Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Frank Inman | U.S. Air Force Capt. Maura Sillas approaches the finish line of the 12-mile road...... read more read more
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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Looks of pain and pride covered the faces of service members as they crossed the finish line after a 12-mile road march, signifying just the start of the first joint-service Spur Ride, Sept. 10.
This was just the beginning of the day for 15 Combined Joint Task Force-1 service members taking part in one of the 1st Cavalry Division’s historic traditions.
“They wanted to be a part of a tradition and they weren’t scared to face the challenge,” said Army Sgt. Maj. Gilbert Hurte, the senior spur-holder for the event.
To earn their spurs, candidates had to pass a series of physical and mental tests, ranging from a 12-mile road march to various stations where they were tested on their proficiency in specified combat skills. Candidates also had to recite “Fiddler’s Green," the traditional cavalry poem.
“The Spur Ride was an opportunity to earn an award from another service and build esprit de corps, as they have been working together side-by-side everyday in this fight,” said Hurte.
The event was held to give CJTF-1 soldiers who would not be able to participate in the next Spur Ride the chance to earn their spurs, and was also opened to members from the other armed services on Bagram Airfield.
“The Spur Ride was something I’ve never experienced before. I’m now a part of an Army tradition,” said Marine Sgt. Christopher Neuendorff,.
Three days of training helped candidates from other services adjust to the Army’s way of doing certain tasks, Hurte said.
“The biggest challenges were some of the tasks they were tested on,” added Hurte. “For instance, the basic functions check we do on the M4 rifle in the Army is different than what they do in the Air Force and the Navy.”
After the candidates completed all of the Spur Ride tasks, they were awarded the “Order of the Spur” certificate along with a set of spurs during a formal induction ceremony.
All 15 candidates earned their spurs, which they will be able to wear to any future cavalry function.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2011 11:11 |
| Story ID: | 77017 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 300 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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