The tradition of mules as mascots for Army dates back to 1899, when an officer at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot decided that the team needed a mascot to counter the Navy goat. Mules were an obvious choice, as they were used as haulers for Army gear for generations. Not much is known about the "official" mules until 1936, when Mr. Jackson (named for Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson), a former Army pack mule, arrived from Front Royal, Virginia. He served for twelve years, presiding over two national championship teams. Starting with Mr. Jackson, there have been seventeen "official" Army mules, only one, Buckshot, being female. The current Mule Corps are:
Ranger III (formerly known as Jack): Ranger III, one of the Army Mules, has been on campus since 2011. He was trained by MAJ Anne Hessinger, an Army veterinarian who served at West Point in 2003–2006. Named, like his predecessor, for the 75th Ranger Regiment and all Rangers past and present, Ranger III came to the Academy in 2011 as a gift of Steve Townes, class of 1975. He stands at Template:Hands and is the son of a Percheron mare.
Stryker (formerly known as Abe): Stryker is the half-brother of Ranger III. He was also trained by MAJ Anne Hessinger and gifted by Steve Townes. Stryker stands at a height slightly shorter than his brother.
Paladin (formerly known as Apache and Rocky): The newest member of the group, joined in February 2016, and is also a gift of Steve Townes. Paladin stands about two hands shorter than the half-brothers, and is half thoroughbred rather than Percheron.
The Army Mules are trained by cadet Mule Riders, a part of the Spirit Support Activity of the U.S. Corps of Cadets. The current Army Mule Riders are: Cadet Conor Dolan, 2017; Cadet Ryan O'Deens, 2018; Cadet Matthew Brecht, 2018; Cadet Benson Moore, 2019; and Cadet Denali Jackson, 2020. Together they are present at many of West Point's athletic events, parades, and other ceremonial activities.
The Mules serve not only as West Point's mascot, but also as the mascot for the entire United States Army.
Former Army Mules
Name
Years
Donor
Notes
Mr. Jackson
1936–1948
Remount Station, Front Royal, Virginia
First "official" mule
Pancho
1939–1958
Ecuador
Also known as "Skippy", a gift of Colon Alfaro, the Ecuadorian Ambassador to the US and father to two members of the class of 1939
Hannibal I
1948–1964
U.S. Army (a six-year veteran)
Originally named "Bud" and renamed by the Corps of Cadets, Hannibal I died in 1964 after being kicked by another mule
Also known as "Ernie," known for his advanced training
Raider
1995–2011
Quincy (IL) Notre Dame High School Foundation
Formerly known as "Joker." Known for his reddish color, white star on his forehead, calm demeanor and high level of sociability. Son of a Tennessee Walker mare
Ranger II
2002–2011
Steven Townes, Class of 1975
Also known as "George," known for his small size and shy character. Son of a Quarter Horse mare
General Scott
2002–2011
Steven Townes, Class of 1975
Also known as "Scotty." Known for his large size, beautiful dark coat and skittish tendencies. He is named for Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Willard W. Scott Jr., a former USMA Superintendent and Army Mule supporter. Son of a Clydesdale mare
