US Army Order of The Spur

By Crusader1307

The ''Order of The Spur'' is an American Army Tradition which was established by The US Cavalry Branch. The actual awarding of Riding Spurs to a Trooper (Mounted Soldier), was the end result. The Tradition developed from New Recruits to The Cavalry Branch. Often, new soldiers had little or no experience with riding a horse (let alone control one in battle). To identify such, the horse of the new soldier had it's tail shaven (earning the soldier the Title of ''Shave Tail'' – or rookie). Only after extensive training in riding and care for His horse, was a soldier called ''Trooper'' – and awarded His ''Spurs'' (which were Military grade as opposed to those used in training).

Today, the Tradition still exists – sans Horses. Armored (Tank) and Helicopter Units (both of which claim the title of ''Cavalry'' today) – award ''The Spurs'' (ceremoniously) to Troopers who have served in combat for a period of time with their Unit. If no active combat experience is used as the awarding criteria, many Units have a series of special skills courses which a Trooper must complete. These are based on His or Her knowledge and physical fitness qualifiers. The ''ancient tradition'' of reciting the Cavalry re-themed poem ''Fiddler's Green'' (1856), is still a requirement for all. A formal awards ceremony is held, after which The Trooper is awarded Silver Spurs (Gold for Master Earners). In addition, it is during this ceremony that a US Cavalry Trooper is likewise awarded His or Her Cavalry Stetson (Hat), which is still worn with both Dress and Fatigue Duty Units.