The Cavalry Spur Tradition

The Cavalry Spurs

Order of the Spur Spur Certificates Buy Spurs

Throughout history, Cavalry units have been readily identifiable by their Stetsons and Spurs. As the Army was modernized and horses were traded for tanks and helicopters, the Cavalry was reluctant to relinquish its distinctive traditions. They became a reminder of the Cavalry's glorious past and tended to set apart the Cavalry Trooper from his more traditional brethren. The Spurs evolved into a source of distinction to recognize the best of the Cavalry. Today, Cavalrymen are still distinguished by their unique hats, or "Stetsons," as they are now called. The Spurs, however, are awarded to only a deserving few. These few represent the best of the best and embody all that has been, is, and will be great about the U.S. Cavalry. The tradition has its roots in knighthood, where the awarding of gilt Spurs symbolized entry into the ranks and fraternity of mounted warriors. Usually, the squire aspiring to knighthood had to perform some task or deed on the battlefield or tournament field (tournaments were considered like our training maneuvers) to "win their Spurs." The Spurs themselves were buckled on during the investiture to knighthood, usually during Mass or other religious ceremony. Knighthood was considered sacramental, if not a sacrament itself, and it was the Spurs that symbolized that a man was a knight--not his sword, horse, or armor. No matter how financially destitute, a poor knight would part with everything else before his Spurs. The primary act of degradation (removing someone from the knightly class) was to have another knight cut off the offending knights Spurs. It is not known exactly when the tradition of awarding Spurs was started in the U.S. Cavalry. When green troopers first arrived at their new cavalry assignments they were assigned a horse with a shaved tail. This led to the nickname "Shave Tail" for newly assigned, Spurless soldiers. Upon arrival, they were in need of extensive training, especially in the area of swordsmanship from atop a horse. The horse with a shaved tail was given extra space in which to operate since it's rider was marked as an amateur. During this phase of training the troopers were not allowed to wear Spurs because this would only serve to compound their problems. Only when they were able to prove their ability to perform with their horse and saber were they awarded Spurs. Once assigned to a Cavalry unit, Troopers had to undergo rigorous training and professional development before being considered for the awarding of Spurs. Earning Spurs was not optional. Troopers would sometimes spend an entire month's pay to purchase distinctive and original Spurs, often engraving the name of his steed or his sweetheart on them. When worn, the Spurs indicate that the trooper has demonstrated cavalry and leadership skills greater than those expected of the common soldier. Today's Spur Programs are Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer leadership development programs. The program focuses on the individual trooper's physical, technical, professional, and communicative abilities. All Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers are usually required to participate. If it is an Officer's or NCO's first Cavalry assignment they will be required to complete the Squadron's induction requirements. Paying for the Spurs and the certificate is voluntary in some units, other units provide them for free after the Spur Ride is completed. In some units, the Trooper will be "sponsored" by his or her NCO or mentor, and the sponsor buys the Spurs for his or her pledge. Nearly every Cavalry unit offers soldiers the opportunity to earn their Spurs, either during peacetime or combat. Below is an example of a Spur SOP from 1-7 Cavalry.

____________________________________________________________________________ In some units, the gold Spurs are considered "Combat Spurs," and are awarded for Cavalry service in a combat zone.
The standard Spur for many Cavalry units today is the Prince of Wales Spur. This is a more traditional form of Cavalry spur. Note the short neck and no rowel at the end. While other spurs take a much more fancy and ornamental approach to riding, these spurs are designed for a well-trained horse. A nudge from the spurs and a slight tug of the reins is all it takes! Here is a great article on F Trp. 1-4 Cav's spur ceremony in Iraq. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/army/a/cavalryspure.htm

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Authentic military spurs are usually stamped and can be quite valuable to collectors. Some soldiers stamped their own initials or had their names engraved into the Spurs. If the mark is on the leather strap, near the U.S., then it is an inspector's mark (usually their initials). If it is on the spur itself, then it would be a contractor's mark.

