What is the process for changing the unit mascot?

I would caution against just up and changing a mascot because you are altering the history of that unit. The mascot is part of what makes the unit what it is, to change it is to change the unit. I wouldn't!

MAJ Monique Ruiz

Ma'am it depends on the legacy of the mascot. Some unit mascots have a long legacy backed by legitimate military orders. To change the mascot could be devastating to the history of the unit.

You can look for guidance from your higher headquarters or the Regimental Association if any. If there is no legacy and it's just an image that represents the unit as long as it isn't a copyrighted image the commander can make that call.

If it affects the unit's "Hollywood" call sign that is usually approved at the division level.

MAJ Monique Ruiz

True story... I promise.

As a young MP company commander at Ft Benning, I decided that we needed a company mascot and decided that a pig was appropriate, as that is what the troops called the MPs. :-)

I found a farmer in the area who was willing to swap a pig for 10 cans of mess hall (dining facility) coffee [the statute of limitations has expired], I gave the farmer the coffee and I got the pig. My First Sergeant was not very pleased with me about it, but he came to accept it.

In preparation for our new mascot, I had a "swine domicile" erected in the wood line by our unit parking lot. (When I requested to get the pig as a mascot, my request was initially denied because "having a "pig pen" on post is not in keeping with the post beautification policy" or some such crap. I resubmitted it with the term "swine domicile" and it was approved). The swine domicile was within view of the CQ, who was instructed to keep it under observation, as we had a few instances of other units trying to swipe our pig.

Our beautiful female pig was named Farrah, as Farrah Fawcett was big at that time. Soldiers played with her like a puppy, brought her food from McDonald's. etc., and treated her like a member of the unit.

We built a cage on the back of a1/4 ton trailer and hauled her around post to ballgames and such "Code 2" (blue lights and occasionally "Code 3" (lights ad siren).

Farrah was promoted and busted, as the situation warranted and the highest rank she achieved was SSG.

I appointed a platoon to take care of her when we got her and they were responsible for her care and feeding until another platoon "distinguished" themselves by having a traffic accident, a DUI, or some other incident of indiscipline. When that happened, we had an official "Change of Swine" ceremony, wherein Farrah's leash was taken from one platoon leader and passed to another, who kept her until the next platoon distinguished themselves. The platoon that was responsible for her was also responsible for keeping the swine domicile clean (by pig standards). A funny aside... someone threw a chicken in the swine domicile and Farrah and the chicken became buddies. The chicken would ride around on Farrah's back.

Farrah participated in all formations, with the "Mascot Handler" standing next to the Guidon Bearer. She was in formation even at post-wide formations.

She was picked up as an "official animal" by the post vet and was somewhat of a celebrity on post. The CG even brought official visitors to the swine domicile on occasion (thankfully, always with prior notice to us).

As I was preparing to leave command, the incoming commander indicated that he really did not want a mascot and asked me to get rid of her (by that time, she was a full grown pig). The soldiers were not happy about it, but I did as requested. One of our soldiers grew up on a farm in Alabama, about 50 miles or so from Ft Benning, and he asked his dad to take Farrah. They promised to let her live out her natural life there, which I assume they did.

My mascot was great for morale and I highly recommend it.

I have pictures of her in formation and will try to find them and add them to my post later.