Tomb Guard Sentinals at Tomb of the Unknowns
Basic Facts About Who Guards Arlington's Tomb of Unknown Soldier
Nov 11, 2009
Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, has been guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in all kinds of weather since July 1, 1937. These guards not only keep a 24 hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns but also seek to prevent disrespect toward the Unknowns or their final resting place.
These volunteer guards, or sentinels, of the 3rd U.S. Infantry must meet certain requirements, pass rigorous testing, and be able to Walk the Mat and change posts in a precise manner.
Eligibility Requirements for Tomb Guard Sentinels
Sentinels are considered the best of the best of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) in Fort Myer, Virginia. In order to be considered for this prestigious honor, the soldier must:
- Have a military record without blemish
- Be in excellent physical condition
- Be between 5’10” and 6’4” with proportionate build
- Interview and pass a two-week trial, in which he must recite seven pages of Arlington National Cemetery history and know the exact location of numerous grave sites at Arlington
- Score at least 95% on a 100-question test on Arlington National Cemetery and Tomb of the Unknowns history
- Pass practical tests on manual of arms, excellent presentation in uniform, and the Walk
Tomb Guard badges have been awarded since February 1958. According to The Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier web site, over 500 badges have been awarded, three of whom have been awarded to females. Less than 20% of those who begin the process becoming a member of this elite group of soldiers. A sentinel is awarded a permanent badge after nine months of guard service.
The Walk or Walking the Mat at the Tomb of the Unknowns
The Walk, also called Walking the Mat, is quite precise and symbolic, as described in The Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknowns Soldier web site as the sentinel:
- Walks 21 steps from one end of the black mat to the other at a pace of 90 steps per minute
- Turns and faces the tomb for 21 seconds
- Turns toward the direction from which he or she came
- Moves his or her M-14 rifle to the shoulder toward the outside
- Pauses for 21 seconds
- Walks 21 steps from one end of the black mat to the other to repeat the process until guard change
The number 21 is symbolic of a 21-gun salute, a supreme military honor.
Guard Change at Tomb of the Unknowns
Guard change, or changing of the guard, is also precisely executed with perfect timing. The frequency of the changes depends on the time of day and season:
- Every hour October 1 to March 31
- Every 30 minutes April 1 to September 30
- Every hour or 2 hours, depending on the source, after the cemetery is closed
A relief commander meticulously inspects the relieving Tomb Guard’s weapon and uniform. After passing inspection, the two approach the sentinel that is currently guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. Before changing posts, all three salute the Unknowns, who were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Sentinels typically work rotating 24 hour shifts with 96 hours off after three days. They usually have one to two hours off between Walks but in extreme cases might walk for 24 hours straight. Readers may be interested to see video footage of The Walk and Guard Change at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknowns.
Sentinels Guard and Respect The Unknowns at Arlington
Dedication and tenacity are certainly fitting terms for the men and women who have volunteered to serve America by guarding Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every minute of every day since 1937. Those who can pass the stringent requirements, rigorous testing, and weather certain have earned the right to be called Tomb Guards.
Readers are welcome to post comments in the box below and may also wish to read:
Sources:
Arlington National Cemetery web site
Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier web site
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