The Caisson
Horse-drawn caissons were originally used in battle to move artillery and supplies, doubling as a conveyance to clear injured and fallen soldiers from the site of conflict. There are two parts to the caisson unit – the first wheeled section is the limber, to which the horses are harnessed. The second part is the wheeled caisson that carries the flag-draped casket. The caisson's special rollers allow easy placement of the casket and distribution of the casket weight to eliminate weight stress on the horse team. In case of inclement weather, the flag is covered with clear plastic to prevent it being blown off or drenched.

The Tack and Harness
Also steeped in history is the use of authentic artillery tack and harness for the caisson horse team, caparison horse, and outrider – known as the Chief of Peace officer. This tack and harness was hand-made in the USA by living historian Douglas Kidd. The hitch was patterned after 1904 artillery harness and the saddles are modeled after 1928 modified McClellan saddles, identical to the saddles used at Arlington National Cemetery. Matched pairs of horses are saddled; however, only the horses on the left side of the team have riders. The left side horses traditionally were mounted for faster control of placing the gun into battle position and the right side carried provisions for the troops.

The Uniforms
Hawk’s Flight Services renders honor to the fallen in authentically styled, Civil War era, United States Army light artillery uniforms. These uniforms consist of indigo blue shell jackets with the red artillery trim and twelve brass buttons. Suspenders go over cotton fatigue shirts under the shell jackets. The light blue pants are reproductions of Union artillery pants, also with red trim. The hats are known as Kepi or forage hats and bear the appropriate rank insignia. The artillery insignia consists of a pair of brass crossed cannons. Sword and holster belts and cavalry boots complete the uniforms worn by the HFS staff.

The Caparison Horse
The caparison horse, or riderless horse, is another long-standing military tradition. Used for any fallen soldier of colonel's rank or above, the horse is led behind the caisson with boots reversed in the stirrups, symbolizing that the soldier will never ride again and betokening the commander’s view of the troops marching behind the leader.

As Commander-in-chief, a United States president is also honored with a caparison horse.