Some markings:

C.S.        Confederate States (Confederate Government Richmond Depot Issued)
U.S.        United States
N.S.        Nickel Steel

A.B.        Manufacturer August Buermann - August Buermann was born in Sattenhausen, Germany Aug. 04, 1842. He apprenticed as a locksmith in Germany and he arrived in New York Aug. 1864. A few weeks later he went into the Army as a substitute for someone who came into the locksmithing company where he was working, looking for a volunteer. August Buermann Mfg. Co. began making spurs for both the civilian and military markets. Most all of the civilian Buermann spurs after about 1912 were stamped with a star in the government contract versions. Buermann contract spurs were marked US over AB on the inside yoke base, opposite the shank. Many of the "1911 officer spurs" that are seen today were private purchase Buermann's. Officially, both enlisted men and officers were issued the same 1911 spur, except the officers were entitled to heel chains instead of leather but a wide variety of spurs and 1911 variations were used. The 1914 experimental spur was the only other official spur authorized besides the M1903, which was in use until after WWl and the M1911 which was issued beginning in 1912 and was in use until the end of the era. The 1914 spur had downward bent yoke ends and two lugs instead of one. Buermann was bought by North & Judd, a huge hardware company, who continued to make some cavalry goods until the dismounting in 1948. Partrade now owns the remnants of North & Judd, and they deal chiefly in imported inexpensive pet horse hardware.

(Webmaster's note: Thank you to Ms. Muriel Parker for the information on her great grandfather, August Buermann!)

WL        Whithorse Lecompte - Another government contractor who made quite a few bits and spurs for the government relative to the WW1 contracts. Not nearly as many as Buermann, though. There are a few spurs out there that are unit marked, for example, an extra "2" (and other stamp) may be a mark denoting it to the Second Cavalry

R.I.A.     Rock Island Arsenal
N&J        Manufacturer North & Judd
L&R       Leech & Rigdon - Confederate Spur Manufacturer
Boone    Manufacturer (Actual descendants of Daniel Boone)

MSH Could possibly stand for Miller Saddlery and Harness - I don't know if they contracted for the Government in wartime, but if General Motors could make machine guns and Smith Corona could make optics for the Army, seems like any horseman manufacturer could worm in on a contract. Millers stayed in business until after Korea, then became Miller Stockman.

These Cavalry spurs were made from the Civil War to about 1903.

Rock Island Arsenal Cavalry Spurs dated 1903.

A.B. Cavalry Spurs

A steeply angled rooster tail denotes the Mississippi style Confederate Spurs

If you want to do your Spur homework, go here first!

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The Order of the Spur

1. The Order of the Spur is to recognize individual qualifications for those in a cavalry unit. The privilege of being awarded Spurs in 7th U.S. Cavalry comes with hard work.

2. The following minimum guidelines must be met:

2 years in the 7th U.S. Cavalry.
MOSQ or Branch qualified
Interview with Squadron Commander.

3. Qualified on a Squadron Spur Ride. The title belies the nature of this event. A Spur Ride is led by "Spur Qualified" Non-commissioned Officers and is supervised by the Squadron Command Sergeant Major. Officers, generally, conduct their own Spur Ride along similar lines. Traditionally, it starts at the break of day with group PT or a PT test; individuals and their equipment are inspected, and a thorough hazing of candidates begins. During the course of the day, candidates are subjected to different stations that test their initiative, military expertise, and stamina. As night approaches, the candidates are assembled and provided with instructions. From there, the candidates must negotiate a general route from station to station where, again, their skills and tenacity are tested. Their route is designed to take them over a twenty-five mile course in the dead of night. During the course of the night and usually into the morning, candidates negotiate the course and, eventually, arrive at the finish line.

4. In addition to the above minimum requirements, the following are criteria that will be graded on a point system. A total of 300 out of a maximum of 450 will qualify.

Point Values:
Individual Weapons Qualification: Marksman = 50/ Sharpshooter = 100/ Expert = 150
Annual Physical Fitness Test: 180-220 = 50/ 220 - 270 = 100/ 270-300 = 150
Cavalry Thesis w/bibliography: Grade C = 50/ Grade B = 100/ Grade A = 150
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Here's Another example from Army Reserve Cav unit E Trp, 101st Cav:

Reference for esteemed brothers of the Order of the Spur and would be maggots. For those that aspire to someday joined the ranks of those elevated to a stature in life befitting a Spur Holder, the following applies:

All candidates will be selected, voted on by the Spur Association and invited to attend the annual Spur Ride based on this criteria.

