Army mules have been essential for military operations since ancient times, acting as reliable and sturdy beasts of burden. However, the term "army mule" itself has many synonyms depending on the context and region. In the American West, mules were often called "pack animals" when used for transporting supplies and equipment for military campaigns. In the Civil War, mules were referred to as "government mules" since they were owned by the government and issued to soldiers. In the British Army, mules were commonly known as "transport animals" and were used extensively in mountainous regions where horses struggled to navigate. Regardless of the terminology used, the importance of these hardworking animals cannot be overstated in military history.