Whether in the snow, rain, cold or heat, the Caisson Platoon is out in Arlington National Cemetery for funerals every day, Mondays through Fridays, except federal holidays, or in the case of dangerous weather or other emergencies. Using a caisson is steeped in tradition and history, going back to the day when field artillerymen used the caissons to transport 75mm cannon ammunition. The caissons, which were built in 1918, now carry the remains of those who served the nation with honor and distinction. Those eligible for a caisson at a military funeral at Arlington include warrant officers and sergeants major, officers of all ranks, those killed in action, valorous award recipients including those who received the Medal of Honor, U.S. presidents, and other special designees. A caisson team consists of seven horses and four riders. Three of the horses hitched to the caisson are unmounted, because the field artillerymen of the day used the off-side horses to carry additional gear. A departed Army or Marine Corps officer in the rank of colonel or above is also afforded the honor of having a caparisoned, or riderless, horse. The horse is led behind the caisson by a member of the platoon. Here, a caisson team moves past section 57 at Arlington National Cemetery as captured by the @arlingtonmedia team. Words: US Army Caisson Team

[igp-video src=”” poster=”https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/whether-in-the-snow-rain-cold-or-heat-the-caisson-platoon-is-out-in-arlington-national-cemetery-for-1-1.jpg” size=”large”]Whether in the snow, rain, cold or heat, the Caisson Platoon is out in Arlington National Cemetery for funerals every day, Mondays through Fridays, except federal holidays, or in the case of dangerous weather or other emergencies. Using a caisson is steeped in tradition and history, going back to the day when field artillerymen used the caissons to transport 75mm cannon ammunition. The caissons, which were built in 1918, now carry the remains of those who served the nation with honor and distinction. Those eligible for a caisson at a military funeral at Arlington include warrant officers and sergeants major, officers of all ranks, those killed in action, valorous award recipients including those who received the Medal of Honor, U.S. presidents, and other special designees. A caisson team consists of seven horses and four riders. Three of the horses hitched to the caisson are unmounted, because the field artillerymen of the day used the off-side horses to carry additional gear. A departed Army or Marine Corps officer in the rank of colonel or above is also afforded the honor of having a caparisoned, or riderless, horse. The horse is led behind the caisson by a member of the platoon. Here, a caisson team moves past section 57 at Arlington National Cemetery as captured by the @arlingtonmedia team. Words: US Army Caisson Team