Behind the Old Guard - Sentinels 

My husband's grandfather just celebrated his 100th birthday and is the eldest living Sentinel :) He's flying down in May for a private ceremony and the opportunity to see his name placed in its rightful spot on the wall. Grandpa Jack definitely has tons of interesting stories to tell!

"Where did you learn how to sew?" "Oh, I learned how to do it in the armed forces."

It's one thing seeing them during the day but when you realize that at 3:30 a.m on a cold and rainy winter morning, while you're snugly tucked into bed, these sentries are walking their post.

As a New Zealander I'm in awe of this precision professionalism. Also I have a great uncle,who was KIA in France in WW1. All he has is a name plake, on a memorial with 75,000 other names. These young men have no grave. They died in the churning mud of "no man's land", after, "going over the top". We commerate them on ANZAC day, April 25th every year. Thanks sentinels 🌹

What gives the Old Guard credibility is the fact that they do not just guard the tomb of the unknown soldier, but that they understand the history behind it, and the gravity of their task. As a history student from the Netherlands, I find it reassuring that the task of safeguarding history does not rest squarely on the shoulders of academics. As the Old Guard protects and commemorates the legacy of the unknown soldier, so too must we academics safeguard history as a whole, to ensure that it is not corrupted by false information, and to pass it on to the next generation. I find it troubling when people say that soldiers should not be honoured because something questionable happened during a certain war. Anyone that gave his life in service to his country deserves the respect of it's citizens, the same way that any state that sends men to war has a responsibility to honour the memory of the fallen, to care for those that became disabled during their service to the nation, and to support those that lived to reach retirement age. That's why the Old Guard can be cited as an inspirational group of men. They are the physical embodiment of a nation's gratitude.

As a former Marine, I am in complete awe of this regiment of soldiers. The discipline, poise, integrity, and grace at which they perform their duties is truly exceptional and amazing. It makes me so proud of my country to know that these distinguished gentlemen are representing the finest military organization in the world and are on watch 24/7 for our beloved fallen.

I'm 59, honorably discharged from the US Army since 1991 and rarely get over emotional but I'm in tears watching this. That happens to me every single time because I know what it's all about, why the dedicated sentinels do their sacred work and guard the unknown soldiers with great honor and commitment. I salute each and every Tomb sentinel both past and present for the wonderful work you do protecting those soldiers and the ultimate price and sacrifice they paid. Perhaps my active duty military service ended in 1991 but my honoring my enlistment oath to protect the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic, didn't.

I considered myself a pretty damn good soldier. But there's not a chance in hell I could become one of these amazing examples of perfection. Thank you Sentinels for your service to country and the unknowns.

i am a retired welsh guardsman . we have the reputation all over the world for drill . but we have nothing compared to the sentinals . it is perfection personified .

As a retired SGM of 29 years of service, I love what these soldiers do, a big salute to them.

Imagine someone asking you what you do and you can say Sentinel. Like how freaking sick is that. “ *I AM A SENTINEL* ”

I was there with my father , veteran of the Korean War , in 2019 through the Kentucky honor guard , I am not military but am in total awe for these dedicated sentenals , thank you greatly for your service and thank you for your dedication , you are our heroes

For those who may have some questions, here is a bit of info I found interesting: It takes a special kind of person to be a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps.. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. 2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1. 3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. 4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not? He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face, and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. 5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. 6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of their 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. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that, because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington DC, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. Funny, that our US Senate/House took 2 days off, saying that they couldn't work because of the expected storm. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

“Have you ever stopped to ponder the amount of blood spilled, the volume of tears shed, the degree of pain and anguish endured, the number of noble men and women lost in battle so that we as individuals might have a say in governing our country? Honor the lives sacrificed for your freedoms.” Richelle E. Goodrich

My uncle retired from the U.S. Army fighting 3 wars as a paratrooper with the 82nd airborne and his final duty station was with the old guard as the command sergeant major.

Something I find in a lot of military personnel around the world is honor and dedication, but I have to say, American military men and women are some of the most dedicated people i have met. I'm proud that while our government might not be the best right now, our troops are the world standard for skill, efficiency and honor. So much respect to the Sentinels, and my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones to war.

9:30 The soldier said something very wise... "It will teach you how to be a leader and teach you how to be led..." Seriously, a lot of people could learn how to be good followers before they become leaders...

If only the government would show the same diligence to the veterans ...

