WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army is streamlining its Military Working Equid program to align more resources with warfighting capability and readiness. MWEs include horses, mules, and donkeys owned by the Department of Defense and housed on Army installations.
Starting in July 2025, the Army will sunset ownership, operation and materiel support of MWE programs at Fort Irwin, California; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Fort Hood, Texas. However, MWE programs will continue with The Old Guard caisson units at the Military District of Washington and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
Concentrating the MWE program with The Old Guard will allow the Army to achieve significant cost savings while retaining the program for national ceremonial duties.
The Army is committed to ensuring a smooth transfer to appropriate owners and will continue to maintain the highest standards of care for the MWEs that remain in its formations. This initiative will save the Army $2 million annually and will allow the funds and Soldiers dedicated to MWE programs to be redirected to readiness and warfighting priorities.
Installation commanders will have one year to transfer, facilitate adoption, or donate the MWEs to vetted owners according to federal law. The Army Surgeon General’s MWE Task Force, comprised of equine veterinarian experts, will provide oversight to ensure the MWEs go to appropriate owners.
By Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs)
So we’re just going to throw away legacy and history for $2mm? All while wasting hundreds of millions and thousands of Soldier’s time on political stunts?
“It’s really important to preserve our history by spending millions to rename these bases back, but we also can’t afford 1st Cav’s horse detachment – oh and we spent your barracks money on a boarder mission where you’ll go instead of training for the next fight”
$2m here and there add up…. We used to fight with blue uniforms and muzzle loaders. Should we teach soldiers how to maintain and fire muzzle loaders because its historic? Where does it end? Technology evolves and at some point costs add up. If we kept every historical venture it would be unsustainable.
You’ve never seen The Old Guard?
One EMP and they’ll regret this decision
ITEM: U.S. Army War Horse, One Each, Individual, All-Weather, Night-Capable, Armed with Colt 45 Revolver, Springfield 45-70 Carbine and Saber.
This is a loss and a further reduction of tradition in the Army.
$2 million annually…seriously of all things to cut… these are the most outward facing and tangible programs the army has.. there is no coming back to this once this tradition and talent is turned off.. I am devastated is disbelief
The administration cuts high profile programs to show its base that they are saving money. And yet we are coming out of recruiting crisis where maintaining a high profile with the American population we draw from is key. Is a 1st Cavalry group riding in the Rose Bowl Parade worthwhile – marketing experts would say yes. And when a veteran sees the Army honoring its heritage, will he be inspired to tell the kids to consider joining, more than likely yes. These programs show our soldiers their history, and inspire them to make history themselves. Its a shame to see them cut.