The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as 'The Old Guard,' undergoes a rigorous selection process where only a small percentage of applicants are accepted for sentinel duty.
Sentinels undergo a complex 'walk,' which consists of 21 steps to symbolize the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor.
The sentinels' weapons are kept in perfect condition, and the brass on their uniforms is cleaned daily to ensure a mirror finish.
In 1998, DNA technology allowed for the identification of the remains previously interred as the Vietnam War Unknown; those remains were exhumed and moved to a separate location, leaving that specific crypt vacant.
The Tomb has been guarded continuously in all weather conditions, including during hurricanes and blizzards, for over 85 years.
The soldier's gun is always carried on the shoulder furthest away from the tomb, signifying that the soldier stands between the Unknown and any possible threat.
No civilian employee or contractor is allowed to guard the tomb; it is exclusively the duty of active-duty military personnel.
The marble sarcophagus sits atop a base that conceals a series of tunnels and crypts.
The sentinel does not wear rank insignia on their uniform so as not to outrank the Unknowns they are guarding.
During the guard change, the relief commander and the incoming sentinel perform a detailed inspection of the weapon, which is checked for any imperfections.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a neoclassical white marble monument situated within Arlington National Cemetery, serving as the final resting place for unidentified service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The sarcophagus is carved from a single block of Yule marble sourced from Colorado, weighing approximately 72 tons. A dedicated honor guard from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment maintains a continuous, 24-hour ceremonial watch over the site, a tradition uninterrupted since 1937. The monument features three panels representing the three wars, with the front panel depicting three Greek figures symbolizing Peace, Victory, and Valor. Below the sarcophagus lie the remains of an Unknown Soldier from World War I, while the crypts for the later wars are situated to the west. The site remains a focal point for national memorial observances, including Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. The monument is managed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army.
From the designated viewing area at the top of the stairs overlooking the plaza.
Observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every half-hour during summer months and every hour during winter months.
Maintain absolute silence when approaching the plaza, as this is a site of active military mourning.
Visit the nearby Memorial Amphitheater to view the historical displays and architectural details.
Do not attempt to speak to or distract the sentinels, as they are on duty and will respond to breaches of protocol.
Open daily year-round, including all federal holidays.
Remove hats; maintain silence; follow all instructions from the Tomb Guards; avoid stepping on the grass or crossing marked perimeter lines.
