Derby XXX is the mascot of the Mercian Regiment in the British Army, but has recently been promoted to a new role: Lance Corporal.
The ram is making headlines as a result of his new status, which entitles him to wear a single stripe on his uniform as an indication of his position.
One of only seven official mascots in the British Army, Derby comes from a long line of sheep that have held the role of official mascots, and the tradition of having a ram dates back to 1858.
Image: The Mercian Regiment/Facebook
Derby was awarded his promotion on the basis of good behaviour, and while that might seem odd, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Wilde MBE pointed out was indeed important: "this is the latest in a long line of 'Derbys' to have served as our Regimental mascot, and not all of them are as well behaved as our newest was today - he is well deserving of his promotion".
Wilde added that the day wasn't all about Derby, as it also marked eight years since the establishment of their regiment, and in that time they "have developed one of the strongest operational pedigrees in the British Army and so it is important that we celebrate that".
Image: The Mercian Regiment/Facebook
Derby was promoted from the rank of Private, and having only joined the Regiment in 2014 he's rising quickly through the ranks.
Via Mashable
