Rules for Tomb Guards

Technically, a grave keeper is anyone who guards the grave while a guard is someone who has earned their grave guard identification badge. It is true, however, that the change of funeral guard is carried out every 30 minutes with clock accuracy: the processes of training and selection of funeral guards have strict guidelines. According to the Guard of Honour Society website, the training cycle alone includes five comprehensive tests over 6 to 12 months. These focus, among other things, on changing of the guard, uniform preparation, weapons and historical knowledge (here). Once selected for service, guards undergo rigorous daily inspections to ensure their living quarters are tidy and their uniforms are « spotless. » All guards are responsible for their own meals and there is a kitchen in the rooms under the memorial amphitheatre. However, grave keepers do not aim to reach the minimum, but to exceed it. Most guards are trimmed because of the nature of their work. It is true that grave keepers are supposed to observe their posts despite bad weather. Line 8 of Sentinel`s Creed refers to perseverance through « the discomfort of the elements » (here). But the company`s website makes it clear that « the accomplishment of the soldier`s mission and well-being » is never compromised: at any time, regardless of your experience as a guard, if the weapon touches the place outside of weapons inspection, you are exempt from working as a grave guard.

Most guards end up with 3 sets. A normal day uniform, one for rain and one they work on. « [The] Tomb Sentinel walks 21 paces on a black carpet, passing the tombstones of each of the strangers. Then it turns 90 degrees and looks east for exactly 21 seconds. After that, it turns north for another 21 seconds, followed by a sharp movement of the arm of the shoulder in which the security guard places his rifle on the shoulder closest to the onlookers to symbolize that he stands between the grave and any threat from outside. The guard then takes 21 steps north, turns around and repeats the whole process until he is relieved. ( here ). Representatives who successfully complete the initial training are assigned to one of the three « reliefs », where they are intensively prepared for their tasks with a trainer. The training period lasts on average 7.5 to 8 months, while trainees learn the strict rules of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Some completed the training in just four months, but that`s unusual. Most measure between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 4 inches; Women must be at least 5 feet 8 inches tall, but there`s no upper waist limit for guards, according to DC by Foot.

According to the Honor Guard Society, candidates will be considered if they are disciplined, have a military posture and a soldier`s appearance. Candidates can apply for a job through the Guard Sergeant. The sarcophagus above the grave of the soldier who served in World War I is located in front of the three marble slabs that identify the crypts of soldiers from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. It was built in 1931 from seven large marble slabs with a total weight of 79 tons. On one side is a relief of three Greek figures, representing peace, bravery and victory respectively. On the other hand, there are six inverted crowns, each representing a major campaign of the First World War. It is true that the gloves of the guards are wet to improve the grip of the rifle. Although they do not make a « U-turn » (180-degree turn), as the guard suggests, it is also true that the guards always carry the rifle on the outer shoulder (tombguard.org/society/faq/).

All you need is to knock on the grave guard at the Memorial Amphitheater and say you`re interested. There is an application package that must include letters of recommendation, assessments and a photo. He shared with us some interesting facts about what it takes to be a grave guard and even took us on a tour of the living quarters where we saw grave guards preparing for the changing of the guard service. If guards are exempted from training for disciplinary reasons, they are not welcome. Since 1930, funeral guards have been keeping 24-hour watches over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – also known as the Tomb of the Unknown. In addition to ceremonial patrolling around the tomb, guards prevent people from desecrating the grave and inform visitors when they are not on duty. All unknown soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest medal that can be obtained, so that the tomb guards could wear all the medals they deserve, as they will not be eliminated by the unknowns. Partly false. Social media posts listing the rules guards must follow at the Unknown Soldier`s grave at Arlington National Cemetery contain a mix of true and false claims. Once you`ve earned your badge, keep it for life. Unless you do something to dishonor the grave or the army.

It is the only badge in the military where dismissal norms are not tied to regulations, but to personal behavior. Lots of dedication and patience! To become a grave keeper, you must be in the U.S. Army`s 3rd (Old Guard) Regiment and volunteer. According to the Society of the Guard of Honour, it is a false rumour that the guard must commit to « guarding the grave for two years, living in a barracks under the grave, and not drinking alcohol during or off duty for the rest of his life » (tombguard.org/society/faq/). Despite the many respected and revered war heroes and the two former U.S. presidents buried there, there is no place on the sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery that is more visited by visitors than the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located on a hill in the almost perfect geographical center of the cemetery, the grave illustrates bravery and honour by remembering those who died committing courageous and selfless acts without anyone witnessing it. What is it about this place that fascinates the many people who visit it every year? What is the story behind this and what does it take to become one of the few chosen ones watching over it? However, the messages also state that guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier must abstain from alcohol for life and cursing in public. And they claim that during Hurricane Isabel in 2003, the guardians of the tomb refused orders to leave their posts despite bad weather.

These claims are false. Yes. The regiment integrates (1994?) the tomb of the platoon of the unknown soldier, is an integrated platoon. Five women were awarded the Grave Guard Identification Badge (www.tombguard.org) Soldiers were first assigned in 1926 to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to deter visitors from climbing or stepping on it. In 1937, the guards became a 24/7 presence, monitoring the unknown soldier at all times. Army General John Pershing (reference tombguard.org) The case that the NCOs have and the scabbard worn by the guards are all made of standard green leather with faded silver accessories. The grave is guarded, but they don`t just walk on the carpet. You are on the ground in roaming service. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day by members of a special detachment of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The guard does not wear a rank badge, which ensures that the guard is younger than the one buried in the grave.

From April 1 to April 30. September, when the park is open, every half hour of changing of the guard. The guard changes every hour from October 1 to March 31. The symbolic changing of the guard is carried out in accordance with the regulations of the army. On August 3, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to select and honor unknown fallen soldiers in the Korean War and World War II (World War II) by burying them with honors in a specially designated area at Arlington National Cemetery. The idea of the tomb itself was originally inspired by the many unknown deaths that had accumulated until the end of World War I (World War I). In Britain, however, the idea of honoring these forgotten warriors first originated in 1920.

The following year, a funeral ceremony was planned in the United States for an unknown American who died in Europe during World War I. On Memorial Day 1921, four unknown persons were exhumed from an American cemetery in France. The four were placed in identical coffins and placed in front of a highly decorated First World War veteran who was tasked with selecting one of the coffins for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. That person was U.S. Army Sergeant Edward F. Younger. It is difficult to obtain a grave guard position due to the rules for authorizing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the requirements for intensive training. Less than 10% of men and women who volunteer for this service pass all tests during training to become forest rangers.

On average, the guards make an 18-month visit to the grave. Yes, that is why we are guarding the grave now.