Q&A

Can the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier shoot you?

Can the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier shoot you?

Can tomb guards shoot you? The guards are fully authorized to shoot you. If you do not back off or worse attack the guard or the Tomb he will put you down like the worm you are. That weapon he carries might be ceremonial but it’s completely functional.

Can the guards of the Unknown Soldier drink alcohol?

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.

Does it cost to be buried at Arlington?

Arlington National Cemetery does not charge fees for an interment or inurnment at the cemetery. The only potential costs to the estate of the deceased are for vaults. Effective December 2017, placement of private markers is no longer available for service members and families.

Has a woman guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

Heather (Johnson) Wagner, who was the first woman to earn her tomb guard badge in 1996 after the Army opened the assignment to women a few years earlier. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at Arlington National Cemetery, honors the remains of unidentified American Soldiers and is guarded 24 hours a day.

Who are the old guard at Arlington National Cemetery?

Twenty-four hours a day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” stand watch over the Tomb. 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).

What does the Navy Ceremonial Guard do at Arlington?

The Navy Ceremonial Guard also serves as the funeral escort and conducts all services for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Company B is comprised of:

What does the Old Guard do at the White House?

Members of the Old Guard also serve as escort to the president for ceremonial purposes.

Who are the members of the Air Force honor guard?

It is composed of four elements: Colors, Bearers, Firing Party and Drill Team. Two USAF HG color teams take part in an Air Force Wreath-Laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.