Honor Guard Lesson Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Only 400 of these badges have been distributed to date… find out why.

Also, we are “training” for this billet.  Objectives  We are learning about this topic so that it will help us understand our job, being an Honor Guard for the Vietnam (and All) Veteran’s Memorial at Wickham Park. Also, we are “training” for this billet. What that means is that we need an understanding of WHY we train…so we can do the BEST possible job and be READY for it.

Background Information The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, is also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and has never been officially named. The Tomb of the Unknowns stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C.

3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard). Guards The Tomb is guarded 24-hours-per-day and 365-days-per year by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard).

FAQ’s All of the FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) come from this website: http://www.tombguard.org/FAQ.html All the FAQ’s in this lesson were found at the above website and is intended for educational purposes only.

Lets “really” look at this picture… what do YOU see.

FAQ’s How does the Guard rotation work? Is it an 8 hour shift? Currently, the Tomb Guards work on a three Relief (team) rotation - 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 96 hours off.  However, over the years it has been different. The time off isn't exactly free time. It takes the average Sentinel 8 hours to prep his/her uniform for the next work day.  Additionally, they have Physical Training, Tomb Guard training, and haircuts to complete before the next work day.

Tomb of the Unknowns

HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD Inscription HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD

Guarding in the rain.

An important date… On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater.

FAQ’s How many steps does the Guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

The mission of the Guard of Honor, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is as follows: Responsible for maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the United States Army and this Nation while keeping a constant vigil at this national shrine. Prevent any desecration or disrespect directed toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The 1950’s

FAQ’s Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to improve his grip on the rifle.

The Present What do you think it feels like to wear THIS uniform?

FAQ’s Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not? He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his  march across the path, he executes an about face  and moves the rifle to  the outside shoulder.

The Guard’s Names

How often are the guards changed? FAQ’s How often are the guards changed?        Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day,  365 days a year. 

Phillip Fahrenholz,  (2004-present) just received his Badge and is standing next to Don Fahrenholz (1958-60). The first father and son to be Badgeholders

Other requirements of the Guard: There are only 400 presently worn. FAQs What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?        For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between  5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30."  Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and  cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

More information…         The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat  and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the  top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.  There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty  in front of a full-length mirror.

A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV.  All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Resources www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tombofun.htm www.mdw.army.mil/fs-a04.htm www.tombguard.org www.arlingtoncemetery.org/visitor_ information/tomb_of_the_unknowns.html http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/thirdinf.htm Lesson compiled by ENS Summerlin for educational purposes ONLY. http://www.spaceportbattalion.org/