Soldiers with 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, endure the cold muddy water obstacle on a rainy Alaska day as part of the annual spur ride, a cavalry tradition where candidates are evaluated on their leadership, technical and tactical proficiency, physical fitness, the ability to operate as part of a team under high levels of stress and fatigue. Only when they are able to prove their ability to perform are they awarded spurs and inducted into the Order of the Spur. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt Trish McMurphy, USARAK Public Affairs)