Old Guard Caisson Platoon

Old Guard Caisson Platoon
Unit name	Old Guard Caisson Platoon
Caption	Caisson detail at Arlington National Cemetery
Dates	1956–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Funeral detail
Role	Ceremonial unit
Size	Platoon
Garrison	Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall
Nickname	"Caisson Platoon"
Notable commanders	John F. Kennedy (presidential era significance)

Old Guard Caisson Platoon The Old Guard Caisson Platoon is the specialized equestrian funeral detail of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard. It conducts military funerals and honors at Arlington National Cemetery, participates in state funerals in Washington, D.C., and supports ceremonies at Mount Vernon, Fort McNair, and national memorials. The platoon links traditions of the American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Presidential-era honors, providing continuity between historic battlefield customs and modern state ritual.

History

The platoon traces lineage to horse-drawn funeral practices from the Revolutionary War era, evolving through customs established after the American Civil War and formalized by the 19th-century Army Quartermaster traditions. The modern unit emerged under post-World War II reforms of the United States Army ceremonial establishment and was institutionalized within the 3rd Infantry Regiment during the Cold War alongside expanded ceremonial duties tied to the White House and Pentagon. Notable historical moments include participation in funerals for presidents such as John F. Kennedy, national leaders like Eleanor Roosevelt, and wartime memorials following conflicts including the Korean War and Vietnam War. The platoon has been present at state ceremonies involving figures from the Supreme Court and members of Congress, reflecting ties between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government.

Organization and Personnel

Assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the platoon operates under the 1st Battalion command structure of the Old Guard and coordinates with the U.S. Army Ceremonial Unit, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, and Arlington Cemetery authorities. Personnel are enlisted soldiers selected from regimental companies and receive additional assignment orders from the Department of the Army. Leadership includes a platoon leader and a platoon sergeant who liaise with funeral directors from private firms, the Arlington National Cemetery superintendent, and the Army Staff. The team comprises caisson teams, non-commissioned officers, and support staff who coordinate with ceremonial units such as the United States Army Band and the United States Army Drill Team during large-state events.

Duties and Ceremonies

Primary duties include providing horse-drawn caissons for funerals at Arlington, bearing remains for service members, veterans, and dignitaries interred at national cemeteries. The platoon supports full honors funerals coordinated with the United States Marine Corps for presidential funerals, and works with the United States Navy and United States Air Force during joint-services ceremonies. The unit participates in funerals for recipients of high decorations such as the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ceremonial roles extend to state funerals at the U.S. Capitol, processions to the Lincoln Memorial, wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and march elements during national observances like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Equipment and Horses

Caissons are modified civil war-era wagons maintained to Army standards and historically derived from artillery caissons used in the Mexican–American War and later conflicts. The platoon utilizes limbers, caisson wagons, hitching equipment, and ceremonial harnesses decorated in brass and leatherwork consistent with 19th-century Army Quartermaster patterns. Horses are primarily selected from draft and warmblood breeds suited to draft hitch work, with lineage sometimes tracing to studs used by state cavalry units and historic remount depots. Veterinary support is provided by Army veterinary services and coordinates with civilian equine specialists from institutions like the United States Equestrian Federation for breeding, farriery, and nutrition standards.

Training and Selection

Selection for the platoon requires volunteers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment who meet physical, equestrian, and ceremonial conduct standards set by the Department of the Army and the Old Guard command. Soldiers undergo equitation training, caisson driving, hitch management, and ceremonial drill rehearsals, often conducted at the Old Guard stables on Fort Myer and in coordination with the United States Army Riding Club. Training includes classroom instruction in funeral protocols referencing Army regulations and hands-on drills for weather contingencies and complex processions involving the White House Military Office. Noncommissioned officers receive additional leadership courses emphasizing ceremonial detail coordination and liaison with civilian agencies.

Notable Funerals and Events

The platoon has participated in high-profile funerals and national events including the funeral procession of John F. Kennedy, state services for former Secretaries of State such as Colin Powell, memorials for Supreme Court justices, and interments of decorated veterans from the World War II and Korean War eras. The caisson detail has been visible during inaugural ceremonies, national tragedies, and commemorative anniversaries tied to the National Mall and the Arlington National Cemetery expansions, symbolizing continuity of military honors. Through these services, the platoon honors individual legacies while maintaining ceremonial links to pivotal moments in American public life.

Category:3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment Category:United States Army ceremonial units