A Mule and a Goat WTF?

The Army and Navy rivalry has been around for hundreds of year.

Does anyone know how the Army came up with a Mule for its Mascot and a Goat for the Navy?

The tradition of mules as the Army mascot dates back to 1899, when an officer at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot decided that the team needed a mascot to counter the Navy goat. The Navy’s use of a goat as their mascot began in 1893 with El Cid the Goat, named after the famed Castilian general. It appeared at the 1893 Army-Navy football game and its presence, supposedly, helped carry the team to victory. Eventually, they settled on the name “Bill” because, you know, billy goats… it just gets weirder from there. The Navy bounced back and forth between mascots like a cat, carrier pigeon, and a monkey, until officially sticking with the goat in 1904.

It is hard to believe but they published some of the comics I drew during my 20 year military career! These humorous musings may make you laugh or offend others, but are the result of awesome mentors, great buddies and a deep appreciation for sarcastic humor. Check it out here on Amazon The Frontlines

The Frontlines uses Amazon referral links and sales from The Frontlines Shop to cover web hosting, research, and the gathering of stories to preserve military history and humor.

Popular Products

  • crew chief miracle worker coffee mug

    Crew Chief Mug

    Price range: $12.50 through $17.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Rescue swimmers are born to rescue so others may live. This evolution grey shirt is for search and rescue specialists.

    Born to Rescue

    Price range: $20.00 through $28.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Flying is the jam for airplane and helicopter pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The frontlines t-shirt design is navy blue colored and has a red jar of strawberry jam and army aviation wings logo on it.

    Flying is My Jam

    Price range: $20.00 through $28.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • so others may live is the motto of search and rescue forces

    So Others May Live Poster

    Price range: $10.50 through $19.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Join The Unit

You’ve survived Chaos, Now Wear it.

  • 15% off Your First Drop
  • Free “Top 5 Frontlines Comics” PDF
  • Monthly Comic + Mission briefings