#Old timey 3... 2... 1... video manual#
#Old timey 3... 2... 1... video trial#
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The Tomb Guards work on a three-relief rotation each relief has one commander and about six Sentinels.

Over 600 Tomb Guards have earned the badge since the late 1950s. The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding a depiction of the Tomb's front face, the words 'Honor Guard,' and figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. At that time, the award can become a permanent badge, which may be worn for the rest of a military career. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is a temporary award until the badge-holding Sentinel has honorably served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months. The would-be badge holder must get more than 95 percent correct. Then, they take the badge test, consisting of 100 randomly selected questions from the 300 items memorized during training.

#Old timey 3... 2... 1... video manual#

First, they are tested on their manual of arms knowledge, uniform preparation and walks. The Sentinels must pass multiple tests to earn the privilege of wearing the silver Tomb Guard Identification Badge. New Sentinels learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.They learn the guard-change ceremony, the manual of arms, and methods for keeping their uniforms and weapons in immaculate condition. If a soldier passes the first training phase, 'new soldier' training begins. This information must be recited verbatim in order to earn a 'walk.'

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During the trial phase, they memorize seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. Would-be Tomb Guards must first undergo an interview and a two-week trial. Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build. If accepted, they are assigned to Company E of The Old Guard. Infantry Regiment become ceremonially qualified, they are eligible to volunteer for duty as Sentinels at the Tomb. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia.Īfter members of the 3rd U.S. Sentinels, who volunteer for this post, are considered the elite of the elite 3rd U.S.

The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any weather. Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier When not 'walking,' the Tomb Guards spend their duty time in quarters below the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater, where they study cemetery history, clean their weapons and help the rest of their relief prepare for the changing of the guard. (The number 21 symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed, the 21-gun salute.) Next, the Sentinel executes a sharp 'shoulder-arms' movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors, signifying that he or she stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The Tomb Guard marches exactly 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. When the relief commander passes, the new Sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute. The relief commander orders the relieved Sentinel, 'Pass on your orders.' The current Sentinel commands, 'Post and orders, remain as directed.' The newly posted Sentinel replies, 'Orders acknowledged,' and steps into position on the mat. All three salute the Unknown Soldiers who have symbolically been given the Medal of Honor. Then, the relief commander and the relieving Sentinel meet the retiring Sentinel at the center of the black mat in front of the Tomb. The relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the weapon, checking each part of the rifle once. The relief commander walks out to the Tomb and salutes, then faces the spectators and asks them to stand and remain silent during the ceremony.

Soon, the new Sentinel leaves the Tomb Guard quarters and unlocks the bolt of his or her M-14 rifle, signaling to the relief commander to begin the ceremony. The Old Guard has held this distinguished duty since 1948.Īn impeccably uniformed relief commander appears on the plaza to announce the changing of the guard.

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The Tomb Guards, also called Sentinels, are chosen for this prestigious and highly selective post only after rigorous training and a demanding series of examinations (see below). Infantry Regiment, known as 'The Old Guard,' stand watch over the Tomb. Twenty-four hours a day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.