Spur Ride forges strong teams, teaches new skills

More than 40 National Guard and active duty Soldiers participate in a Spur Ride hosted by the Virginia National Guard’s Portsmouth-based 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team June 14-15 at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The two-day event tests the mental and physical endurance of pre-qualified Soldiers, provides a better understanding of reconnaissance operations, forges strong team bonds and gives those who successfully complete all the assigned tasks the right to wear the distinctive spurs at ceremonial events.

The Spur Ride started with an early morning physical fitness session followed by a land navigation challenge, the Air Assault obstacle course and rappelling. The evening lanes focused on an orientation to equipment and capabilities of a cavalry squadron including advanced optical and communication systems, sniper rifles and assault boats as well as instruction on the history and traditions of the cavalry.

Active duty Soldiers from the Fort Bragg, North Carolina-based 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division took part in the Spur Ride as part of an ongoing training partnership between the 116th IBCT and 2nd BCT.

Soldiers from multiple military specialties including infantry, cavalry, fires and sustainment are eligible to earn their spurs as long as they are assigned to a cavalry squadron. Candidates, also know as shave-tails, must also demonstrate high levels of physical fitness and duty proficiency to participate.