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 some other religious ceremony; knighthood, itself, was
considered sacramental, if not a sacrament itself. Thereafter, 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. When they arrived at their first cavalry
assignment 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. I know of a couple
units where 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 Prince of Wales Spurs
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!
You can purchase both the gold and silver spurs online at
Brigade Quartermasters
PRINCE
OF WALES COMBAT SPURS W/STRAPS - GOLD
Worn by Cavalry soldiers after a combat zone tour of duty and only after
being awarded the Silver Spur for a successful Spur Ride, the Prince of
Wales style spurs is a treasured “badge of honor” and pride. Brass plated.
$17.99 SPR0115 SPURS COMBAT POW W/STRAPS GOLD
PRINCE
OF WALES MILITARY SPURS W/STRAPS - SILVER
Worn by Cavalry soldiers after successful completion of a Spur Ride, the
Prince of Wales style spurs is a treasured “badge of honor”. Chrome
plated.
$16.99 SPR0139 SPURS MILITARY POW W/STRPS SLV
WILENSKY MODEL 1885 US CAVALRY SPURS w/ ROWELS Since
the Plains Indian Wars, American Cavalry units have been identified by
their Stetsons and Spurs. As horses “evolved” to tanks and helicopters,
the Cavalry did not relinquish its distinctive traditions. These
reproduction models are distinctive and used by Cav units.
$64.99 SPR0362 SPURS MODEL 1885 BRASS W/STRPS
LEATHER SPUR STRAPS With the change over from black boots to
desert tan, these straps will look even better. Order a pair today!
Package includes one Official Stetson U.S. Cavalry
Hat (#52679) with chin strap,
one acorn hat band (your choice of color) and one regimental cross sabers
(also your choice).
You get all this, AND, they also SHAPE your Stetson for you!
With nearly 50 Cav products to choose from, when you
purchase the CavHooah Stetson Cav Hat Package, the discount ALSO applies to ANY and
ALL other Cavalry products you buy! Items like these:
Just enter discount/coupon code
CAVHOOAH at the time of checkout to
receive your Cavhooah Savings!
10-Point Rowel for those looking for something a little more
unique!
$19.95
Coronet Ladies Slip On Spurs
Ladies Slip On Spurs. These are your quick on and off spurs. Great for shows or
schooling (they are pretty laid back spurs). Quality Stainless Steel 3/4" neck.
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 just behind the strap lug. This was a Buermann trademark for its
"StarBrand" nickel alloy spurs, using the same alloy as first used 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, and survived about four years, but was offered by Buermann for many
years after. Buermann was bought by North & Judd, a huge hardware company,
whose trademark was the famous anchor brand. They 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!)
In some units, the gold Spurs are considered "Combat Spurs," and are
awarded for Cavalry service in a combat zone.
