How does the Guard rotation work? Is it an 8 hour shift?
Currently, the Tomb Guards work on a three Relief (team) rotation - 24 hours on,
24 hours off, 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 96 hours off. However, over
the years it has been different. The time off isn't exactly free time. It takes the average Sentinel 8 hours to prep his/her uniform for the next work day.
Additionally, they have Physical Training, Tomb Guard training, and haircuts to
complete before the next work day.
How many steps does the Guard take during his walk across the Tomb of
the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given
any military or foreign dignitary.
How long does the Sentinel hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time,
and if not, why not?
He does not execute an about face. He stops on the 21st step, then turns and faces
the Tomb for 21 seconds. Then he turns to face back down the mat, changes his
weapon to the outside shoulder, counts 21 seconds, then steps off for another 21
step walk down the mat. He faces the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21
seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until he is relieved at the
Guard Change.
Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to improve his grip on the rifle.
How often are the Guards changed?
The Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30)
and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery
is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours. The Tomb is guarded, and has been
guarded, every minute of every day since 1937.
Is it true 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.
No, this is a false rumor. The average tour at the Tomb is about a year. There is NO
set time for service there. The Sentinels live either in a barracks on Ft. Myer (the
Army post located adjacent to the cemetery) or off base if they like. They do have
living quarters under the steps of the amphitheater where they stay during their 24
hour shifts, but when they are off, they are off. And if they are of legal age, they
may drink anything they like, except while on duty.
Is it true they cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives?
Again, another false rumor.
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are
only 400 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for
the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series
of tests. The Badge is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served 9 months as
a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 500 have been awarded since its creation in the late
1950's. And while the Badge can be revoked, the offense must be such that it
discredits the Tomb. Revocation is at the Regimental Commander’s discretion. But
you can drink a beer and even swear and still keep the Badge. The Badge is a full
size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and
cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and
heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand so that his back is straight
and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll"
on the outside of the build up as he walks down the mat. This allows him to move
in a fluid fashion. If he does this correctly, his hat and bayonet will appear to not
"bob" up and down with each step. It gives him a more formal and smooth look to
his walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This
prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his
movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of
the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to click his heels during
certain movements. If a guard change is really hot, it is called a "smoker" because
all the heel clicks fall together and sound like one click. In fact, the guard change is
occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns"). No
voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific
counts.
How many times will a Soldier be on duty during the shift?
Each Relief (team) has a rotation during the 24 hour work day. This rotation is
dependent on the number of Soldier-Sentinels who are proficient enough to guard
the Tomb. The standard is 3-4 qualified Sentinels, 1-2 Relief Commander/Assistant
Relief Commander, and 1-2 Sentinels in training. Generally, the Sentinel will be on
guard duty for a tour and have two tours off in between - then go out for another
tour. However, in extreme cases, Sentinels have been known to go back-to-back for
the entire 24 hour shift.
How do the Soldiers get to and from the quarters without being seen?
Most wear civilian clothes - although the short, tight haircuts tend to give us away.
There is a small green shack next to the Tomb. What is it for?
"The Box" is used primarily during wreath-laying ceremonies for the Sentinel to
retreat to while flowers and Taps are being presented. There also is a phone with a
direct line downstairs to the Tomb Guard Quarters - this is used in times of
emergencies or just to notify the next shift of something.
Has anyone ever tried to get past the Tomb guards, or attempted to
deface the Tomb?
Yes, that is the reason why we now guard the Tomb. Back in the early 1920's, we
didn't have guards and the Tomb looked much different (see attached picture).
People often came to the cemetery in those days for picnics during which time some
would actually use the Tomb as a picnic area (probably because of the view). Soon
after, 1925, they posted a civilian guard; in 1926, a military guard was posted
during cemetery hours; and on July 1, 1937, this was expanded to the 24-hour
watch. Since then, the ceremony has developed throughout the years to what we
have today. Today, most of the challenges faced by the Sentinels are tourists who
want to get a better picture or uncontrolled children (which generally is very
frightening for the parent when the Soldier challenges the child).
What happened to the soldier that was in the Tomb from the Vietnam
War?
The remains of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based
on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air
Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in
1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam
Unknown will remain vacant. (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/fact_sheets/vubackgr.htm)
(http://www.dod.mil/topstory/tomb.html)
What is it like to guard in bad weather?
The guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (we call ourselves "Sentinels") are
completely dedicated to their duty of guarding the Tomb. Because of that
dedication, the weather does not bother them. In fact, they consider it an honor to
stand their watch (we call it "walking the mat"), regardless of the weather. It gets
cold, it gets hot - but the Sentinels never budge. And they never allow any feeling of
cold or heat to be seen by anyone.
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, BUT the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier is never put
at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed IF the
weather conditions EVER place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death – such as
lightning, high winds, etc. This ensures that Sentinels can maintain the Tomb Guard
responsibilities while ensuring soldier safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of
Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure
mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered
to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever
given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while
accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the
Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is
maintained during mission accomplishment.
Do you guard all night long, even when the cemetery is closed?
The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In fact, there has been a
Sentinel on duty in front of the Tomb every minute of every day since 1937. And
the Sentinel does not change the way he guards the Tomb, even at night when
there is no one around. The Sentinels do this because they feel that the Unknown
Soldiers who are buried in the Tomb deserve the very best they have to give.
How many Sentinels have been female?
There have been 3 female Sentinels and 1 female Platoon Leader.
