Photo By Sgt. Autumn Johnson | U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Shawn Tabor, assigned to the Caisson Detachment, Military...... read more read more
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FORT MYER, Va. - Soldiers assigned to the Caisson Detachment\, Military Mounted Battalion\, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)\, became some of the first Soldiers in Army history to earn the newly established Army Equestrian (08H) military occupational specialty\, marking a significant milestone for the Army's ceremonial horse program.
The Caisson Detachment provides horse-drawn funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery while preserving one of the Army's longest-standing ceremonial traditions.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shawn Tabor, assigned to the Caisson Detachment, Military Mounted Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), is one of the first Soldiers on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to become an MOS-qualified Army Equestrian. Tabor has served in the Caisson Detachment for eight years while remaining qualified as an 11B Infantryman.
"When the 08H opportunity came around, there was no hesitation; I immediately jumped on it. There was no second thought or doubt about doing it," said Tabor.
While the MOS is new, the mission is not. For years, Soldiers assigned to the Caisson Detachment performed these duties under their primary military occupational specialty while holding only the D2 additional skill identifier.
To become an 08H, Soldiers complete the Basic Horsemanship Course, a 12-week program that teaches groundwork, horse grooming and communication with horses. Afterward, they attend the Advanced Horsemanship Course for an additional six weeks, where they learn horse driving and the Caisson Detachment's signature postilion riding style.
"To be a part of Army history is a huge honor and a humbling experience. It's not one I take lightly. It's an opportunity to help spread the organization's mission," said Tabor.
As one of the Army's inaugural 08Hs, Tabor's journey reflects the dedication required to earn the specialty, but each of the first Soldiers has a unique story about what the milestone means to them.
U.S. Army Sgt. Daimien Copeland, assigned to the Caisson Detachment, Military Mounted Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), is also among the first Soldiers on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to become an MOS-qualified Army Equestrian. Copeland has served in the Caisson Detachment for four years while remaining qualified as an 11B Infantryman.
"While in-processing to The Old Guard, I was on a tour where I learned about all the specialty platoons. When they brought us to the barn to meet the horses, I enjoyed learning that the Army has horses that Soldiers could work with. It gave me a new opportunity and a different career path," said Copeland.
Many Soldiers are unaware that unique assignments like the Caisson Detachment exist until they arrive at the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, making the opportunity an unexpected career path for those interested in ceremonial service.
"During my time at Caisson, we had our first state funeral in more than 20 years for former President Jimmy Carter. Taking part in that funeral reinforced the importance of our mission and the honor of serving in a role that very few Soldiers have the opportunity to experience," said Copeland.
The 08H MOS plays a vital role in supporting the Army's equestrian missions across multiple installations, not just within the Caisson Detachment. Army Equestrians contribute to recruiting and public outreach, military funeral honors and the preservation of the Army's longstanding equestrian traditions. The establishment of the 08H MOS formally recognizes the specialized skills and responsibilities these Soldiers have long carried out, providing a dedicated career field that reflects the importance of their mission.
| Date Taken: | 06.29.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2026 00:17 |
| Story ID: | 571385 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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