Don't Tick Off the Tomb Guard!

I had to share this short video of footage of an Arlington National Cemetery Tomb Guard. I'll also post it in the new video section here on the website.

Having been to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier many times, it is no joke these guys take their jobs seriously! Two years ago I was there with my 8th grade class and it was packed. The guard announced that there would be a ceremony and that all audience members were to be Silent and Standing. A teenage girl at the other end got the bright idea to stay seated (guess her tootsies hurt). The guard did an immediate about face and said in a voice to scare the bejesus out of everyone within earshot, "ALL PRESENT ARE REQUESTED TO STAND UP! STAND UP!!!!"

Holy cow, we all were scared for her, and I am pretty sure there was a wet spot where she was sitting! Anyway, watch this recent video of a Tomb Guard who reacts when viewers are laughing. (How stupid and disrespectful can you be??)

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Comment by Ricardo Jacques on April 14, 2012 at 9:40am: Here's a few facts on the 'Tomb Guard';

The soldier "walking the mat" does not wear rank insignia.

On his or her uniform so that they do not outrank the Unknowns,.

Whatever their rank may have been.

Non-commissioned officers (usually the Relief Commander and Assistant Relief Commanders),.

Do wear insignia of their rank when changing the guard only.

They have a separate uniform (without rank).

That is worn when they actually guard the Unknowns or are "Posted"

Walking the Mat
There is a meticulous routine.
Which the guard follows when watching over the graves:

The soldier walks 21 steps across the Tomb.
This alludes to the twenty-one gun salute.
Which is the highest honor given.
To any military or foreign dignitary in America.
His weapon is always on the shoulder opposite the Tomb.
On the 21st step, the soldier turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds.
The soldier then turns to face the other way across the Tomb.
And changes his weapon to the outside shoulder.
After 21 seconds, the first step is repeated.
This is repeated until the soldier.
Is relieved of duty at the Changing of the Guard.

The Tomb of the Unknowns has been guarded continuously.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since that time.
Inclement weather, terrorist attacks, do not cause the watch to cease.

All this might explain the actions of some of those Guards.

Comment by Claudia Bartow on November 3, 2011 at 9:30pm: I just remembered another Tomb Guard story that two teachers I know experienced. Apparently, a toddler ran out past the ropes towards the Tomb. The Guard spun around with his bayonet-fixed rifle ready to pounce. What a sight that would have been to see! I have also heard from teachers I work with of crying babies and children being asked by the Guard to leave.