Culture & Chaos: The History Of Spirit Missions
The Army-Navy football game, a cherished American tradition, is a college football rivalry like none other. The interservice rivalry began November 29, 1890 and was traditionally played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving until 2009 when it was moved to the second Saturday of December. While most everyone has heard of both the United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Naval Academy, few are aware of a hilarious yet fascinating aspect of this rivalry centered around the mascots of these esteemed institutions, particularly the Naval Academy’s “Bill the Goat.”
I mean, honestly, who uses a goat?
The Naval Academy’s association with goats dates back to 1890, though its roots can be traced to practical maritime traditions. Sailors often brought goats aboard ships for their ability to provide fresh milk and their stability on their feet, making them more convenient than cattle. Sailors were also known to leave herds of goats on deserted islands and returning later to replenish their supplies with fresh meat and leather. Even as modern technology improved food storage in the 19th century, goats continued to be favored as ship mascots.
Navy football legend recounts how a beloved pet goat that perished at sea was memorialized by its officers, who preserved its skin for mounting. Entrusted with the skin upon docking in Baltimore, what had to be two upstanding and totally sober ensigns visited their alma mater during a game, bringing the skin along. Seeking amusement during halftime, one officer donned the goat skin and paraded along the sidelines, much to the midshipmen’s delight. His display was considered so inspirational that it was credited with spurring Navy to victory, cementing both the goat’s status as mascot and the academy’s reputation for being socially awkward.
An actual living goat debuted as the Navy’s mascot in 1893. The USS New York anchored off Annapolis and the ship’s mascot, a goat named El Cid, was brought ashore. West Point was defeated for the third time and the midshipmen celebrated by abducting the goat to Baltimore. The goat was dubbed “Bill” after a pet goat kept by the Commandant of Midshipmen. None of this is weird.
The next year a new goat, named Bill II, was called into service. Since then, every academy goat, aside from a few exceptions, was named Bill. The tradition has continued to the present-day with Bill No. 37.
The Order of the Mule
The rivalry between the Army and Navy academies has been epitomized by a tradition of “spirit missions” – the theft of each other’s mascots. Since 1953, when Army cadets first stole Bill, there have been numerous instances of such pranks, often executed with a blend of military precision and youthful stupidity. Even the Air Force Academy has joined in, adding another layer to the interservice rivalry. These pranks, typically timed to precede the annual Army-Navy football game, have become an element of military lore.
Unfortunately for the Navy, it has been, for the most part, on the losing end of this tradition. Over the years, Army cadets have stolen Bill at least ten times. These heists sometimes involved elaborate plans, including disguises and diversions, commandos with blackened faces, and girlfriend distractions. One heist was so stealthy, the Navy didn’t know their goat was missing until the USMA ran an ad in the NY Times. The cause of Navy’s losing record? A distinct tactical disadvantage. Bill weighs around 100 pounds whereas the Army’s mascot, a mule, weighs over 1,000.
After years of embarrassing losses, a team of Navy midshipmen and Navy SEAL “advisors” decided to even the score. In 1991, these sailors planned and executed a raid so epic, it deserves its own article (forthcoming). The team broke onto a military base, cut the phone lines, zip-tied security staff, and drove across several state lines while being pursued by law enforcement. Before they could be arrested, the midshipmen cruised into a Naval Academy pep-rally to raucous applause with not one, but all four Army mules. Rather than receiving a court-martial, these men were awarded the coveted Order of the Mule.
Détente
While these mascot thefts are steeped in tradition, they have not been without controversy. Instances of harm to the animals, such as the injury of the Air Force’s falcon mascot, Aurora, and Bill the Goat, have raised ethical concerns. In response, a formal agreement in 1992 sought to ban mascot thefts, especially following the 1991 incident that led to some unseemly legal troubles. Despite the official cessation of hostilities, the tradition has proven resilient, often viewed by military leaders with official disapproval and hidden admiration. How long did the détente last? Not very long. In 2015 a melee in the stadium parking lot landed Bill No. 35 in a veterinary clinic. We are happy to report, he recovered from the ordeal.
