Army scales down Military Working Equid program for warfighting priorities

The U.S. Army is streamlining its Military Working Equid program to align more resources with warfighting capability and readiness. MWEs include horses, mules, and donkeys owned by the Department of Defense and housed on Army installations.

Starting in July 2025, the Army will sunset ownership, operation and materiel support of MWE programs at Fort Irwin, California; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Fort Hood, Texas. However, MWE programs will continue with The Old Guard caisson units at the Military District of Washington and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

Concentrating the MWE program with The Old Guard will allow the Army to achieve significant cost savings while retaining the program for national ceremonial duties.

The Army is committed to ensuring a smooth transfer to appropriate owners and will continue to maintain the highest standards of care for the MWEs that remain in its formations. This initiative will save the Army $2 million annually and will allow the funds and Soldiers dedicated to MWE programs to be redirected to readiness and warfighting priorities.

Installation commanders will have one year to transfer, facilitate adoption, or donate the MWEs to vetted owners according to federal law. The Army Surgeon General’s MWE Task Force, comprised of equine veterinarian experts, will provide oversight to ensure the MWEs go to appropriate owners.