Attended Basic and Advanced Individual Training.
Be a member of the Troop E 101st Cavalry for one year.
Attain and hold the rank of Specialist or above.
Attend a unit annual training rotation or an alternate in a constructive attendance status.
Spur candidate nomination must be approved by Spur Association.

In addition to the above stated criteria it is required for invitation to the Spur Ride, a qualifying soldier must meet a minimum score of 400 out of 570 points. The points and there maximum totals are listed below.

Qualifier	Criteria	Maximum total
Drill Attendance:	10 points for each scheduled drill	120
APFT:	points only, regardless of pass\fail additional 25 points awarded for passing score	325
Marksmanship:	marksman: 25 points sharpshooter: 50 points Expert: 75 points	75
Super Scout Event Participation	Participating in and completing the Super Scout Team Competition	50
Bonus Points:	AT Attendance, Army School attendance, State or federal activation.	20

Also, past unit members that have made a significant impact on the unit may be considered for invitation contingent upon approval of the Spur Association.

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Here is an example of required tasks - this also varies from unit to unit

SPUR CANDIDATES WILL BE TESTED ON THE FOLLOWING TASKS DURING CIRCUIT TRAINING:

EVACUATE A CASUALTY
WEAPONS STATION ( M16A2, M240B, M9 )
MYSTERY TASK
ISSUE A SALUTE REPORT
PLACE SINCGARS RADIO INTO OPERATION
EMPLOY CLAYMORE MINE
PERSONAL CAMOUFLAGE
DECONTAMINATE SELF AND EQUIPMENT
EMPLOY CHEMICAL DETECTION
RECITE FIDDLER'S GREEN POEM

SPUR CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ALL TASKS AS A TEAM

Many units require you to go through an obstacle course - see these pics

Another spur ride in Germany

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Rules of the Mess - (The Spur Ceremony Dinner)

Once the war is over or the Spur Ride is completed, the former candidates are awarded their Spurs in a formal ceremony which honors their intestinal fortitude and valiant efforts. Below is one example of the "Rules of the Mess."

The head table shall consist of the entire Spur Committee and Guest of Honor.
The uniform of the Spur holders will be dress blue, mess dress, or Army Class A’s with bow tie, Spurs and Stetson.
The formal portion begins with the call to mess and ends with the lighting of the smoking lamp.
The XO will use a bugle to call the mess. All personnel will be standing behind their seats within one minute of the mess being called.
Once the formal portion commences, no one may leave their seats without permission from the Senior Spur Holder.
No smoking is allowed inside the mess until the smoking lamp has been lit. (The XO will be responsible to provide this lamp.)
Individuals will be seated by team. (Past and Present)
The toasts are mandatory and will be done correctly.
The following toast will be assigned by the XO prior to the mess:

HHT: "To the President of the United States"
Response: "To the Commander-in-Chief"

A TRP: "To the United States Army"
Response: "To the Army"

B TRP: "To the III Mobile Corps"
Response: "To the Phantom Corps"

C TRP: "To the 1st Cavalry Division"
Response: "1st Team"

D TRP: "To the 4th Brigade"
Response: "Warrior"

E TRP: "To the U.S. Cavalry, the spirit lives on in the 7th Cavalry"
Response: "Garryowen"

F TRP: "To the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment"
Response: "Seventh First"

CSM : "To the Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry"
Response: "To the Soldiers"

Squadron XO:       "To Our Fallen Comrades who have ridden before and have earned their hallowed
                                places in Fiddler’s Green."
                               No Response

Squadron Commander:      "To our honored Guests"
                                                (In some units, this is replaced with "To the Ladies")
                                                 Response: "Here! Here!"

Interaction between the Spur Committee and the mess.

A. Points of Order - (Points of Order are used to make charges of an infraction or violation) An individual making a point of order will raise his right arm, stand and sound off loudly with “Point of Order”. All others are required to cease conversation. The Senior Spur Holder will answer, “Make your point.” Accusations are then made.