I had no idea the amount of dedication that went into being a Sentinel. So noble.

This is an entirely different type of difficulty than what most would expect to face in any branch of the military.

Its incredible how they walk as though on a tightrope rather than march. Much respect to the fallen and to the men guardian the tomb. From an ex RAF Tornado pilot. I salute you.

These men stand watch over the monument that stands for every hero we never even knew the name of.

0:54 That was my Drill Sergeant!

Every time I observe the unknown soldier landscape, the guard in action, or the ceremony, I'm moved. My thanks and deepest respect to those that step up and gave to achieve perfection in representing and guarding those that gave their body, their name, their essence for this country. If you are a past or present Sentinel and are reading this, your work is of immeasurable value to the core concept of this country. Thank you.

4:05 "come to my barracks" "I can't I'm doing some documentary thing" "my CO isn't here"

These young soldiers are so honorable. They have true respect for the unknowns they guard. It is not just a job but their true honor. I am truly humbled. Thank you to these hero’s both the guards and the guarded.

Seeing this in person changed my life. It was the most beautiful show of respect I’ve ever seen.

My wife taught 7&8th grade for 33 years.Every year the 8th graders went to DC, and a wreath laying at Arlington was always in the agenda. I was lucky enough to be a chaperone for 25 plus years, and every one was better than the last. She retired 5 years ago, and the tour company that did her DC trips hired her and has her doing the Honor Flights now.

Incredible precision, I'm so proud of our armed forces, not just in the US but around the world.

I believe that if the Army decided that they would no longer issue the Sentinel badge, never acknowledge your service as a Sentry and never recorded it on your record, they would still see just as many volunteers for the posting.

Getting serious flashbacks watching this video. Hours shining boots, brass, and burning strings off my uniform. Gotta love the Army.

Total respect to these guys.I can't believe some of the comments on here, like being pointless and a waste of taxpayers money etc! If it wasn't for these guys who have laid down their lives for us would you be as free to do the things you are doing right now.I'm Scottish and can acknowledge what they have done for us in our time of need and should be guarded and remembered with the utmost respect.

We can all respect a PFC for being a top notched soldier. I met a lot of privates in the army when I served and most of those clowns were immature as fuck. Showed no respect for the uniform. It takes a lot to volunteer for such a difficult job, I personally could never do it.

At the begining it sound normal. When they started the ceremony his voice change to an RPG game

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Sentinel honor guard tab. Desired by many, earned by few.

I was never Honor Guard for The Tomb of The Unknown Soldiers, but I was a Member of Funeral Detail Honor Guard for Southern California from 2000-2002. Honoring our 'Known' fallen Soldiers!

I am an American citizen who was incapable of serving his country in the military, but I do know in-person a few who have served. To the men and women of all branches of the United States Military, _THANK YOU_ for your dedication to honor, duty, respect, dignity and sacrifice. You did what I could not, and I am sitting comfortably behind my computer without threat because you put your lives on the line.

I take pride in being a 101st Airborne vet but these troops have a level of dedication I could never hope to achieve. Enormous respect for the men and women who do this duty.

Big salute and deep respect from Brazil.

Much respect for the old guard.

What a GREAT bunch of Guards! REAL SHARP!!!

I want to congratulate the Old Guard for the beautiful ceremonies, in which it participates, with great professionalism, respect and patriotism embodied in its honored members, especially in the changing of the Guard, a punctual, precise and elegant ceremony, worthy of the Heroes who watch over and guard. ..

What a tremendous honor to be selected as a Sentinel that I have had the privilege to witness the changing of the guard in person, never have I had such a heart pumping experience amongst pure silence...such a powerful, respectful, and honorable ceremonial tradition. These men & women Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard) have my utmost respect and gratitude for their overwhelming dedication that they do not for fame or recognition as Sentinels have no official military rank essentially making them the lowest ranking unit members of the armed forces. There is no rank insignia on their uniform, this is done to make sure they do not outrank any individual that is buried at the tomb.

is the reason they do not wear their name tags and ranks a sign of respect to the unknowns?

Greetings from Ireland. As a civilian I have a lot of respect for persons who join the armed forces worldwide and am keen to learn more about the people who choose to do so. While I had heard of the unknowns before, I had no idea of the honour guard until recently when a video came up on my feed. To say it is a truly inspiring thing to see such dedication is an understatement. The effort and level of respect is clear to see to anyone who understands true sacrifice to the benefit of others.

