Caisson Detachment Back On Duty
Photo Credit: ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES 04.10.2025 Photo by Sgt. Oscar Toscano 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard”
The U.S. Army announced that, after two years of rebuilding the program, the Caisson Detachment is set to return to Arlington National Cemetery and resume its solemn responsibility of carrying our fallen to their final resting place.
Caisson operations at Arlington National Cemetery were suspended in 2023 due to concerns about the health and welfare of the horses. During the pause, the Army collaborated with experts from the equine industry to improve husbandry practices, expand pasture space, adopt new training protocols for both horses and Soldiers, procure new horses, and upgrade equipment.
The initial phase will allow the caisson to support up to two funerals per day, up to 10 per week, beginning the week of June 2, 2025.
Currently, the horses, Soldiers, and equipment are training at various locations throughout Arlington National Cemetery to acclimate the horses to the dynamic environment in which they will operate—including the sights, sounds, and hilly terrain of the area.
Soldiers and Officers of the Caisson Detachment will present an overview of the steps taken and recent developments in their return to duty at the American Horse Council’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., June 22-25. See the schedule and register here.