B. When addressed by a Spur Committee member all others will immediately cease conversation. The individual being addressed will stand in place respond appropriately.

C. When required to report to a Spur Committee member, the Spur member will quickly stand and walk briskly to within three feet of the head table, stop and make a facing movement to be centered directly in front of the committee member that called him. He will then salute and say, “Sir, (rank and name) reports”.

Following is a list of violations that may be brought forth as a Point of Order:

A. Anything determined by the head table.

B. Improperly worn Spurs.

C. Improperly worn Stetson.

D. Calling the Stetson a “hat”.

E. Out of proper uniform.

F. Smoking prior to the lamp being lit.

G. Moving from seat without permission.

H. Uncharged glass during toasts.

I. Making false charges.

J. Quibbling.

K. Chewing tobacco before the smoking lamp is lit.

L. Improper toasting procedure.

M. Foul language.

N. Harming a Shave Tail.

O. Spilling of drinks or breakage of glass.

P. Inability to respond to being coined.

Q. “Tossing your cookies” in the mess.

* Note: Spur committee members will judge the validity of any infractions and rule on the necessary penalty. Possible penalties include but are not limited to: reciting “Fiddler’s Green”, push-ups, performing, fines (not to exceed $2.00), and eviction from the mess.

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Wearing the Cavalry Spurs

Many units have specific requirements regarding the wear of the Spurs. Some are memorandums and some are created as an addition to the Army Regulation 670-1 - Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. Here is an example:

2. Spurs: Spurs will be worn as a matched pair. Only Prince of Wales type spurs will be worn.

a. Low Quarters: The spurs will be affixed to the footgear midway between the upper
portion of the sole and the lower part of the heel along the seam of the shoe. The U shaped portion shall enclose the shoe in such a manner as to assure that the rowel of the spurs curves down to the ground*. The strap will be fastened over the instep of the footgear in such a manner that the buckle faces to the outside of the foot.

b. Boots: The spurs will be affixed to the footgear so that the U-shaped portion follows the seam of the ankle support. Ensure that the rowel curves downward to the ground. The strap will be fastened over the instep of the footgear in such a manner that the buckles face the outside of the boot.

c. Occasions for wearing the spurs: Regimental/Squadron formations, parades, reviews and ceremonies, Squadron dining-ins/outs and other social functions conducted in class A or dress uniform. Spur calls, Spur Award Ceremonies and any other time deemed appropriate by Saber 6.

* In some units, tradition says that spurs worn with the rowels pointing up are to be worn by single soldiers and rowels down indicate married soldiers. (Consult your local unit procedures!)

A Detailed Spur History - here!

E Troop, 101st Cav even has a Constitution with all the laws and by-laws of their Spur program (as most units do.) Check it out!

Check out 1-7 Cavalry's Spur Program and video!
They even had a Spur Ride for Family Members! Lots of pictures!

1st Armored Division Spur Ride Article - with photos

V Corps 2-6 Cav Spur Ride Article - In the Vanguard - with photos

2-6 Cavalry Spur Ride Article - In the Stars & Stripes

Spur Rides Force Soldiers To Put It All Together - Article from CavalryScouts.com

1-17 Cav's Fellowship of the Winged Spur

Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On!
A Cowboy's Guide to Life by Texas Bix Bender

Here's an excerpt from the book, good common sense advice:

Crisis management principle: Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment
Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back.
Negotiation principle: Never drop yer gun to hug a grizzly.
Other Guidelines: If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
A good horse never comes in a bad color.
After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him... The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
Never kick a fresh cow chip on a hot day.
There's two theories to arguin' with a woman. Neither one works.
Don't worry about bitin' off more than you can chew. Your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
Never slap a man who's chewin' tobacco.
It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
When you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a person, don't be surprised if they learn their lesson.
When you're throwin' your weight around, be ready to have it thrown around by somebody else.
Always take a good look at what you're about to eat. It's not so important to know what it is, but you might need to know what it was.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading... The few who learn by observation... And the rest, who have to piss on the electric fence for themselves...!!