United States Army Old Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment)

United States Army Old Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment)
Unit name	3rd Infantry Regiment
Caption	Color Guard detail at Arlington National Cemetery
Dates	1784–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry; Ceremonial unit
Role	Ceremonial and security missions
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Fort Myer, Virginia
Nickname	"Old Guard"
Motto	"Noli Me Tangere"

United States Army Old Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment) is the oldest active infantry regiment in the United States Army and serves as the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the President of the United States. Stationed at Fort Myer adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, the regiment executes funeral honors, ceremonial duties, and security missions while maintaining historical lineage dating to the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War. The unit's prominence links it to national symbols, public ceremonies, and rites of state such as presidential inaugurations and state funerals.

History

The regiment traces origins to the light infantry companies raised in 1784 following the disbandment of the Continental Army after the Treaty of Paris (1783). During the War of 1812 the regiment engaged in actions against British Army forces along the Chesapeake Bay and later served in the Mexican–American War at battles such as Contreras and Churubusco. In the American Civil War elements fought for the Union Army in campaigns including Antietam and Gettysburg, and the regiment continued service through the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. The title "Old Guard" became common in the late 19th century, reflecting lineage continuity with units stationed in the capital during the Spanish–American War and deployments to Cuba and the Philippines.

In the 20th century the regiment supported homeland security during both World Wars, performed ceremonial duties during the inauguration of presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and provided honor guard detachments at state events including funerals for figures like John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Post-Cold War adjustments saw the regiment expand specialized companies to meet modern requirements for Joint Chiefs of Staff-level ceremonies, while retaining traditional functions tied to Arlington National Cemetery and the White House.

Organization and Structure

The regiment is organized into multiple battalions and companies, including the 1st Battalion (Infantry), the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment battalion elements for ceremonial missions, and specialized companies such as the Caisson Platoon and the Fife and Drum Corps. Headquarters and Headquarters Company provides administrative command and coordination with Military District of Washington (MDW), while ceremonial companies fall under battalion-level command for execution of honor details and public events. Support elements include a logistics company, a firing party platoon, and a drill team responsible for precision ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and state funerals.

The Caisson Platoon maintains teams of horses and caissons for casket bearing and is trained in equestrian management consistent with traditions dating to cavalry support in the Civil War. The Fife and Drum Corps preserves 18th-century uniforms and music associated with the regiment's Revolutionary-era roots and performs at historical commemorations and national celebrations such as Independence Day (United States) events.

Ceremonial Duties and Roles

The regiment performs funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery including rendition of volleys, color presentation, and guard of honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It provides the official Army escort to the President of the United States and the official party during state visits, liaising with foreign military delegations such as the British Army, French Army, and Canadian Armed Forces for ceremonial exchange. The regiment executes drills and parades for presidential inaugurations, state funerals for heads of state and national leaders, and welcomes for diplomatic missions at venues including the White House and United States Capitol.

Ceremonial units including the Old Guard Drill Team and the Caisson Platoon participate in high-visibility events like the National Memorial Day Concert and Super Bowl pregame ceremonies when military honors are requested. The unit's precision drill performances and musical accompaniment connect it with institutions such as the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy during joint-service events.

Current Operations and Deployments

While primarily ceremonial, the regiment also undertakes security and rapid-response missions within the National Capital Region. Elements have been mobilized to support homeland defense taskings coordinated by the Defense Intelligence Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency during national emergencies, including presidential transitions and major metropolitan security operations. The regiment provides honor guard details for interment of veterans from recent conflicts including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and supports community outreach through ceremonies at veteran organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Detachment rotations periodically deploy personnel to support protocol missions overseas for state funerals, multinational military commemorations such as those at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, and bilateral ceremonial exchanges with NATO partners including United Kingdom and France.

Training and Selection

Selection for ceremonial assignments combines competitive physical standards, marksmanship qualifications drawn from Small Arms Training curricula, equestrian certification for Caisson Platoon members, and rigorous drill proficiency assessed by unit cadre. Prospective members undergo training at the regiment in silent drill, precision marching, ceremonial music performance referencing historical manuals similar to those used by the Continental Army, and funerary procedures aligned with Department of Defense directives. Drill sergeants and company commanders evaluate candidates on bearing, uniform inspection standards comparable to those of Fort Leavenworth protocol courses, and knowledge of heraldic and ceremonial history.

Specialized instruction includes color guard handling, pallbearer rotations, riderless horse procedures, and musical arrangements for the Fife and Drum Corps drawn from 18th-century repertoire. Continued professional development occurs through staff rides, historical seminars tied to institutions like the National Archives and the Smithsonian Institution, and joint training with ceremonial elements from allied militaries.

Honors, Traditions, and Insignia

The regiment maintains a rich set of honors, campaign streamers, and decorations earned in conflicts from the War of 1812 through contemporary operations, displayed on its colors during parades. Traditions include the perpetual guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the use of distinctive ceremonial uniforms modeled on 18th- and 19th-century dress, and the motto "Noli Me Tangere." Insignia elements incorporate regimental colors, distinctive unit insignia, and badges authorized by the Institute of Heraldry. The Old Guard's Fife and Drum Corps is recognized for preserving pre-19th-century music and attire, while the Caisson Platoon is noted for equine traditions maintained in manuals similar to historic cavalry texts. Ceremonial honors for the regiment include participation in state funerals for presidents and national holidays observed at institutions such as the Lincoln Memorial and Mount Vernon.

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