Order of the Spur

For the Papal chivalric order, see Order of the Golden Spur. For the related tradition of the stetson, see Cavalry stetson.
Order of the Spur
Certificate for induction into the Order of the Spur for combat action in Tal Afar, Iraq.
TypeOrder
Awarded forCompletion of a spur ride or combat service in a cavalry unit.
DescriptionGold or silver spurs.
CountryUnited States
Presented byUnited States Cavalry
EligibilityMilitary, foreign military, and civilian personnel.
StatusCurrently awarded
First awardedUnknown
Last awardedOngoing

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 or with a Cavalry unit. A trooper who has earned both Silver and Gold spurs is known as a "Master Spur Holder." Traditionally, each Trooper is presented spurs by his 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 hold in the U.S. Army Infantry, as well as the Expert Field Medical Badge and the Combat Medical Badge hold to U.S. Army Medics. 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.