Military Order of the Carabao
For 125 years, the Military Order of the Carabao has united military leaders, veterans, and their descendants in a tight-knit fellowship where serious service meets a legendary sense of good humor. Joining the Herd grants you access to an unmatched defense network and an exclusive ticket to the Annual Wallow, a historic Washington tradition where the nation’s top brass let their guard down for an unforgettable night of camaraderie and satire.
Our History
Born on the Front Lines of 1900
Founded in Manila by American officers during the Philippine-American War, the Military Order of the Carabao began as a humorous escape from the rigors of camp life. Named after the hard-working water buffalo that pulled their supply wagons through the mud, the Order was created to mock the stuffiness of traditional military societies while forging unbreakable bonds. Over the last 125 years, this campfire tradition has grown into one of the nation’s oldest and most unique fellowships, proudly connecting generations of campaign veterans, active-duty leaders, and their descendants.
Events
The Annual Wallow: Part historic military fellowship, part legendary Washington satire. It’s the one night of the year where stars and stripes take a backseat to a shared laugh, bringing together the nation’s top brass, defense leaders, and veterans for a black-tie evening of live musical roasts, cross-generational networking, and unmatched camaraderie that has been going strong since 1901.
News
- Helsing raises $1.8 billion in Europe’s biggest defense-startup round
- Canada to plug surveillance gaps with Aussie over-the-horizon radar
- Europe’s Hydis project settles on concept for hypersonic interceptor
- Ukraine can soon build its own Patriots – but it could take years
- Zelenskyy taps European allies to build Freya, a cheaper Patriot-alternative to Russia’s ballistic missiles
Thank you to our 2026 Event Sponsors
Standing Strong with the Herd
Our mission to preserve a 125-year-old legacy of military fellowship is made possible by the incredible generosity of our sponsors.
The 2027 Wallow
The Annual Wallow: Part historic military fellowship, part legendary Washington satire. It’s the one night of the year where the nation’s top brass, defense leaders, and veterans let their guard down for a black-tie evening of live musical roasts, cross-generational networking, and unmatched camaraderie that has been going strong since 1901. Come experience a rare, 125-year-old living tradition where stars and stripes take a backseat to a shared laugh.
Recent Events
Your membership is your ticket into all of our gatherings. From the legendary high-energy fun of the Annual Wallow to our relaxed quarterly luncheons and speaker sessions, you’ll always walk away with a great story, a new connection, and a deeper perspective on our shared military history. Independent reservations and fees are required based on the event.
Luncheons
Speaking Events
Fundraising Events
The Council
Led by the Main Corral, our organization council brings together a distinguished group of active-duty leaders, seasoned veterans, and hereditary members dedicated to preserving the Order’s historic traditions and guiding the Herd into the future.
Grand Paramount Carabao
The Foundation
Honoring Service. Advancing Education. Strengthening a Shared Legacy.
The Mission
The Military Order of the Carabao exists to preserve the camaraderie forged by U.S. military personnel who served in the Philippines and other overseas campaigns, to honor the shared hardships and humor that defined those experiences, and to sustain the traditions that have bound “the Herd” together since 1900. We uphold a high standard of military and social duty while celebrating the irreverent spirit on which the Order was founded, a reminder that even in the most serious service, fellowship, resilience, and satire have their rightful place. Through our annual Wallow, our heritage programs, and the participation of members and descendants, we perpetuate the memories, associations, and lessons of expeditionary service and ensure that the legacy of the Carabao endures for future generations.
Scholarships
The Foundation is dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening historical understanding, and honoring the enduring partnership between the United States and the Philippines. Through competitive scholarships and targeted educational initiatives, the Foundation seeks to support members and descendants of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Armed Forces of Filipino ancestry, while advancing public awareness of the shared military heritage, cooperation, and service that unite both nations. By stewarding resources responsibly and upholding the highest ethical standards, the Foundation ensures that its charitable work reflects the values, traditions, and legacy of the Military Order of the Carabao.
Donate
The Carabao Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Order. It was established to channel the collective generosity of the Herd into meaningful philanthropic initiatives.
Your donations go to support our overall mission and our new scholarship program. You can help the generation mission of the order continue on.