Army introduces new Military Horseman Badge

Soldiers assigned to The Caisson Platoon, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) were awarded, for the first time in military history, The Military Horseman Identification Badge, during a ceremony in Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Sept. 29, 2017. Requirements for the badge include the completion of 100 Armed Forces Full Honors Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, the Basic Horsemanship Course, serve honorable for a minimum of 9 months at The Caisson Platoon and be recommended by the Commander of 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

The Military Horseman Identification Badge, the Army’s newest badge, has been awarded for the first time to 10 members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, Caisson Platoon. The medals were handed out Sept. 29 during a ceremony held at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.

The badge recognizes soldiers who complete the nine-week Basic Horsemanship course and who demonstrate the skills necessary to become a lead rider in the Caisson platoon and serve as a Lead Rider on the Caisson team within the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Upon successful completion of the course, Caisson Soldiers must then complete 100 Armed Forces Full Honors Funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, serve honorably for a minimum of nine months in the Caisson platoon and be recommended by the Commander of 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

US Army Military Horseman Identification Badge Established July 18, 2017 (retroactive to February 1st, 2013) First awarded September 29, 2017 Last awarded Ongoing Total awarded 10 (September 29, 2017)

The Military Horseman Identification Badge is authorized by the Commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) as a permanent part of the uniform for personnel who meet the following criteria:[2]

a. Successfully complete the nine week Basic Horsemanship Course.

b. Complete 100 Armed Forces Full Honors Funerals in Arlington National Cemetery.

c. Served honorably for a minimum of nine months, which need not be continuous, while assigned as a member of the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

d. Be recommended by the Commander, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

Temporary wear of the Military Horseman Identification Badge may be authorized prior to serving the required nine months with the recommendation of the Commander,[2]

1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and approval by Commander,

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) provided all other criteria has been met.

Soldiers reassigned from authorized positions within the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon prior to completion of nine months service may be considered for permanent award on a case-by-case basis by the Commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).[2]

Lt. Col. Jody Shouse, Commander, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) awards 1st Lt. Robert B. Elliott with The Military Horseman Identification Badge, during a pinning ceremony in Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Sept. 29, 2017. The Military Horseman Identification Badge recognizes Soldiers who complete the nine-week Basic Horsemanship Course and have demonstrated the skills necessary to become a Lead Rider on the Caisson team within the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

The Military Horseman Identification Badge is only awarded for those Soldiers serving in the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. It will not be awarded to Soldiers serving in other positions with Horse detachments or platoons. Caisson Soldiers must also maintain the standard ceremonial uniform of an Old Guard Soldier.

The Military Horseman Identification Badge is worn after the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge and before the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. Additional guidance on wear of the identification badges can be found in DA Pam 670-1, paragraph 20-17a.