Does anyone have any memories of animals in the military?

CPO Jon Campbell — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:28:41 -0400

When I joined the Coast Guard in 1988, it was common for stations and bases to have official animals that were members of the crew. They had official personnel files and were cared for by the OD. Dogs were common, but occasionally you might find a cat or something else like an alligator. Did other branches of the military have animals other than K9's or working animals like horses?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 8:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 20:49:43 -0400

I assume lab animals aren't what you mean... The pets existed, well hidden. I know of no official ones, outside of the service academies.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 22 at 2014 9:13 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:13:27 -0400

The 0430 morning runs at GTMO with the banana rats chirping in the bushes, the only thing visible were their seemingly glowing eyes.

Response by SSgt John Carroll made Sep 9 at 2014 2:07 PM

SSgt John Carroll — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 14:07:04 -0400

Oh so you were being serious...
I was about to comment on a a couple skunks, a hairless mole-rat, small ankle biting pups, lying snakes, & one great white gorilla.