Fort Sill's Iconic Field Artillery Half Section Deactivated: 50 Years of Tradition Comes to an End

Friday morning brought an emotional farewell to Fort Sill’s Old Post Corral. The Field Artillery Half Section, a horse-drawn ceremonial unit that’s been part of the base since the early 1970s, officially deactivated during a ceremony attended by military leadership and those with deep ties to the unit. Chief Lara Armstrong returned the unit’s guidon to Fort Sill Commander Brig. Gen. Patrick M. Costello in a moment that witnesses described as both rain-soaked and tear-filled. This wasn’t just the end of a military unit—it was the conclusion of a 50-year chapter in Lawton’s military heritage.

The Field Artillery Half Section represented something tangible that connected civilians to military tradition. The unit operated a French 75mm cannon with an ammo caisson pulled by horses, including a veteran horse named Ott after former Fort Sill commander Lt. Gen. David Ott. For generations of Lawton residents, seeing this unit in parades and at base ceremonies was a visible reminder of military history and sacrifice. Now that’s gone as part of broader Army cost-cutting measures. Five equine units nationwide are being deactivated, and Fort Sill’s is among them. The 77th Army Band at Fort Sill was already eliminated last year for similar budgetary reasons.

The deactivation reflects a strategic shift in military priorities toward combat operations over ceremonial functions. While the financial logic is straightforward, the emotional and cultural cost is real for military families and longtime Fort Sill residents. The question many are asking isn’t whether the Army should manage its budget, but whether there’s a way to preserve tradition while still being fiscally responsible. What does this mean for the horses involved, and how will Fort Sill replace this piece of its identity? Share your thoughts in the comments below.