In the history of warfare, the role of horses, mules and other pack animals or cavalry mounts cannot be overestimated. But with the advent of mechanization in the 20th century they all but disappeared.
A new section has been added to Olive-Drab.com with details on the use of animals in the U.S. military as well as the story of how mechanizaion was introduced. The modern role of the few remaining animals is also covered, stimulated by the horse soldiers in Afghanistan in 2001 (mounted SOF riding with the Northern Alliance).
The Military Horses and Mules section starts at the linked page.
July 12, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hi, I’m T.J. from Wardens Supply Company. The U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Training Center in California, opened in 1951 to train troops for Korea, still offers a 12 day animal packing class, 8 times a year. The course, with 5 donkeys, 24 mules and 5 sergeant-trainers at present, teaches Marines, U.S. soldiers, Navy SEALs and a few foreign troops.
I couldn’t tell you how they are used now, but a very interesting read is the book “Horse Soldiers”. The book tells the story referred to in the previous posting here. It is a book I recommend all troops headed to Afghanistan read, along with “Lone Survivor”. Best regards, TJ