Which branch of the US military guard the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Arlington, Virginia?

The tomb guards are soldiers of the United States Army. The first military guards were troopers from the 3rd Calvary, "Brave Rifles", who were posted nearby on Fort Myer. Since April 6, 1948, (known as "Army Day"), when the regiment was reactivated, it has been guarded by soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard".

It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Fewer than 20% of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction pass training to become full-fledged Tomb Guards.

The solider "walking the mat" does not wear rank insignia, so as not to outrank the Unknowns, whatever their ranks may have been. Non-commissioned officers, usually the Relief Commander and Assistant Relief Commanders, do wear insignia of their rank but only when changing the guard. They have a separate uniform (without rank) that is worn when they actually guard the Unknowns or are "posted.

There is a meticulous routine that the guard follows when watching over the graves. When marching, exactly 21 steps complete the routine. When completed, the soldier waits 21 seconds before starting the next step in the routine. In all of the individual routines, there are that same number of 21 steps and the same wait time of 21 seconds. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed- the 21-gun salute.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org.

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39 Comments

Mr.LaFaye

Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to deface the Tomb? Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different. It was flat at ground level without the 70 ton marble 'cap'. People often came to the cemetery in those days and a few actually used the Tomb as a picnic area, likely because of the view. Soon after in 1925, they posted a civilian guard. In 1926, a US Army soldier was posted during cemetery hours. On July 1, 1937 guard duty was expanded to the 24 hour watch. Since then, the ceremony has evolved throughout the years to what you see today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who are speaking too loudly or attempting to get a better picture (by entering the post.

filmnut

tbear, It’s true. I was offered the post until they discovered how tall I really was. At that time I was 6’ 7” and a 1/4. 235 lbs. I also found out about the ‘code of conduct’. At one point in my young life, right after ‘Grade School’ I had entered a ‘Catholic Seminary’. When I heard of the things those ‘guards’ put themselves through, I remarked to My Father that “ . . . If I wanted to be a ‘monk’ I would have stayed in “Saint Pius X”.

filmnut

Dorothy Harper, Unbelievable, Who or what would commit such a ‘dastardly deed’. That’s not a ‘crime’ it’s a ‘sin’ against humanity.

joesmoothfoster

Being a war veteran (Desert Storm) it's a challenge to see that place and not cry! Loved the tour guide there that explained everything and who was buried where. Very emotional place!

Dorothy Harper

Same here in Canada. Unfortunately a Guard was killed while on Post at the tomb a few years ago. So sad that this happened.🇨🇦🇨🇦

tbear

I believe I read somewhere that they never smoke or drink, ever! They are totally committed the rest of their lives! Anybody out there know if this is true???

crello

Laurette Pearlman, it goes back to the days of when soldiers fought each other on the battlefield. After the battle, and usually around dusk, each side would fire a single cannon into the air, or several volleys from rifles. This would indicate a sort of "truce" during which the dead could be removed from the battlefield. It was a solemn duty and it evolved into some of the military rituals we still use today.

bvspurrell

filmnut, The POS involved was a loser claiming to be a terrorist. I will never utter his vile name. The coward shot a young Reservist from the R.H.L.I. Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Cpl. Nathan Cirillo who was guarding the tomb of the Unknown Soldier with his co-sentry. He shot Cpl. Cirillo three times in the back and fled. Cpl. Cirillo's fellow guard like himself had a rifle but sadly no rounds. He escaped to his car while his comrade ran to Nathan. Valiant efforts by half a dozen citizens tried to save him but he died. His duty is over. The coward ran to his vehicle drove a few hundred yards up towards the East Block of our Parliament, abandoned his vehicle and raced to the Centre Block of Parliament being chased by the R.C.M.P. Royal Canadian Mounted Police who are our Federal Police Officers like your F.B.I. Once inside the Centre Block main Hall he was surrounded and put down like the dog he was. The Parliaments Sgt. at Arms was the one amongst others who put multiple rounds into him. This would be like some terrorist running into you Capitol Building before being taken out.

Chuck Bolliger

I had a friend that was a guard of the tomb in his younger days. Was an honorable man until his death. Got to go there to see changing of the guard a few years back. A young person dropped their cell phone on the other side of the rope where watchers stand. They crossed the rope to pick it up. Got real interesting after that. They REALLY do guard the Tomb.

Joanne Serin

Lots of interesting information in the explanation and comments.

janellejaworski

Oh United States army sorry my mistake

Steve Berdan

Dorothy Harper, he was shot 31 times. Case closed

dsneed

tesla alset, 👍

dsneed

I learned something there.

Laurette Pearlman

Ive read this and all the comments with fascination but it's always puzzled me as to why a canon, which is essentially a weapon of war, is fired in honour of someone, either dead or alive. Surely something peaceful would be more appropriate.