U.S. Army establishes 08H Equestrian MOS, certifies first soldiers

Published Aug 5, 05:00 PM UTC

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The U.S. Army has established a new military occupational specialty (MOS), 08H Army Equestrian, and certified its first soldiers after an 18-week horsemanship program. Staff Sgt. Shawn Tabor and Sgt. Daimien Copeland, assigned to the Caisson Detachment at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, are among the first to qualify. The program replaces the old 'military horseman' identifier and is open to infantry soldiers E5-E9. Training includes a 12-week Basic Horsemanship Course covering grooming and groundwork, followed by a six-week Advanced Horsemanship Course focusing on horse driving and postilion riding. The move follows a two-year suspension of horse-drawn caissons at Arlington National Cemetery after two horses died in 2022 due to substandard feed and living conditions. The Army has since upgraded equipment, reduced caisson weight, and shifted to a structured training pipeline at private stables in Virginia and Florida.

Source

Military TimesWestern

Original headline: The Army certifies its first equestrians as it revamps horse care

Original language: EN

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U.S. Army Certifies First Soldiers Under New 08H Equestrian Specialty

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U.S. Army