As you may know, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a solemn reminder of the many brave Americans who died fighting for our country. Every day, a group of dedicated soldiers stand guard at the Tomb and serve as a symbol of respect for thee fallen heroes.
The ceremonial “guards” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier do not have any ammunition on them or in their weapons. This includes in their pistols that they are now wearing. There are armed police present to protect civilians and the guards, but they do not carry live rounds either.
So, what type of rifles do these guards use? Over time, different types of rifles have been used by tomb guards, reflecting changes in military equipment over time. The M1903 Springfield rifle was one of the earliest models used by tomb guards. Later, M1 Garand and M14 rifles were also used, as well as M1911 and M9 pistols. Currently, tomb guards carry M14 rifles that are attached to ceremonial rifle stocks.
In addition to using specific types of rifles, there are certain requirements that all tomb guards must meet in order to serve at this sacred site. All guards must commit two years of their life to guarding this sacred site and live in a barracks located underneath it for this entire period. In addition, no alcohol is allowed on or off duty for the rest of their lives and they cannot swear in public or disgrace eiter the uniform or tomb in any way.
Finally, it’s important to note that undrneath the large sarcophagus lies an Unknown Soldier from World War I while two crypts located before it contain unidentified service members from World War II and Korean War respectively. An empty third crypt represents missing service members from Vietnam War era conflicts.
So there you have it- although tomb guard rifles are present at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, none of them are loaded with ammunition out of respect for those who gave their lives for our country’s freedom and safety.
Do Tomb Guards Have Ammunition?
No, the ceremonial guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier do not carry any ammunition on them or in their weapons. The only people authorized to have ammunition in the area are the armed police, including Military Police (MPs). The pistols they wear are ornamental and do not contain live rounds. These guards proide an important symbol of honor and respect for those who have served in our military, but they do not provide any security of their own.
The Rifles Carried by Tomb Guards
The tomb guards currently carry M14 rifles, which are affixed to ceremonial rifle stocks. The M14 is a selective fire, gas operated rifle chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. It was the standard U.S. service rifle from 1959 util it was replaced by the M16 assault rifle in 1970. The M14 retains its popularity among collectors and shooters due to its accuracy and dependability, making it an ideal choice for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guards.
Can Guards of the Unknown Soldier Consume Alcohol?
No, the guards of the Unknown Soldier cannot drink alcohol. This is a requirement of their duty, and they must commit to it for the rest of their lives. The guards must also abstain from swearing in public and from engaging in any behavior that would disgrace themseves or the tomb in any way. Guarding the Unknown Soldier is a solemn honor and requires a lifetime commitment to uphold these requirements.
The Unknown Soldier’s Tomb: Is It Empty?
No, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is not empty. The tomb was established in 1921 to honor those who died during World War I and were unable to be identified. Underneath the large sarcophagus lies an unidentified service member from World War I. Additionally, two crypts in front of the sarcophagus contain unidentified service members from World War II and the Korean War, respectively. Furthermore, an empty third crypt honors missing service members from Vietnam.
The Significance of the 21 Steps Taken by Tomb Guards
The Tomb Guard takes 21 steps to honor thse who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America. This number is symbolic and represents the highest military honor that can be bestowed – the 21-gun salute. By marching 21 steps, the Tomb Guard honors all fallen soldiers and pays respect to those who gave their lives for our country.
Nighttime Duties of Tomb Guards
Tomb Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier vigilantly honor and protect the Unknowns throughout the night. They will silently pace 21 steps in front of the Tomb to show their respect and reverence for those who are laid to rest there. They may also perform other duties such as inspecting the area, checking for suspicious activity or behavior, and making sure that all visitors adhere to the strict rules of silence and respect that are required at the Tomb. The Tomb Guards stand watch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all types of weather, without fail.
Length of Tomb Guard Shifts
The Tomb Guard shifts are 24 hours long. This is because the Tomb Guards work on a three Relief (team) rotation – 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 96 hours off. This means that for every three days a Tomb Guard is on duty for two consecutive days and then has four days off. The Tomb Guards are also required to do one hour of drill and ceremony each day in addition to their 24 hour shift.
