| Military Horseman Identification Badge | |
| Presenter: | United States Army |
| Type: | Badge |
| Awarded For: | Lead riders within the 3rd Infantry |
| Eligibility: | Serving in the Caisson Platoon, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Reg. |
| Status: | Currently awarded |
| Established: | July 18, 2017 (retroactive to February 1, 2013) |
| Firstawarded: | September 29, 2017 |
| Lastawarded: | Ongoing |
| Total Awarded: | Official list of badge holders |
| Image2 Size: | 285 |
| Higher: | Driver and Mechanic Badge[1] |
| Related: | Identification badges |
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.[2] [3] [4] According to Salute Uniforms, "the Military Horseman Identification Badge might be the most elusive skill badge a Soldier can earn."[5]
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:[2] [5] [6] [7]
a. Successfully complete the nine week Basic Horsemanship Course[8]
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.[6]
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.[6]
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.[6]