FORT SILL, Okla. (Oct. 15, 2015) -- The Field Artillery Half Section -- Fort Sill's historical ceremonial unit -- competed in the U.S. Cavalry Association's National Cavalry Competition (NCC) Sept. 22-27 at Fort Reno, Okla.
The annual competition drew military and civilian horsemen from across America as they preserved the heritage of the cavalry.
The competition, which is the largest cavalry gathering in the United States, included field jumping; military mounted saber, and pistol; and wheeled competitions.
It was the fourth year the Half Section participated, said Gerald Stuck, FA Half Section chief. The NCC also drew Soldiers from forts Riley (Kan.), Carson (Colo.), Huachuca (Ariz.), Irwin (Calif.) and Hood (Texas).
"They did really well, I'm proud of them," said Stuck, of the Half Section Soldiers many of whom have only been with the unit since March.
Spc. Jayson Bohner placed first in Level 1 field jumping; the section placed first in historical authenticity; the team took second place in the wheeled-vehicle competition finishing just behind Fort Hood; and Pvt. Nathaniel Shiosee placed fourth and Spc.Craig Anson placed seventh in the mounted saber category.
In the authenticity competition, the Soldiers were judged on realism of uniforms and horse tack (saddles, harnesses). Judges also scrutinized the horses, the gun and limber, as well as the Soldiers answering questions and telling stories about World War I-era artillery units.
The competition provided invaluable training to the Half Section's horsemen/Soldiers, who are only with the unit for one year, Stuck said.
"We get to interact with the other Army units, which are cav units, so our guys get to learn how to use the mounted saber and mounted pistol," Stuck said. "There is a lot of cross-training."
The competition is all about camaraderie and sharing, Stuck said.
"We let them (cav units) get up on the gun and ride in teams, so they get some training in artillery," Stuck said.
The Half Section is made up of 10 active-duty Soldiers, who come from four brigades here, and the civilian chief. The special duty assignment is selective, and Stuck prefers Soldiers who have horsemanship experience, but it's not mandatory. The Half Section has 12 horses: two standard bred and 10 quarterhorses.
In addition to changes of command, the Half Section performs at funeral details, retirement ceremonies, running events, motorcycle rallies, parades, gun salutes, staff rides, retreats, reveilles and rodeos.
The Half Section will participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1, in Pasadena, Calif.
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