The Difficulty of Becoming a Tomb Guard
Becoming a tomb guard is quite a difficult undertaking. Eligibility requirements are strict and the training process is rigorous. Only those who meet the standards set by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier rules can apply for this prestigious honor and fewer than 10 percent of applicants pass all the tests to be selected as sentinels. The training requires candidates to demonstrate their commitment, attention to detail, knowledge of military history, and physical and psychological strength. Upon completion of training, they must always be ready to take on their assigned duties in any kind of weather. This includes standing guard for hours at a time without speaking or moving while maintaining perfect posture in their dress uniform. As such, only those with exceptional dedication and endurance can bcome tomb guards and serve as guardians of our nation’s most honored soldiers.
Length of Shift at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
A shift at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier typically lasts for two hours, during wich a guard will conduct the Changing of the Guard ceremony every half hour. The guard is responsible for maintaining a respectful vigil over the Tomb and ensuring that visitors adhere to all applicable regulations. In addition to the ceremonial duties, guards will inspect their uniform, practice drill movements, and take part in other activities in order to stay prepared for their shifts.
Source: nbcnews.com
Can Women Serve as Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Yes, a woman can be a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Sergeant Kamille Torres Zapata, age 23, is the first woman to ever take on this solemn duty. She stands watch for an hour-long shift at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery alongside other sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Her role as sentinel is to honor and respect all those who have sacrificed thir lives for our country, and she takes her duties very seriously. In order to become a sentinel, she had to complete rigorous training that included physical tests and learning how to march in drill movements with precision. She also had to practice manual arms drills with a rifle that weighed close to 10 pounds. This honor comes with great responsibility and Sergeant Kamille Torres Zapata is proud and humbled to be able to serve her country in such an important capacity.
Length of Duty for Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are on duty for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no exception. The guard shifts change eery hour during the winter and every half hour during the summer and daylight hours. During each shift change, a precise ceremony is conducted by an experienced Sentinel to ensure that both guards are relieved from their post in a seamless manner. The Sentinels have been guarding the Tomb since April 6, 1948, and have become known as some of the most dedicated soldiers in the United States.
The Number of Bodies in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by those who gave their lives during the Civil War. It is home to the remains of 2,111 Union and Confederate soldiers who were unidentified at the time of their burial. The monument itelf is composed of two sarcophagi, each containing the remains of an unknown Civil War soldier. The two soldiers, one from each side of the conflict, were selected by a random drawing in 1921 and have come to represent all unknown soldiers who perished in the war. Their names are inscribed beneath the words “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
Number of Female Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards
Five women have earned the Tomb Guard Identification Badge and thus have been in the honor guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 1996, Sgt. Heather Johnson became the first female service member to earn this prestigious distinction and be part of this sacred duty. Since then, four other women have earned the badge, including Sgt. Elisbeth Serna in 2017 who was the first Hispanic female to become a Tomb Guard. This small number of women is reflective of the historically male-dominated nature of military service and honors tose who have served or are currently serving their country with distinction.
Number of Graves Remaining at Arlington National Cemetery
At Arlington National Cemetery, there are approximately 400,000 graves remaining. Over the years, the number of graves has decreased due to natural causes such as erosion and burial of remains elsewhere. The cemetery is continually expanding to make room for more burials, with new sections being added each year. The cemetery is also working to preserve existing graves through a variety of conservation efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tomb Guard Rifles have evolved over time to reflect the changing weapons in the Army. The current Tomb Guards carry M14 rifles affixed to ceremonial rifle stocks as part of their ceremonial duties. These rifles are kept unloaded and without ammunition, as part of the solemn respect due to the Unknown Soldiers buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb Guard’s weapons are not only a symbol of their commitment to guard this sacred place with honor and dignity, but also a symbol of respect for thse Unknown Soldiers who gave their lives for our nation.
