Special Forces - Mule

Special Forces soldiers with the 3rd Special Forces Group pictured with a mule carrying a MK-47 40mm grenade launcher as a pack load.

Mules and horses may be used to carry supplies in places where wheeled transport cannot operate.

U.S. Special Forces rode horses and employed pack mules to transport supplies during the early stages of the campaign in Afghanistan.

Select Green Berets undergo the Special Operations Animal Packing Course (SOAP-C) at Fort Bragg.

The 4-week-long course instructs on animal selection, animal care and training, horsemanship, handling, packing techniques and equipment, organization and movement, tactical considerations, among others.

Mules and horses used in the pack role are usually rigged with Decker pack saddles.