Earning his spurs: 8-1 Cav. holds rite of passage

Soldiers who pass rigorous test join medieval fraternity

Staff Sgt. David Chapman/5th Mobile Public Affairs Office

The distinctive Stetson and spurs have been worn by cavalry units since the American Civil War. That tradition continues with today’s cavalrymen, but they are never simply issued these items. They must earn them.

Private First Class William Medina, combat medic, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment in 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division strained to do just that Tuesday, during his squadron spur ride.

“The spur ride is a tradition and it is kind of like being a part of history. For me it is about being part of the unit. As line medics, we are attached to the unit; you are kind of on the outside looking in,” Medina said. “By taking part in something important like this it allows you to build camaraderie and they will respect you more.”

Being a Lancer Soldier is just a part of his Family history for Medina, but earning his spurs allows him to stand apart from the rest of his Family.

“I have Family members who have been in the military as well. My dad was a ‘Joe,’ my grandfather was a ‘Joe.’ I joined the Army to make a difference and I wanted to save people,” he said. “The whole aspect of tradition is what entices me most to do this.”

Although spur ride events are kept secret from those who will be taking part, Medina knows there are some basic skills that he will need to pass the test.

“I am ready for them to bring whatever challenges they have and I am sure they have a lot of tricks up their sleeves for us, but I think it is going to be fun,” the medic said. “I know there is going to be a lot of ruck marching and I am ready for that.”

Despite being confident that he will accomplish all the required tasks, he still has some nervousness about not knowing what is coming.

“There is going to be some physical stuff that, obviously, the scouts are going to have the upper hand over myself as a medic,” he said. “They are combat guys that are trained in their jobs and they do it well. Hopefully, I will be able to keep up with them and carry on. But mentally I’m prepared and I have a ‘don’t quit’ attitude.”

This junior Soldier views the spur ride as a personal and professional goal that will give him credibility for the rest of his career.

“I like to set goals for myself and know that something didn’t beat me down,” Medina said. “When you earn your spurs you can go to any cavalry unit and they know you handled the challenge. It is kind of a brotherhood and I think they will have more respect for me.”

Medina also offered up a challenge to those who see the spur ride as something out of their reach.

“I would tell anyone to try it. The worst that can happen is you may not complete it, but at least you can say you gave it a try,” Medina said.

At the end of the day Medina’s only hope is that he is able to rise above the challenge placed in front of him and that he will be handed the silver spurs he has earned.

DID YOU KNOW?

The tradition of the Order of the Spur has its roots in knighthood, when awarding gilt spurs symbolized entry into the ranks and fraternity of mounted warriors.

Squires aspiring to knighthood usually had to perform deeds on the battlefield or in tournaments (combat training) to “win their spurs.”

The spurs themselves were buckled on during the investiture to knighthood, usually during Mass or a similar religious ceremony. His spurs — not his sword, horse, or armor —symbolized that a man was a knight. No matter how financially destitute, a knight would part with everything else he owned before his spurs. The most degrading act was to have another knight cut off the spurs, symbolizing his removal from the brotherhood of knights.

It is unknown when the U.S. Cavalry began ceremonialy awarding spurs for outstanding performance.

- 1st Cavalry Division history