HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - Leaders from the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, put their Army knowledge, leadership skills, and physical stamina to the test Feb. 2 during the Lighthorse Spur Ride here, in hopes of earning the right to wear the Cavalry's Silver Spurs.
"It's about developing leaders," said Lt. Col. Michael Demirjian, squadron commander and Spur holder since 1991. "It focuses on standards, discipline, and builds trust amongst the troops. It's really about building the team, developing camaraderie, unit cohesion and focusing on some of the history of the past."
This is a tradition based on the horse cavalry days where a "shavetail" was awarded spurs once he demonstrated proficiency on a horse, said Lt. Col. Demirjian.
Though the Lighthorse Spur candidates were not executing horseback maneuvers, their trials were no less intense, said Capt. Mickala Henson, Squadron S4.
"I have never been more sore, filthy or exhausted, but I couldn't be prouder," said Capt. Henson.
The day began in the wee hours of the morning with a PT Test in the unit hangar. From there, the candidates, who'd been separated into squads, foot marched to and from each different skills training exercise. The different stations were designed to test the Soldiering and aviation skills necessary to lead troops into battle.
Captain Henson said that despite the stress and physical intensity of the day, she felt she'd emerged a stronger leader and Soldier.
"The mental and physical rigors were like nothing else," she said." Their goal was to challenge us and as a team working through relying on each person's skill sets. There was nothing you could do except grow as a team and be an adaptive leader."
The Spur candidates' long day ended with a nighttime ceremony awarding the successful candidates their Spurs. They limped into the room dirty, sweaty and tired, and received a standing ovation from all their mentors and examiners. Everyone shared food and drink and walked away proud.
"You can't say enough about Cavalry esprit-de-corps," said Capt. Henson. "We are a Family, every single Soldier in the Cavalry is Family and events like this solidify the bonds."
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