| Army Mule | |
| University: | United States Military Academy |
| Conference: | Patriot League |
| Conference Short: | Patriot League |
| Description: | Live mules |
| First Seen: | 1899 |
| Official Website: | GoArmySports.com |
The Army Mules are a group of mules which serve as the mascots for the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
The tradition of mules as mascots for Army dates back to 1899, when an officer at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot decided that the team needed a mascot to counter the Navy goat. Mules were an obvious choice, as they were used as haulers for Army gear for generations. Not much is known about the "official" mules until 1936, when Mr. Jackson (named for Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson), a former Army pack mule, arrived from Front Royal, Virginia. He served for twelve years, presiding over two national championship teams. Starting with Mr. Jackson, there have been seventeen "official" Army mules, only one, Buckshot, being female. The current Mule Corps are:
The Army Mules are trained by cadet Mule Riders, a part of the Spirit Support Activity of the U.S. Corps of Cadets. The current Army Mule Riders are: Cadet Garrett Dolan, 2021, Cadet Sarah Traynor, 2022, Cadet Kyle Kass, 2023, and Cadet Benjamin Bennett, 2024. Together they are present at many of West Point's athletic events, parades, and other ceremonial activities.
The Mules serve not only as West Point's mascot, but also as the mascot for the entire United States Army.
| Mr. Jackson | 1936–1948 | Remount Station, Front Royal, Virginia | First "official" mule | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pancho | 1939–1958 | Also known as "Skippy", a gift of Colon Alfaro, the Ecuadorian Ambassador to the US and father to two members of the class of 1939 | ||
| Hannibal I | 1948–1964 | U.S. Army (a six-year veteran) | Originally named "Bud" and renamed by the Corps of Cadets, Hannibal I died in 1964 after being kicked by another mule | |
| K.C. MO | 1957–1969 | Known to throw his riders; retired early | ||
| Trotter | 1957–1972 | Named for his ability to trot long distances | ||
| Hannibal II | 1964–1980 | The Hannibal, Missouri Chamber of Commerce | Originally named "Jack" | |
| Buckshot | 1964–1986 | Exchanged for a ceremonial sword | ||
| Spartacus | 1973–1994 | Nicknamed "Frosty" for his white muzzle | ||
| Ranger I | 1978–1995 | Son of a Percheron draft mare and a Spanish jack | ||
| Black Jack | 1985–1989 | Died of cancer two days before the 1989 Army-Navy Game | ||
| Traveler | 1990–2002 | Anonymous | Also known as "Dan," known for his ability to do fancy steps | |
| Trooper | 1990–2002 | Mr. Bob Griffin of Houston, Texas | Also known as "Ernie," known for his advanced training | |
| Raider | 1995–2011 | Quincy (IL) Notre Dame High School Foundation | Formerly known as "Joker." Known for his reddish color, white star on his forehead, calm demeanor and high level of sociability. Son of a Tennessee Walker mare | |
| Ranger II | 2002–2011 | Steven Townes, Class of 1975 | Also known as "George," known for his small size and shy character. Son of a Quarter Horse mare | |
| General Scott | 2002–2011 | Steven Townes, Class of 1975 | Also known as "Scotty." Known for his large size, beautiful dark coat and skittish tendencies. He is named for Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Willard W. Scott Jr., a former USMA Superintendent and Army Mule supporter. Son of a Clydesdale mare | |
| Paladin | Present | Steven Townes, Class of 1975 | formerly known as Jack. The son of a Percheron mare. | |
| Stryker | Present | Steven Townes, Class of 1975 | formerly known as Abe. The half-brother of Ranger III | |
| Ranger III | Present | Steven Townes, Class of 1975 | formerly known as Apache and Rocky. The newest member of the group, joined in February 2016. |