A Mule and a Goat WTF?

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