.

Providing the opportunity for new Soldiers to earn their spurs, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment hosted its annual spur ride, starting in the Grafenwoehr Training Area before moving to Flossenberg, Germany, Aug. 8, 2018. For the 4/2CR Troopers, the event was a humbling and meaningful experience.

“This being my first spur ride I had no idea what to expect," said Sgt. Will Rawlins, anti-tank guided missile gunner, Quickstrike Troop, 4/2CR. "With clear eyes and my mind set on completing my mission I went through a challenge of intestinal fortitude. With help from my team I was able to come out of the event as spur holder.”

After completing the 12-mile ruck march and M4 stress shoot in the GTA, Troopers moved to Flossenburg to complete their lanes. Spur lanes test candidates through a diverse set of tactical tasks required of Troopers, from combat casualty care to demolition training. The call for fire lane was particularly memorable - requiring candidates to scale 400-meters up a 50-degree slope of an out-of-season ski trail to reach their call for fire class. During their ascent, they also reacted to several incidents of “indirect fire.” Spur holders acting as lane walkers for each team provided motivation as needed.

“The spur ride tested the abilities for all career fields in a cavalry squadron and put all all of the spur candidates on the same level.,” said Sgt. Morgan Braxton, a lane walker for the event.

After completing all lanes, Troopers marched up the central hilltop in Flossenburg to the ruins of a medieval castle. There, the squadron’s senior spur holders headed the spur board. The board, comprised of the Maj. James Anderson, executive officer, 4/2CR, Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Yaudas, senior enlisted advisor, 4/2CR, and the troop first sergeants from across the squadron, screened candidates with a series of questions about military history and cavalry traditions. Once each team passed the board, they were granted access to the Flossenburg Castle ruins and celebrated with a spur dinner where they were awarded their spurs and joined the ranks of the squadron’s spur holders.

The spur ride is one of the most meaningful and enjoyable events that 4/2CR hosts annually. For the squadron’s newest spur holders, this event is a source of pride. It is an important reminder of the unique traditions and community provided in a cavalry regiment.

• Date Taken: 08.08.2018
• Date Posted: 08.22.2018 08:43
• Story ID: 289428
• Location: VILSECK, BAYERN, DE