Emerging from the dust, sweat, dirt, and blood of the West Texas desert last week, three officers were bestowed their spurs and Stetson cowboy hats by the Army, solidifying their status as the first-ever "space cowboys."
Journeying to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, the trio of Space Force Guardians took on the challenging Army Cavalry Spur Ride -- a series of demanding combat tests and physical exercises that often require participants to ruck-march between challenges. They were the inaugural members of the military's newest and smallest service to rise to this occasion.
Space Force Captain Bradley Evans, an engineer stationed at White Sands Missile Range, shared with DODFireNews that all the Guardians successfully completed the grueling challenges, unlike some Army soldiers who did not.
The tradition of earning one's spurs harkens back to the early days of the Army cavalry, where new soldiers had to showcase their skills in swordsmanship and horseback riding. Despite the shifting landscape of the U.S. military, including the establishment of the Space Force and its Guardians, these traditions endure through rigorous physical trials and training.
Guardians, often stationed in place and not typically exposed to harsh conditions, have placed a renewed focus on routine physical training. Plans are in place to incorporate wearable fitness technology and adopt a holistic approach to maintaining physical readiness.
Participants in the Spur Ride, including 1st Lt. Jordan Savage, an acquisitions officer at Space Systems Command in Los Angeles, shared with Military.com that the physical challenge presented a stark departure from their usual duties.
Their presence at the Spur Ride introduced Army soldiers to the Space Force, leading to an awareness of cultural differences between the two service branches.
The Space Force Guardians who participated in the Spur Ride are hopeful that their peers will seek out additional opportunities to train alongside other branches, pushing themselves to excel in various aspects of military service. Their completion of the Army Cavalry Spur Ride marks a new frontier conquered by the Space Force Guardians, showcasing their commitment to pushing boundaries and excelling in diverse environments.
