The United States Army has announced the limited reinstatement of caissons for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, marking a significant return for this deeply symbolic tradition. This decision follows a two-year hiatus during which the Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, undertook a comprehensive rebuilding of the caisson program. The program faced suspension in 2023 after the unfortunate deaths of two horses, prompting a complete overhaul of the equine care system, command structure, and training protocols.
Revitalizing a Cherished Tradition
The caisson, a horse-drawn wagon carrying the casket of a fallen service member, is a powerful symbol of service, sacrifice, and remembrance. Its absence was keenly felt, and Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, upon taking command of the Military District of Washington, identified the restoration of this program as a top priority. “The caisson represents a powerful symbol of service, sacrifice and remembrance,” Bredenkamp stated. “When I took command in June of 2023, I mentioned that this would be one of my top priorities throughout the command, and it has remained a top priority throughout my command tenure.” The rejuvenation of the program involved a significant investment, with the Army spending $18 million to procure real estate for housing the horses and an additional $900,000 on procurement, training, and equipping.
Enhanced Equine Care and Training
A cornerstone of the caisson program’s revival has been the transformation of its equine care and training standards. The Army has moved from an in-house training approach to an “equestrian enterprise standard training program,” incorporating feedback from the American Horse Council. To elevate the program, the Army enlisted the expertise of Olympic gold medal-winning equestrian David O’Connor and experienced equestrian care expert Jim Westbrook. O’Connor, now the U.S. Equestrian Federation Chief of Sport, has dedicated the past ten months to rebuilding the Army’s basic horsemanship program, ensuring that soldiers in the caisson detachment first master fundamental horsemanship skills before assuming caretaking roles. Westbrook, with his extensive background in horse hitch training and horse wagons, is instrumental in improving the procurement of horses for the Old Guard.
A Limited, Prioritized Return
The reinstated caisson service will operate in a limited capacity, prioritizing those who have waited the longest for this honor. Currently, the Army has three fully trained, 11-horse caisson squads, with one squad servicing up to two funerals per day, not exceeding 10 services per week. This reduced capacity is a deliberate measure to ensure the well-being of the horses and to allow for the gradual renovation of the Old Guard’s historic stables. During the initial phase of reintroduction, caisson services will be reserved for officers of the rank of O-6 and above, senior warrant officers, and senior noncommissioned officers. Additionally, families who have been on the waiting list for up to two years will receive priority. Prior to the suspension, the Old Guard performed up to eight caisson services daily, a demand that cannot yet be met.
A Legacy Carried Forward
The caisson tradition has a rich history, having carried the remains of soldiers who died in battle, prisoners of war, soldiers missing in action, presidents during state funerals, and Medal of Honor recipients. The newly trained caisson squads made their debut at President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in December, following the retirement of the former caisson horses. The Army sourced a new herd of horses from across the country, with training conducted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This meticulous rebuilding effort ensures that this profound military tradition can continue to honor the nation’s fallen heroes with the dignity and respect they deserve.
References
- U.S. Army. (2025, April 18). The Army announced earlier this month that it has reinstated the use of caissons during military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery in a limited capacity following a two year absence. Army.mil
- U.S. Army. (2025, April 18). Horses assigned to the Caisson Detachment, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment or The Old Guard, await instruction from their riders during a military full honors escort validation, Fort Myer, Virginia., April. 10, 2025. Army.mil
- Army News Service. (n.d.). Giddy Up, the U.S. Army’s Caisson Has a New Saddle. Army.mil
- Caisson Detachment 3D U.S Infantry Regiment. (n.d.). jtfncr.mdw.army.mil
- Army News Service Archives. (n.d.). Army.mil
