ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Army announced today the limited reintegration of the caisson into funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery. The limited reintegration is necessary to ensure the safe and sustainable reintegration of the caisson horses into the unique and dynamic environment of an active cemetery. The initial phase provides the use of the caisson as a conveyance for two funerals per day, up to 10 per week, beginning the week of June 2.
“After careful consideration and coordination, we are pleased to reintegrate the caisson conveyance into funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery, a solemn and revered tradition that honors our veterans and service members as they are laid to rest,” said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries.
Those eligible during the initial phase include service members killed in action, recipients of the Medal of Honor or the Prisoner of War Medal all regardless of rank; senior noncommissioned officers (E-9); senior warrant officers (CW-5); senior commissioned officers (O-6 and above); as well as the fewer than 25 service members whose family members elected to wait for the return of the caisson conveyance over the past two years.
“The caisson represents a powerful symbol of service, sacrifice and remembrance,” said Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commanding general of Joint Task Force–National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. “We will continue to honor those who have bravely served in our armed forces, and we look forward to seeing the caisson once again grace the grounds of our hallowed cemetery.”
No changes will be made for those eligible for Full Military Funeral Honors with Escort using alternative conveyance, including warrant officers (CW-4) and commissioned officers (O-4, O-5). There is no impact to other Full Military Funeral Honors with Escort elements including the service band, escort platoon, firing party, body bearers and the bugler.
“Preserving the caisson as a limited resource is paramount to the Army’s decision to redefine eligibility for the caisson conveyance in conjunction with the full military funeral honors with escort,” said Renea Yates, director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and acting superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery. “While disappointing to some families, this decision allows us to reintegrate our working horses back to the cemetery and safely continue the sacred duty of escorting our nation’s heroes to their final resting place.”
Training is crucial for preparing horses and soldiers for the rigorous demands of caisson operations. Beginning in mid-April 2025, visitors can expect to see the caisson platoon—including horses, Soldiers, and equipment—at various locations throughout Arlington National Cemetery. The Army will familiarize the horses with the dynamic environment in which they will work, including the sights, sounds and hilly terrain of the area.
As additional information on the reintegration is released, updates regarding the availability of caisson funeral support will be posted on this website.