FORT CARSON, Colo. — 4th Infantry Division Soldiers conduct “Y” squats during the modified Army Combat Fitness Test portion of the Order of the Spur June 15, 2022, at Fort Carson. The Soldiers, also known as spur candidates, started the morning early for their first out of five lanes. (Photo by Spc. Tyler Brock)
By Spc. Tyler Brock
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — 1st Lt. Richard Iwuagwu, squadron adjutant, with 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, takes a written test during the Order of the Spur June 16, 2022, at Fort Carson. Not only were the Soldiers tested on their knowledge of the squadron and the U.S. Army, but also vital operation procedures during the two-day event. (Photo by Spc. Tyler Brock)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Early June 15, Soldiers with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team converged on the motor pool of 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th Infantry Division, for the annual Order of the Spur — an event steeped in cavalry scout tradition.
Soldiers, also known as spur candidates, were put through an agonizing 36 hours of physically demanding training.
“We wanted to incorporate training, but also stay true to the cavalry traditions,” said Capt. Cody Pigford, the officer in charge, with 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg.
The training consisted of five lanes to help shape the modern-day Ivy Soldiers and equip them to fight and win the nation’s wars. From high-frequency radio operations to a modified Army Combat Fitness Test, any Dragoon that went through this training could expect to be more Mountain Post “READY”.
“It’s vital for any Soldier going forward,” said Sgt. 1st Class Cody Anderson, noncommissioned officer in charge, with 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg.
Even though the event lasted less than two days, the planning took months. The biggest challenges were ensuring that the scout traditions were observed while also ensuring training standards were met, said Pigford. Even though the event was traditionally a cavalry scout affair, it took a team of more than Dragoons to run it. As Pigford said, it “takes more than (scouts) to run a spur ride.”
When all was said and done, 62 Soldiers were able to walk away with pride knowing they were added to the Order of the Spur.
“I have no doubt going through this as a candidate, the professionalism, the esprit de corps, the motivational support that you provide was truly awesome,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Morrison, squadron commander, with 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Maccini, left, senior enlisted leader of 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks to cadre after conducting a two-day Order of the Spur event June 16, 2022, at Fort Carson. “(I am) extremely impressed and proud with what went on — Thank you so much,” said Maccini. “As you all know, we are in a brotherhood, and we are about to induct more brothers and sisters into the brotherhood. Please thank them and congratulate them as well.” (Photo by Spc. Tyler Brock)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Lt. Col. Aaron Morrison, squadron commander, right, recognizes Capt. Cody Pigford, officer in Charge, left, both with 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, for orchestrating the Order of the Spur June 16, 2022, at Fort Carson. “It was important that we incorporated training while also recognizing Cavalry Scout traditions,” said Pigford in an interview. (Photo by Spc. Tyler Brock)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — 4th Infantry Division Soldiers stand in formation as they meticulously go through their packing list during the Order of the Spur June 15, 2022, at Fort Carson. Paying attention to details, such as a packing list, allows these Soldiers to be Mountain Post “READY” as they begin their two-day journey to become inducted into the Order of the Spur. (Photo by Spc. Tyler Brock)