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Traditions

Order of the Spur

The Order of the Spur is a Cavalry tradition within the United States Army. Soldiers serving with Cavalry units (referred to as Troopers) are inducted into the Order of the Spur after successfully completing a "Spur Ride" or for having served during combat as a member of a Cavalry unit.

Traditionally, each Trooper is presented spurs by their sponsor at a ceremonial dining in commonly referred to as the "Spur Dinner". The spurs are to be worn with the military uniform during Squadron or Regimental ceremonies and events or as designated by the Cavalry unit commander.

In some units, gold spurs are awarded for combat inductions while silver spurs represent having completed the Spur Ride. Within the tradition, silver spurs and gold spurs hold a similar relationship for the cavalry as the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge hold in the Infantry.

There is no Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) requirement for the Order of the Spur and the order is open to members of foreign militaries serving with U.S. Cavalry units.

Today the Order of the Spur recognizes individual qualifications for those serving in a cavalry unit. The privilege of being awarded spurs in any Cavalry Unit comes with hard work and challenges. For an individual to qualify and compete for the Order of the Spur within the Unit, the cavalry soldier must first meet or exceed the following established standards of performance:

• Service in the Squadron for at least 180 days.
• Service in at least three Field Exercises.
• A score of at least 240 in the last Army Physical Fitness Test.
• Meet or exceed the weight standards according to AR 600-9.
• Qualify "expert" or "sharpshooter" on personal weapon.
• And perhaps most important, possess the spirit, determination, cunning, and initiative to persevere.

Once documented as having achieved the above performance objectives, the candidate is designated to participate in the Spur Ride Exercise. This exercise requires the completion of:

• Land Navigation
• Problem Leadership Reaction Situation
• First Aid Administration
• Weapons Deployment and Use
• Signal and Communication Procedures
• Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical
• Situation Qualified Spur Ride (run)

Upon successful accomplishment of the above requirements, the Squadron Commander will award the Spurs to be proudly worn throughout the Trooper's Cavalry Career.