Dakota Squadron Spouses earn their spurs

FORT BLISS, Texas -- More than 40 spouses of 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment "Dakota," 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team "Bulldog," 1st Armored Division participated gathered to take on the 2-13 CAV Spouse Spur Ride event, Sept. 14, 2018.

The Spouse Spur Ride is designed to provide Soldiers spouses with an opportunity to experience firsthand what it takes to earn the highly coveted spurs.

Spouses participated in several Common Soldier Tasks to include: Physical Readiness Training, Don and Clear a Chemical Protection Mask, Weapons Assembly/Disassembly, Grenade Assault Course, Drill and Ceremony, Radio Etiquette, and Vehicle Simulation Training.

The spouses whom completed each CST to standard were awarded their spurs.

"They will conduct the event to standard if they (Spouses) will receive a No-Go, they will receive retraining, and they will conduct the event again" said Capt. Brett Simons, officer in charge of the Spouse Spur Ride, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. "We want to give them that realistic feeling, we want them to know what it's really like to be a Soldier, and we don't want to water this down at all."

The Spouse Spur Ride, as challenging as it was, had another purpose for the Dakota Squadron and that was building cohesive team at home and with the unit prior to 2-13 CAV's upcoming deployment.

"Today is about an opportunity for our spouses in the squadron to get an idea about what their husband does on a daily basis, but also to bring them together and grow as a team as we prepare to leave them for our upcoming deployment," said Lt. Col. Greg McLean, squadron commander of 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.

A strong family team is important when preparing for and during a deployment, as well as having strong support networks with other family members facing the same challenges.

"We're trying to connect everyone (new and seasoned families) to let them know the stress that comes with the deployment is normal and let them know that they're not alone," said Jacque McLean, Dakota Squadron Advisor. "These team building activities really help with that, help us build bonds, help us build relationships so they don't feel like they're alone and they're part of the Dakota Family."