Table of Contents
How hard is it to become a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
There is a very high success rate to get past the first round. From here, the training is self-paced. The average to get through training is 7.5 – 8 months, though the fastest has been 4 months. “Newmen” are given 12 hour duty days plus homework.
What are the requirements to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.
How much do honor guards get paid?
Honor Guard Security Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $41,500 | $3,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $31,500 | $2,625 |
| Average | $33,363 | $2,780 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 |
Who are the old guard at Arlington National Cemetery?
Twenty-four hours a day, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” stand watch over the Tomb. The Tomb Guards, also called Sentinels, are chosen for this prestigious and highly selective post only after rigorous training and a demanding series of examinations (see below).
Can a veteran be buried at Arlington National Cemetery?
Only military veterans who retired after 20 years in the military may be buried at Arlington. If you think that your family member qualifies to be buried at Arlington, you must have all the required documents before contacting Arlington. Here is the documentation you need to gather.
What does the silver badge at Arlington National Cemetery mean?
At that time, the award can become a permanent badge, which may be worn for the rest of a military career. The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding a depiction of the Tomb’s front face, the words “Honor Guard,” and figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor.
Why are there 21 steps at Arlington National Cemetery?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. The guards do make 21-step walks past the Tomb of the Unknowns because 21 is considered a number of special significance, a topic discussed on our page about the origins of the 21-gun salute.