3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
Unit name	3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
Dates	1784–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Ceremonial and light infantry
Size	Regiment
Nickname	"The Old Guard"
Motto	"Noli Me Tangere"

3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment

The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the United States Army, known widely as "The Old Guard". Established in the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War and operating through the eras of the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, and the Spanish–American War, the regiment performs both ceremonial duties and operational missions. Stationed primarily in the Fort McNair and Fort Myer area, the unit maintains responsibilities that intersect with the United States Capitol, the Arlington National Cemetery, and national ceremonial events such as inaugural activities.

History

The regiment traces lineage to provisional infantry formed under the Continental Army and the postwar reorganizations led by George Washington and the Second Continental Congress. During the War of 1812, elements engaged in defense of the National Capital Region and actions linked to the defense of Washington, D.C. and the Chesapeake Bay. In the Mexican–American War, companies served in operations under Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor, while in the American Civil War the regiment was aligned with units operating in the Union Army structure and participated in actions across the Eastern Theater. The regiment's service extended into the Indian Wars and peacekeeping missions during the era of Reconstruction, later returning to high-visibility roles following the Spanish–American War and engagements in the Philippine–American War. Throughout the 20th century, the regiment supported ceremonial functions during presidencies from Abraham Lincoln legacy commemorations to state funerals for John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, while also contributing detachments to operations in the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War periods in various capacities.

Organization and Structure

The regiment's structure comprises multiple companies and detachments organized for ceremonial and operational tasks, including specialized platoons for funeral details, Firing Party, Color Guard, and Caisson Platoon operations. The unit falls under the U.S. Army Forces Command administrative relationships for readiness and under the U.S. Army Military District of Washington for ceremonial missions, coordinating with agencies such as the Department of Defense, the White House, and the United States Congress for national events. Elements are organized into companies designated for public duties at Fort Myer, Arlington National Cemetery, and other federal sites, maintaining liaison relationships with the National Archives and the Smithsonian Institution for historical stewardship.

Insignia and Traditions

The regiment's insignia, colors, and motto "Noli Me Tangere" reflect heritage tied to early American military symbolism established during the era of Alexander Hamilton and the foundational period of the United States Army. Traditions include the conduct of military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, ceremonial escorts for heads of state and dignitaries visiting the White House, participation in national observances such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and the execution of the Changing of the Guard at prominent tombs and memorials. The regiment maintains historic artifacts and customs coordinated with institutions like the Army Historical Foundation and engages in ceremonial exchanges with foreign military units from countries such as United Kingdom, France, and Canada.

Campaigns and Engagements

The regiment's campaign credits include actions associated with the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, and operations in the American Civil War including battles within the Petersburg Campaign and other engagements in the Eastern Theater. Later campaign credits reflect service during the Spanish–American War and associated operations in the Philippine–American War. In modern eras, elements provided support during contingency operations associated with the Global War on Terrorism and have contributed personnel to missions under the United States Central Command and United States European Command for security and ceremonial liaison duties.

Notable Commanders and Personnel

The regiment's leadership over time has included prominent officers who later assumed national prominence, linked historically to figures who served in early American military leadership circles around George Washington and Winfield Scott. Notable personnel connected to ceremonial evolutions and funeral detail expertise have coordinated with presidential staffs during administrations including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. The unit's noncommissioned officer cadre has been recognized by military honors such as the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor for individual valor during various conflicts, and its leaders maintain professional ties with institutions like the United States Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army War College.

Modern Role and Deployments

In contemporary operations, the regiment provides ceremonial support for presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and official ceremonies involving the United States Congress and the Supreme Court. The unit also conducts the ceremonial escort and burial operations at Arlington National Cemetery and maintains readiness for contingency deployment in support of U.S. Northern Command missions. Its modern engagements include coordination with the Department of Homeland Security for high-visibility security events, collaboration with international military delegations from allies such as NATO partners, and participation in public diplomacy through ceremonial exchanges with foreign militaries at venues including the Pentagon and national memorials.

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