Page 5 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior, October 2021

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High Desert Warrior 5 October 2021
News
11th ACR Prepares for National Cavalry Competition Pvt. James Newsome
11th ACR
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Troopers assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Horse Detachment conducted an internal cavalry competition open to the local community on Aug. 26, 2021.
For Troopers of the Horse Detachment, the yearly culminat- ing event is the National Cavalry Competition, where they travel across the United States to historic Fort Reno, Oklahoma, to represent the traditions and history of the 11th ACR. Before the National event, internal competitions are executed at the 11th ACR Horse Detachment to inculcate Troopers with a competitive atmosphere and test them on their strengths and weaknesses.
“We travel to the National Cavalry Competition each year to compete against other active duty Horse Detachments, as well as allowourTrooperstoseehowfartheyhavecomeinsuchashort time,” said Capt. Michael Gates, Horse Detachment Officer in Charge. “The competition is not solely won on the back of a horse.Troopersmustbesmartandmemorizecoursesandtarget layouts after only seeing them once, so mental agility is a focus of our training team daily. We’ve also had plenty of classroom time to go over rules and penalties so that all Troopers can perform in full confidence that they know where they stand.”
The events evaluated during this internal competition follow the competencies set forth by the United States Cavalry Associa- tion focused on the National Cavalry Competition and consist of Military Horsemanship, Combat Horsemanship, Mounted Shooting, Mounted Sabers, Military Field Jumping, and the Major Howze Event (Endurance).
“Each event grades riders on slightly different criteria that are specific to the test, but the criteria that are graded in all events include horsemanship, the appearance of Trooper and horse, and health of the horse,” said Gates.
Spouses and civilians of Fort Irwin have the opportunity to come to the Horse Detachment stables for entertainment and a unique opportunity to watch the Troopers compete. It is one of many things that Fort Irwin and the 11th ACR have to offer its spouses and community while stationed in the Mojave Desert.
There are three different levels in the National Cavalry Competition. Level 1 pertains to newer and or experienced riders with the newer horses. Level 2 pertains to Troopers who are well versed in riding and competing with well-rounded
horses. Level 3 is for seasoned riders who have a lot of experience with riding as well as horses who perform extraordinary well. The following Troopers will represent Fort Irwin and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Horse Detachment at the National Cavalry Competition.
Capt. Michael Gates on Fritz at Level 1
Staff Sgt. Jacob Wilson on Comanche at Level 1
Staff Sgt. Nathan Perkins on Yano at Level 1
Spc. Clarissa Falmad on Chief at Level 1
Spc. McDaniel on Charger at Level 1
Cpl. John Wenger on Hondo at Level 2
Spc. Donaji Sandoval on Gunsmoke at Level 2
Spc. Bryan Mosqueda on Bradley at Level 2
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Stemple on Gary Owen at Level 2
The 11th ACR Horse Detachment was granted the status of Special Ceremonial Unit in 2002 for the purpose of aiding
the recruiting effort, community relations, and participating in formal military and civilian ceremonies. All spots in the Horse Detachment are organic to the 11th ACR, which enables them to be a diverse unit with many MOS’s and backgrounds. The mounted Troopers defined the 11th Cavalry at its creation in 1901, and it is the job of the Horse Detachment to keep the history and traditions of the Cavalry alive today. The Horse Detachment serves as a one-year assignment, during this time troopers learn how to properly care for the horses, groom the horses, become expert riders, and represent the 11th ACR in a way that many don’t have the opportunity to.
The 11th ACR Horse Detachment traveled to Fort Reno, Oklahoma, to compete in the National Cavalry Competition Sept. 22-25. For additional details and a timeline of events for the National Cavalry Competition, please visit: https:// uscavalryassociation.org/events/
Fort Irwin Exchange Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
On Sept. 18, 2021, the Fort Irwin Exchange joined The Villages and Home-Based Business to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event was coordinated by Hardline Department Manage, Rose Gonzalez who brought this celebration to life. The event, which took place in the Exchange Mini Mall, had dancing performances which featured Salsa Instructor Mr. Jose Vergara. Fort Irwin’s Home-Based Businesses also joined in the celebration with free authentic food samplings, countries represented included Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Exchange also provided activities such as face painting, best dress contest, best table decoration, and dancing.
For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin