The Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery: Sacred Duties of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment

The Old Guard — formally the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — is the Army's oldest active-duty infantry regiment (1784). Stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia, it serves as the official ceremonial unit and guardian of Arlington National Cemetery.

Core Missions at Arlington

1. Military Funeral Honors

Conducts ~20–30 funerals daily (avg. 7,000/year). Each includes:

• Casket Team (Pallbearers): 6–8 soldiers carry flag-draped casket with precision.
• Firing Party: 7 soldiers fire three volleys (21-gun salute for highest honors).
• Bugler: Sounds "Taps" (live or recorded).
• Flag Fold & Presentation: 13 folds; presented to next of kin "on behalf of the President, the United States Army, and a grateful nation."

2. Escorting the Fallen

Receives remains at Dover AFB / Joint Base Andrews; escorts via hearse/caisson to Arlington. Dignified transfer, flag-draped transfer cases.

3. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Sentinels

Sentinels (Tomb Guards) volunteer from Old Guard. 24/7/365 since 1937. Rigorous selection, training (badge #600+). Walk 21 steps, face tomb 21 sec, turn, repeat. Badge is 2nd rarest in Army.

4. Caisson Platoon

Horse-drawn caissons (1918 vintage) for full-honor funerals. 7 horses (6 pull, 1 riderless — "caparisoned" with reversed boots). Stabled at Fort Myer.

5. Cemetery Maintenance & Grounds

Old Guard soldiers assist in landscaping, headstone alignment, section upkeep — ensuring hallowed ground remains pristine.

6. Public Education & Outreach

Tours, wreath-laying ceremonies (foreign dignitaries, veterans' groups), school programs, Twilight Tattoo / Spirit of America shows.

Other Roles

• Presidential escort (inaugurations, state funerals).
• Civil disturbance response (D.C. National Guard support).
• Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA).

Ethos

"Soldiers never die until they are forgotten. The Old Guard ensures they are never forgotten."

The Old Guard transforms grief into honor, making Arlington a living testament to the nation's promise: You will not be forgotten.