preview

Tomb Guard Research Paper

Decent Essays

Obviously, the Tomb of the Unknown is heavily guarded at all times, even during the atrocious weather that comes upon Washington, D.C. In the year of 1948, the Third Infantry, also known as the Old Guard, had received the responsibility of guarding the most important tomb in Arlington National Cemetery. The Third Infantry is very important because it is the only infantry unit allowed to march with bayonets on the rifles. Primarily, the Third Infantry’s responsibility are duties, for example, conducting all military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, providing protection for the capitol building and providing an escort for the president of the United States. The most important honor that can be given to any soldier of the Third Infantry …show more content…

As a Tomb guard, the guards are all volunteers and go through very rigorous tactics. Each candidate goes through a set of intensive interviews both by the Sergeant of the Guard and by officers of nearby Fort Myer, where the 3rd Infantry is quartered. The volunteer’s motives for wanting to be a guard and his seriousness of purpose are …show more content…

However, in the year of 1994, the Secretary of Army ruled that women could serve in the twenty-five member squad. The only female, to ever be a Tomb guard, was Sergeant Heather Lynn Johnsen. Sgt. Heather Lynn Johnsen became a Tomb guard in the year of 1996. Sgt. Johnsens comments on her achievement was, “There is no higher honor. I can’t think of anything greater to do for my country” (Howell A-5). All Tomb guards, whether male or female, must demonstrate their perfectionist side at all times and must be willing to serve their country in one of the highest honors. There are many qualifications an individual needs in order to be buried at Arlington. Principally, any soldier who is an active duty of the Armed Forces is qualified to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, any member of the Air Force who has received the Medal of Honor, any who has received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the purple heart or the Distinguished Service Medal, are also allowed to be buried at Arlington. Also, any United States Government elective, Office of Chief Justice or Associate Justice of Supreme Court of United States, provided their last period of active duty. Furthermore, any spouse, minor children, widow, widower, permanently dependent children or certain unmarried children of any of these Veterans who are qualified, are also qualified. There are many other qualifications

Get Access