Candidates earn spurs during demanding Spur Ride

Photo By Chuck Cannon | 3rd Bn, 353rd Armor Regiment sponsors place spurs on the boots of new members of the Order of the Silver Spur Nov. 15 at the Spur Ride Ceremony.  

FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES

11.22.2019

Story by Angie Thorne 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — The 3rd Battalion, 353rd Armor Regiment, Operations Group, hosted its spur ride ceremony Nov. 14 outside of Tiger Hall, North Fort Polk.
The spur ride ceremony — the ritual bestowing of spurs on the candidates — caps a week of grueling classroom study and field skill exercises.
The history of the spur ride began when Soldiers still rode horses and its traditions have been maintained as the cavalry transitioned to today’s version of wheeled metal mounts.
Spurs evolved as a source of distinction to recognize the best the cavalry has to offer. Much like their predecessors, today’s Soldiers relentlessly train in professional development and leadership skills before being considered worthy of spurs.
Today’s spur programs are officer and noncommissioned officer heavy leadership development programs. The program focuses on the individual trooper’s physical, technical, professional and communicative abilities.
Col. David W. Gardner, Operations Group commander, said the spur ride was about doing something that separates Soldiers from their peers and demonstrates their commitment to the Army profession.
“These Soldiers have put themselves forward to be all they can be,” he said.
Lt. Col. Mark K. Snakenberg, 3rd Bn, 353rd Armor Reg, battalion commander, said it is an honor to recognize the 22 individuals who were the latest additions to the ancient and honorable Order of the Silver Spur.
“They did it the hard way. This week has been pretty arduous for the entire battalion, but especially for the group of spur holders who are trainers and our most recent spur holders — previously candidates,” he said.
Snakenberg said before they went to the field, new spur recipients conducted 40 hours of formal academic instruction in basic Soldier skills, the art and science of reconnaissance, security and patrolling and instruction in the lost art of field craft.
After the completion of that academic instruction, Snakenberg said they tried something a little bit different.
“At 2 a.m. Nov. 14 these individuals reported to the clamshell — a temporary modular building used for a variety of purposes — behind you. It’s the first time in quite a long time that the Tiger Battalion executed an alert on a two hour recall and was able to get everyone that needed to be here in formation and ready for operations. A pretty dramatic feat,” he said.
What followed was a night insertion into the box and an 18-kilometer movement over the course of about 28 hours.
“They did it in difficult terrain, in freezing or near freezing weather conditions, and for much of that movement they had up to 70 pounds of load on their backs. It was a tremendous physical challenge. All the while, the world class 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment is harassing them with small arms fire, machine guns, a light armored vehicle and CS (tear) gas representing a chemical strike. Through it all, these spur candidates absolutely proved their mettle,” said Snakenberg.
New spur recipient, Staff Sgt. Agau Anyang, 3rd Bn, 353rd Armor Reg linguist team leader, said to be part of this history is an honor.
“I’m a linguist, so I feel that adding the skills and experiences we learned this week is important because it not only makes me better at my job, but also makes me a more well rounded Soldier,” he said.
The thing that was most challenging for him, said Anyang, was accepting the mantle of leadership.
“Through this process (spur ride) I have learned how to not only be part of a team, but to lead. I no longer hesitate to put myself out there. I have a voice,” he said.
Capt. Shiloh J. McGruder, HHC commander, is also the proud owner of new spurs.
He said the spur ride was tough, but it’s what leaders must endure.
“It was challenging, especially keeping Soldiers with a wide range of specialties on the same sheet of music under strenuous conditions,” he said. “I’m proud of the togetherness and cohesion we built in real time. It’s not easy to make people pick up a 70 pound rucksack in freezing weather at night.”
McGruder said showcasing their capabilities under stress has made them more confident.
“Overcoming the challenges faced in the spur ride makes every other difficulty seem easy to conquer,” he said.
Sgt. 1st Class Richard Huffman, noncommissioned officer in charge, Regionally Aligned Forces, Team Two, sponsored a spur candidate. He said being a sponsor/trainer means helping to insure his candidate is prepared for the spur ride. A sponsor also places the newly earned spurs on his candidate’s boots.
“Earning their silver spurs is a right of passage. They have completed all tasks put before them through hard work and dedication. That includes everything from recon to patrolling. We threw a lot at the candidates and they handled it well. I think they will be able to look back at this achievement with pride and the knowledge that they overcame all challenges put before them,” he said.

• Date Taken: 11.22.2019
• Date Posted: 11.22.2019 15:40
• Story ID: 353128
• Location: FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, US