The mules employed and used by the Army are a magnificent species. Tough as nails, hardy beyond imagination, sure-footed and of independent nature the mules are a breed apart. Standing tall, well proportioned and a picture of fitness, no task is impossible for mules amongst beasts of burden-only if properly coaxed and cajoled. However, even having all these sterling qualities, there is just one negative attribute to the character trait; which stands out everytime-that is their mulish, intractable and pig-headed nature. In short, they are obstinate to the limit.

Mules are found mostly in Asiatic region, Arab countries, Australia and at a few other places. The physical traits, more or less, remain same; may be the colour vary to an extent. The Army prefers foreign breed, particularly of Australian origin. Now, however, cross-breeding is an accepted practice; thus producing a mighty though specimen in the country.

In the Army, the ASC (Army Service Corps) is mainly responsible for rearing, training and gainfully employing the mules in the roles they are best suited and meant for i.e., carrying of loads, distribution of mails and movement of ordnance and artillery pieces. The best operating terrain for mules are hills, undulating grounds and high altitude areas specially those places where a vehicle cannot operate efficiently or negotiate.

The mules, like horses, are very choosy. They know only their handlers as a friend and will do almost anything on their command. Others are not much favoured. Like a MT driver having charge of his allotted vehicle a handler is allotted a mule. Every mule is given a number, may be a name and his entire details/data are properly maintained like a vehicle log-book. A mule goes through various inspections, routine and programmed, as per manual. There is no deviation whatsoever as mules are a very precious and costly commodity in the Army. Therefore, a mule should not be frowned upon, maltreated or neglected. Moreover, to think that mules are not subjected to periodic medical check-up, innoculation and proper treatment and if necessary also shoeing, would be utterly wrong. These are carried out as regularly and strictly, as per the custom of the Army.

During my tenure in a high altitude area in Sikkim, I was fortunate to be near ‘mule pack’, operating in our sector. Initially, I did not think much about mule matters. But, being a lonely life, I picked up an unusual hobby of observing these animals with interest. Not knowing much about this animal, it led me to enquire from the persons handling them and troops in general.

Generally believed fact is that mules have an uncanny ‘sixth’ sense. If a ‘leader’ of the pack senses something odd, the whole pack will obediently follow his instincts. Many a lives and valuable materials have thus been saved. If the load by any chance becomes heavier then actually meant for, the mule will show disinclination and alert the handler. It has almost always been found absolutely correct. Mules do not like harsh treatment. Otherwise, the aggrieved does not forget it, and like an elephant finds ways and means to take revenge.

Once, I was out with my troops for a cross-country march. We saw a mule pack coming downhill, on the same track. I asked my senior JCO to pass on the message to let the mules pass first, to give them the right of the way. We all, then, stood on an embankment and were observing the progress. One of my gunners, for some unknown reason, came down and stood by the side of the narrow track. All mules passed but not quite. The last one, probably number two, went ahead a few steps to show he has passed. Suddenly, he retraced his steps, came near my gunner, viciously kicked him and then cantered away with an apparent glee on his face! The reason why the mule acted as he did, still eludes me even today.