Strike honors cavalry tradition with its first spur ride

Photo By Sgt. Joe Padula | Two Soldiers with 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), duel with puggle sticks during a Spur Ride, Dec. 2. The Squadron is honoring the Cavalry tradition by conducting its first Spur Ride for their Soldiers.  

FORT CAMPBELL, UNITED STATES

12.02.2009

Story by Sgt. Joe Padula 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Tradition is a long established custom or practice having the effect of precedent or a model to follow, something the Army prides itself in. Traditions within the Army are visible in many different aspects.

It could be in the color of a beret, akin to the Special Forces wearing green and airborne units donning those of maroon. It could be a tanker strapping on his distinctively different styled combat boot or it may even be in a phrase, like "Hooah!" or "Air Assault!" One valued group who may stand out more than most when it comes to tradition would be the Army's Cavalry Scouts.

The Cavalry Scouts hold dearly onto their traditions and honor the strong history of which they are made from. It could be seen with the wearing of their decorated Stetsons, decked with braid ends, acorns and sabers or their earned Spurs, shining with the colors of either silver for promotion or gold for combat. The Strike Brigade's Cavalry Scouts are no different. To them having such traditions are a privilege and an honor.

The 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), continued the Cavalry Scout's deep rooted heritage and traditions while conducting the squadron's first Spur Ride, Dec.1-3.

"This Spur program was created to recognize those warriors who have demonstrated the professional expertise required of a cavalry Soldier," said Command Sgt. Maj. William Hambrick, the squadron's command sergeant major. "The Spur program is an old tradition practiced by cavalry units to build esprit among the leaders of the organization. The Order of the Spur is as old as the cavalry organization itself."

The cavalry units were first created with the mounting of infantrymen onto horses and when new troopers reported to their cavalry assignments, they were assigned a horse with a shaved tail, hence the nickname for newly assigned, spur-less Soldiers, "Shave Tails."

Most recruits required extensive training, which would take the time for the horse to fully grow back its tail. At which time, upon completion of their training and proving their ability to perform with their horse and saber, they were awarded the Silver Spurs.

"This is a tradition we don't want to lose so we have updated the Spur Ride to fit the training needs of today," said Hambrick. "Spur Rides were once designed for the individual rider; our modern Spur Ride is updated to make stronger teams. Team building is critical to today's fight."

The squadron designed its Spur Ride with a combination of yester year's heritage and today's tactical training. The teams looking to earn their spurs gathered in the early hours of the morning with the moon still fully visible and started the event as should any team in an air assault division should — climbing ropes. They proceeded to climb walls, perform push-up, sit-up and pull-up events. While dressed in full combat gear, they conducted tire flips, liter carries, SKEDCO pulls and a favorite event around the brigade, "Ropes Gone Wild," all while ensuring each team member completed the events.

"This right-of-passage definitely proves one's physical toughness," said Sgt. Maj. Thomas Sparks, the operations sergeant major for the squadron. "In order to move on to the tactical portion of the Spur Ride, establishing that one is physically ready for battle is a must."

After confirming each Soldier met the requirements of the packing list inside their rucksack comprising of 40-pounds worth of equipment, the potential Silver Spur holders began the Spur Ride Stations, which challenged their tactical skills.

With the stations spread out over the span of three training ranges, each team had to maneuver through the elements conducting missions involving such tasks as radio operations, calling and adjusting for fire, moving under direct contact, grenade handling, evaluating casualties, reacting to an ambush, and hand-to-hand combats engagements. While maneuvering, they also had to properly conduct functions checks on their weapons, engage targets during urban operations, and tactically question opposing forces. All together, they trekked nearly 10 miles from station to station.

"The physical strength needed and the mental stress that is involved and the tactical know how that is needed to complete this Spur Ride will make Soldiers more combat-ready," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Porras, a Spur Holder within the squadron. "This does ready Soldiers for deployment."

Upon completion of all stations, the teams conducted a six-mile road march to the events starting point, the squadron headquarters. Exhausted, both physically and mentally, the near Silver Spur holders were given a written exam testing common Army knowledge and cavalry expertise. After completing and successfully passing all requirements, these Soldiers earned a highly respected status within the cavalry community.

"The saying goes, you're not a true cavalry man unless you have your spurs," said Porras. "[There are] some differences from Spur Rides in the past to today's updated version, but the overall team building and camaraderie goals are exactly the same."

A unique trait within the cavalry squadron is that not all companies are made up of cavalry scouts. A support company and infantry company help shape the squadron, and are just as important to the team. They too were also able to earn their Spurs.

"The Spur Ride is a great chance for us to share with our infantry brothers the traditions of the cavalry," said Hambrick. "Our Charlie Company, our infantry company, is a great addition to this team and a vital part of the squadron and only makes us stronger. I am glad we have them."

Cavalry scouts operate as one of the first personnel to move forward into an area to provide forward reconnaissance in spotting, finding and relaying key information about the enemy to commanders and leaders in the field.

Their duties include assisting with observation posts, gathering reconnaissance information, performing and helping with navigating. Adding an infantry company to the mix only increases the strength to an already lethal force.

"The Spur Ride is a challenging exercise that will build better teams for us all," said Capt. Michael Haith, commander of the squadron's lone infantry company. "With these last two deployments we have already a huge legacy and this is great that we are adding the Spur Ride to it."

The squadron is relatively new to the Army, though its lineage dates back to World War II as the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion which was attached to the 502nd Inf. Regt. and was deactivated following the war's end.

The unit returned to active service Sept. 12, 2004, when 3rd Bn., 502nd Inf. Regt., was redesigned into today's Widowmakers.

Since then the squadron already has two deployments under their belts, and a very rigorous training schedule. To be able to conduct its very first Spur Ride benefits all.

"I've been here for five years and it feels good to see this unit to have the chance to earn the Silver Spurs," said Spc. Jonathon Morrison, a small arms and artillery repairer, Company D. "I look forward to seeing more of these opportunities that will continue a great tradition."

• Date Taken: 12.02.2009
• Date Posted: 12.09.2009 18:27
• Story ID: 42519
• Location: FORT CAMPBELL, US