United States Army Old Guard

United States Army Old Guard
Unit name	The Old Guard
Native name	3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
Caption	Color guard at Arlington National Cemetery
Dates	1784–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Ceremonial duties, security
Size	Regimental
Garrison	Fort Myer
Nickname	The Old Guard
Motto	Nulli Secundus
Notable commanders	John C. Fremont; Winfield Scott

United States Army Old Guard is the colloquial designation for the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, a regiment with continuous service since 1784 based at Fort Myer (Virginia). The unit performs high-visibility ceremonial duties at Arlington National Cemetery, supports official functions at the White House, and sustains operational readiness for combat missions under the United States Army Forces Command. The regiment's history, organization, and traditions link it to numerous events and figures in American Revolutionary War aftermath, the War of 1812, and subsequent conflicts.

History

The regiment traces lineage to the post‑Revolutionary era formation of infantry units that served in the early republic, participating in the defense of the capital during the War of 1812 and actions in the Mexican–American War. During the American Civil War elements served in Union forces and later veterans of the regiment saw service in the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. In the 20th century the regiment provided honor guards for presidents during the Assassination of John F. Kennedy aftermath and performed security and ceremonial tasks during the World War II and Cold War periods. Post‑9/11 deployments included security and advisory missions aligned with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Organization and units

The regiment is organized into several battalions and specialized companies, including a Caisson Platoon, a Firing Party, a Commander-in-Chief's Guard, and the regiment’s ceremonial Honor Guard Company. Subunits maintain close relationships with institutions such as the United States Congress, the Department of Defense, and the White House Military Office for protocol coordination. The regiment’s regimental headquarters coordinates with operational commands like United States Army Forces Command and ceremonial partners including the United States Marine Band and the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Duties and ceremonial roles

Primary duties include funerary honors at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans and dignitaries, ceremonial guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and full honors for state funerals and presidential occasions. The regiment provides military funeral details, wreath presentations at memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and supports national ceremonies on observances like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It also conducts musical and drill performances for state visits coordinated with the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of State.

Training and selection

Selection into the regiment is competitive, requiring exemplary performance records within the United States Army, endorsements from chain of command, and proficiency in drill, marksmanship, and ceremonial protocol. Units conduct specialized training in honor guard procedures, precision drill as taught in conjunction with the Drill and Ceremonies Manual (United States Army), and equestrian skills for Caisson Platoon members trained at Fort Myer stables. Physical fitness, weapons handling, and protocol knowledge are assessed during selection boards and unit evaluations overseen by regimental leadership and inspectors from United States Army Human Resources Command.

Uniforms and insignia

The regiment maintains distinctive uniforms and insignia for ceremonial presentation, including the full dress blue and distinctive regimental buttons and accoutrements aligned with historical patterns from the 19th century. The Tomb Guard Badge and other honors are awarded to qualified members involved with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier duty, and unit insignia reference service in campaigns recognized by decorations such as campaign streamers from the Mexican–American War and later awards from World War II. Ceremonial equipment includes polished M14 rifles for drill and service weapons compliant with United States Army marksmanship regulations.

Notable ceremonies and events

The regiment performs at state funerals including those for presidents and national leaders, ceremonial arrivals for foreign heads of state, and annual commemorations at Arlington National Cemetery such as wreath-laying for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and observances on Presidents' Day. The regiment's drill teams and Fife and Drum Corps have appeared at national events including presidential inaugurations and international military tattoos, cooperating with ensembles like the Massed Pipes and Drums at public ceremonies. The unit’s participation in high-profile events has tied it to moments involving the Supreme Court, Congress, and presidential administrations.

Notable members and cultural impact

Members of the regiment have included distinguished officers and enlisted personnel who later served in senior roles across the United States Army, participated in national ceremonies with presidents from George Washington’s era successors to modern administrations, and influenced ceremonial standards adopted by allied militaries. The regiment figures in literature, film, and journalism documenting American military ritual, appearing in documentaries alongside institutions such as the National Archives and the Smithsonian Institution. Its public visibility has made it a symbol in ceremonial studies and popular culture, referenced in biographies, historical works, and media portrayals of events like presidential funerals and national memorials.

Category:United States Army units and formations Category:Military units and formations established in 1784