The Military Horseman Identification Badge recognizes United States Army soldiers who complete the nine-week Basic Horsemanship Course and serve as a lead rider on the Caisson team within the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The badge was first awarded on September 29, 2017, to soldiers during a ceremony held at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.MILITARY HORSEMAN IDENTIFICATION BADGE, Association of Military Horseman, last accessed 25 February 2024Army Introduces New 'Military Horseman' Badge, Military.com, last accessed 25 February 2024These soldiers are the first to receive the Army's newest skill badge, Army Times, by Charlsy Panzino, dated 3 October 2017, last accessed 25 February 2024 According to Salute Uniforms, "the Military Horseman Identification Badge might be the most elusive skill badge a Soldier can earn."U.S. ARMY MILITARY HORSEMAN IDENTIFICATION BADGE, The Salute Uniforms, last accessed 25 February 2024
The Military Horseman Identification Badge is authorized by the Commander, 3rd Infantry Regiment as a permanent part of the uniform for personnel who meet the following criteria:MILPER Message 17-217 Proponent AHRC-PDP-A, Establishment of the Military Horseman Identification Badge, Department of the Army, ncosupport.com, dated 18 July 2017, last accessed 9 August 2017Army Regulation 600–8–22, Personnel-General, Military Awards, Department of the Army, dated 5 March 2019, last accessed 7 June 2023 a. Successfully complete the nine week Basic Horsemanship CourseFundamentals- Caisson Platoon, Basic Horsemanship Course, 3rd Infantry Regiment YouTube Channel, dated 17 August 2016, last accessed 12 June 2023 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, 3rd Infantry Regiment d. Be recommended by the Commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment
Temporary wear of the Military Horseman Identification Badge may be authorized prior to serving the required nine months with the recommendation of the Commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment and approval by Commander, 3rd Infantry Regiment provided all other criteria have 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, 3rd Infantry Regiment.
The Military Horseman Identification Badge is only awarded for those soldiers serving in the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd Infantry Regiment. It will not be awarded to soldiers serving in other positions with horse detachments or platoons.
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