3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the United States Army, serving since 1784. It is best known for its ceremonial duties in the Washington, D.C. area, including guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and providing military honors at funerals. The regiment also maintains a deployable infantry capability, having served in every major American conflict from the War of 1812 to the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

History

The regiment was originally formed as the First American Regiment in 1784 under the command of Josiah Harmar at Fort McIntosh. It fought in the Northwest Indian War, including the Battle of Fallen Timbers under General Anthony Wayne. During the War of 1812, it participated in the Battle of Lundy's Lane and the Siege of Fort Erie. The unit saw extensive action in the Mexican–American War, particularly at the Battle of Monterrey and the Battle of Buena Vista. In the American Civil War, it fought for the Union Army in major engagements like the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Gettysburg. The regiment later served in the Spanish–American War, World War II in the Pacific Theater, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. More recently, elements deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Organization and duties

Headquartered at Fort Myer, Virginia, the regiment is part of the Military District of Washington. Its primary ceremonial units include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard, the Commander-in-Chief's Guard, and the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon. The regiment provides funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery and supports events like presidential inaugurations and state arrivals at the White House. It also maintains the Continental Color Guard and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. For operational missions, the regiment fields the 4th Battalion, a combat-ready infantry battalion.

Traditions and insignia

The regimental motto, "Noli Me Tangere" (Do Not Touch Me), dates to the Mexican–American War. Soldiers wear distinctive buff Stetson hats and crossed belts, a uniform style from the early 19th century. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, a ritual performed with precise, measured steps. The regiment's coat of arms features a blue shield with a Continental Army button, symbolizing its 1784 origin. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps wears uniforms patterned after the Continental Army of 1781.

Notable members

Notable individuals who have served in the regiment include General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, who was a junior officer in the early 1900s. Civil War General George Sykes commanded the unit during the Battle of Gettysburg. Medal of Honor recipient John L. H. Peck served with the regiment during the Mexican–American War. Modern-era members include former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell, who served as a battalion commander, and astronaut Frank Borman, who was a member of the West Point class assigned to the regiment.

In popular culture

The regiment has been featured in numerous films and documentaries, including the 1951 movie "The Wild Blue Yonder" and the 2002 film "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". It is frequently depicted in television coverage of state funerals, such as those for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. The unit's precision was showcased in the documentary "The Old Guard: On Point". Scenes featuring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appear in films like "X-Men: First Class" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon".

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1784 Category:1784 establishments in the United States