TF 1-163 Infantry Scouts Receive Spurs

Courtesy Photo | The Task Force 1-163 Infantry Scout Platoon poses for this photo August 10 following the reception of their cavalry spurs at Forward Operating Base McHenry, Iraq.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

08.22.2005

Courtesy Story

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CPT Monte Hibbert
116th BCT Public Affairs


FOB WARRIOR, Iraq -- The Scouts from the 116th Brigade Combat Team's Task Force 1-163 Infantry received their revered cavalry spurs at a special ceremony August 10 at Forward Operating Base McHenry, Iraq.

The specialized cavalry spurs are traditionally awarded to members of cavalry units who have demonstrated outstanding achievement during combat or peacetime. The ceremony honored every member of the scout platoon, approximately 30 soldiers in all.

"Scouts led the way on the three separate ground assault convoys from Kuwait to FOB McHenry," said 1st Lt. David Newman, Scout Platoon Leader. "They were the point of the saber as they led the way through Baghdad, Samara, and Tikrit before reaching the FOB."

According to Newman, the Scouts hit the ground in Iraq running hard. Starting in early December they led vulnerable convoys, delivered Bradley fighting vehicles, reconnoitered and secured January election sites, played key roles in the training and tactical employment of Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police during the election and escorted ballots from the polling sites.

"The scout platoon has the highest enemy engagement rate of the task force," he said. "From start to finish, in cold or heat, drenching rain or parching drought, through relentless monotony or the fury of battle here in Iraq it has always been "Scouts out!""

Newman said his Scouts provided critical screening during the escort of a large generator, dubbed the mother of all generators or MOAG by coalition leaders. They also performed quick reaction force (QRF), counter improvised explosive device (IED) and counter mortar missions, as well as being on the scene in two of the unfortunate combat deaths of 116th comrades.

"The Cavalry Scouts of the Scout Platoon, Task Force 1-163 Infantry have truly earned their spurs," said Newman. "They have proven their mettle, their skill, and their initiative."

The 116th BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.


HISTORY OF SPUR CEREMONY
Throughout history, Cavalry units have been readily identifiable by their Stetsons and Spurs. It remains so today. The Spurs, however, are awarded to only a deserving few.

These few represent the best of the best and embody all that is great about the U.S. Cavalry. The tradition has its roots in knighthood, where the awarding of gilt Spurs symbolized entry into the ranks and fraternity of mounted warriors. Usually, the squire aspiring to knighthood had to perform some task or deed on the battlefield or tournament field to "win their Spurs."

It is not known exactly when the tradition of awarding Spurs was started in the U.S. Cavalry. The spurs worn by the cavalryman were a more traditional form of Cavalry spur.

They have a short neck and no rowel at the end. While other spurs take a much more fancy and ornamental approach to riding, these spurs are designed for a well-trained and disciplined horse partnered with a skilled and disciplined rider.

Once assigned to a Cavalry unit, Troopers had to undergo rigorous training and professional development before being considered for the awarding of Spurs. Earning Spurs was not optional. Today's Spur Programs are Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer leadership development programs during peacetime, and a mark of excellence earned by the cavalryman in combat. (Information provided by 1st Lt. David Newman, Scout Platoon Leader, TF 1-163 Infantry)

• Date Taken: 08.22.2005
• Date Posted: 08.22.2005 16:54
• Story ID: 2812
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