United States Army Honor Guard

United States Army Honor Guard
Unit name	United States Army Honor Guard
Caption	Members of the Honor Guard conducting a ceremonial detail at Arlington National Cemetery
Dates	1948–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Ceremonial unit
Role	Ceremonial duties, public outreach, burial honors
Garrison	Fort Myer
Nickname	The Old Guard (for 3rd Infantry Regiment)
Motto	Duty, Honor, Sacrifice
Notable commanders	John P. Morse, Daniel G. Richmond

United States Army Honor Guard is the ceremonial element of the United States Army responsible for high-profile ceremonial duties, state events, and funeral honors. It performs public-facing missions that intersect with national institutions, executive offices, and military traditions. The Honor Guard works closely with ceremonial commands, historic regiments, and national cemeteries to represent Army service at events involving Presidents, Secretaries of Defense, foreign dignitaries, and veterans.

History

The Honor Guard traces institutional roots to the 3rd Infantry Regiment (3rd Infantry Regiment), which has conducted ceremonial duties since the 19th century alongside engagements such as the War of 1812, Mexican–American War, and service during the American Civil War. Formalization accelerated after World War II with links to the Pentagon, the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery policies, and the creation of dedicated ceremonial detachments influenced by leaders from the Department of the Army and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Cold War-era protocols connected Honor Guard practices to state visits to the White House, diplomatic exchanges at the United States Capitol, and multinational ceremonies with NATO partners including events at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. Legislative and administrative decisions such as those from the United States Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs shaped burial honors and casualty notification procedures that Honor Guard personnel execute. The unit’s evolution paralleled historic commemorations like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and centennial observances related to the Spanish–American War and World War I.

Mission and Duties

The Honor Guard’s mission encompasses ceremonial support for executive leaders such as the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and senior Army officials including the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army. It provides funeral honors under policies set by the Department of the Army and coordinates with the Department of Veterans Affairs and cemetery authorities at Arlington National Cemetery and other national cemeteries. Duties include color guard details for the United States Congress, casket transfers for the United States Marine Corps during joint services, and participation in state arrival ceremonies for foreign heads of state from countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Japan. The Honor Guard also supports international engagements with militaries from NATO members like United Kingdom Armed Forces and counterparts from the Republic of Korea Armed Forces during bilateral events.

Organization and Units

Organizationally, the Honor Guard is integrated with ceremonial formations including the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the Army’s Ceremonial Guard based at Fort Myer, and affiliated detachments in regional commands such as United States Army Europe and United States Army Pacific. Units coordinate with institutions like the Military District of Washington, the Joint Chiefs of Staff protocol office, and ceremonial elements from the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard and the United States Air Force Honor Guard for joint operations. The Honor Guard’s structure includes rifle squads, color guards, pallbearer teams, and firing parties trained to interface with commands such as the United States Capitol Police during legislative ceremonies and with diplomatic agencies like the Department of State for protocol events.

Uniforms and Insignia

Honor Guard uniforms reflect Army dress traditions codified by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry and regulations issued by the Adjutant General of the Army. Ceremonial uniforms incorporate elements from service dress codes similar to those used by the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), including distinct shoulder cords, aiguillettes, and ceremonial belts worn during state visits at the White House and during funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. Insignia include distinctive unit insignia authorized by the Institute of Heraldry, qualification badges awarded under Army regulations, and service ribbons consistent with awards such as the Army Service Ribbon and decorations referenced by the Secretary of the Army. Markings distinguish pallbearer teams, color bearers, and drill team members who perform at events hosted by institutions like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Mall.

Training and Selection

Selection for Honor Guard service involves screening by commands such as the Military District of Washington and the 3rd Infantry Regiment with eligibility requirements aligned with standards set by the Department of the Army. Candidates undergo instruction in drill and ceremony drawn from manuals used by the United States Military Academy, the United States Army Infantry School, and joint doctrine from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Training emphasizes precision rifle drill, flag protocol, pallbearer techniques, and public presentation for engagements at venues including the White House, the United States Capitol, and national memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Continued education includes leadership courses administered by the Army Training and Doctrine Command and ceremonial proficiency evaluations.

Ceremonies and Protocols

The Honor Guard executes protocols for state funerals coordinated with the Executive Office of the President and interment ceremonies aligned with rules from the Department of Veterans Affairs and cemetery administration at Arlington National Cemetery. Ceremonial duties include casket transfer, three-volley salutes executed in accordance with traditions shared with the United States Marine Corps and the Royal Navy for international honors, and flag-folding procedures observed during Inauguration events and memorial dedications on the National Mall. The unit adheres to precedence and flag protocols established by authorities such as the Secretary of Defense and ceremonial guidance from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Notable Events and Public Appearances

The Honor Guard has participated in high-profile occasions including state funerals for Presidents and national leaders coordinated with the U.S. Capitol, presidential inauguration ceremonies involving the United States Congress, memorial dedications at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial, and international state visits with leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia. It has supported diplomatic ceremonies at embassies under guidance from the Department of State and taken part in commemorative events tied to anniversaries of the Battle of Gettysburg, D-Day landings, and centennial observances of World War I campaigns. Public outreach includes participation in national televised ceremonies, joint performances with the United States Army Band (Pershing's Own), and collaborative displays with the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy during graduation and wreath-laying events.

Category:United States Army units and formations Category:Ceremonial units