Weapons training, obstacle courses, and zodiac boat races are not typically the domain of Army spouses, but the families of Phantom Squadron 3-38th Cavalry are not your typical families. Aug. 1 the 3-38th Cavalry Squadron held a family "Spur Ride" to let families get a taste of what their Troopers do as Cavalrymen. Family members of all ages participated in an obstacle course, treat a casualty lane, individual movement lane, weapons practice at a simulator, a radio communications exercise, and a zodiac boat race on American lake. A "Spur Ride" is a cavalry tradition dating back to the original American Cavalry units where new Soldiers proved their worth as Cavalrymen by completing a series of grueling tasks. In addition to challenging the family members, the event provided an excellent opportunity for families to strengthen relationships in the unit, build trust through shared experiences, and for the squadron leadership to disseminate command information pertinent to family members.

>>> Christian Gomez climbs while his mother, Yaelmine, steadies the rope ladder during the 3-38th Cavalry Squadron family "Spur Ride." Photo crdedit: Patrick McGinniss

At the obstacle course, spouses helped each other over a high wall while children giddily and effortlessly crawled under simulated barbed wire and navigated rope ladders. Once they were through, the families conducted an individual movement lane using Nerf guns and water balloons. Jammed weapons stressed the participants and simulated real world conditions while Lt. Col. Bruce Vitor, the squadron commander, was known to stand in as a target for the simulated hand grenade throw.  After being given a chance to throw a water balloon at the squadron commander, participants evaluated and treated a casualty before pulling them to safety using a foldable plastic litter.

The "turkey shoot" at the marksmanship lane was a hit, no pun intended, where families were familiarized on the M4 carbine before shooting enemy fowl that appear on screen. Like a modern Army version of Duck Hunt the simulator uses compressed air to cycle the weapons and lasers to determine where the families were shooting. When the participants hit the turkeys they were rewarded with gratuitous Hollywood-like explosions on screen.

A short bus trip took families to American Lake where they were showed how to talk on the radio and practiced with soldiers on the other end. After a short safety demonstration families raced each other in zodiac inflatable boats and saw firsthand how important teamwork and communication is when conducting waterborne operations.

After the event concluded everyone returned to the squadron headquarters for a barbeque and awards ceremony. Marie Meyer, wife of Sgt. Michael Meyer from B Troop, was chosen as the "Spouse of the Quarter" and presented with a certificate of appreciation from Vitor. He and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Alfieri, then congratulated all the participants and handed out commemorative gifts while posing for pictures to capture the special day. The families might have been covered in sweat, mud, and camouflage face paint but all you could see were smiles from the newest Spur Holders of the Phantom Squadron.

Capt. Patrick McGinniss is the 3-38th Cavalry Squadron Fire Support officer.