Being a Navy Veteran I have the utmost respect for these gentlemen who are The Sentinels of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It makes me proud to know fellow military personnel of this caliber are protecting those who served and protected our country and died for our country. Thank you and all who have served this great country and especially those who have fallen during their serving and afterwards. We should never forget them.

Superb. Discipline: something sorely lacking in many people.

Your discipline and professionalism is incredible...you make every American so proud 24/7!!

Their attention to detail is incredible!

Thank you for everything your country did for the world. I think guarding heroes and the respect you have for them is truly what it means to be a human. This is such a response to all those hero’s.

The Queens Guard has NOTHING on the Tomb soldiers. This is awesome. And an inspiration in world where perfection is thought of as an unobtainable goal best left avoided.

These incredible soldiers and sentinels are the absolute epitome of being squared away! The commitment that goes into what they do is crazy and the way they perform their duty is absolutely amazing.

My platoon sergeant at Basic volunteered for Drill duty after spending several years guarding the Tomb. We were the best drilled, best looking basic training unit in the entire goddamn army that rotation. The very first day at my very first duty assignment they had a company D&C competition and I won the shit out of it. Got huge kudos from the BC, a coin from him and the CSM and a cushy assignment at the BN as a mission manager for linguists instead of sitting rack with them. Thanks Sergeant Martinez!

Much respect.

I have always had great respect for American patriotism, symbolism and keeping traditions. One of the great examples is the US military and everything that goes with it, design, (important detail) preservation of tradition and attention to detail. An excellent example of showing attention and paying tribute to one's country and veterans. Greetings from Croatia!

I can only imagine the amount of pressure on those who are training to be, or are tomb guards.

Nothing makes me more proud to see the best of my country. My Military. I support them ALL

22 years here.....gives me chills and so much pride to watch this. It never gets old. Salute!

You will always hold a sacred place in my heart. Thank You!

God Bless this young soldier (8:32) and the work he does for his fellow soldier and country - so impressed and lucky to have him serving us

A truly honorable profession.

These guys are easily the best drill regiment of the US military! They are up there with the Queens colour squadron here in the U.K.! Keep up the ceremonial perfection lads! 🇬🇧🇺🇸

I needed to see this. After being exposed to the repugnant behavior of certain individuals and groups in our streets, this video gives us perspective.

this is why I have such high respect for our soldiers

A realization I had as I watched this video, the soldiers represented by the tomb are soldiers who gave not just their lives and dreams, but they even gave up their names and identities in the service of their country.

I’ve been there many times. Theirs is a sacred duty and thank God for these men and women who serve our country and honor our dead.

Best of the best of the BEST. Such Discipline, Honor, And, Perfection. Beautiful.

You are not just guarding a monument, you are guarding the memory of those who are the unknown soldiers so that their sacrifices are never in vain..

I visited two years ago and left with many powerful emotions. The worst emotion I felt was disgust at the lack of respect shown by many of the visitors. Texting during the changing, talking, goofing off, not standing when they were supposed to, just an overall lack of any respect. I was shaking because I was so angry. If it weren't for the fact that I would be disrespecting the Tomb myself, I would have started cracking heads and kicking ass. People, if you do get the privilege of seeing the Tomb, please turn off your phone, remove your hat, stand politely and stfu. Very simple and very easy behavior. Yes, if you're disabled or handicapped or physically unable, I understand that. And keep control of your children.

That hit when he said they gave up their identity. Not even a name was left of them. What’s the saying? “War doesn’t show who is right. It only shows who is left.”

Damn Straight Sharp as Hell. Thank You Gentlemen!! We are proud of You

ive always wanted to be an honor guard, my grandpa and uncle died in the forces, we never got to burry our uncle, I've wanted to protect and honor the ones that gave their all. I have so much respect for sentinels and unknowns.

4:06 when that burrito suddenly hits you...

Proud of the men that Volunteer for the that gave up their life for our country. My cousin was killed in the Korean War. His mom was never able to bury his body. God bless

Thank you for what what you do.

Thanks for sharing! I was privileged to get to go back where the soldiers get ready, see the sun rise over the tomb, and see my nephew get his badge. What an amazing honor.

As an ex Grenadier Guard your kit is immaculate guys bloody brilliant what you do.

I find it reassuring they are given history tests. The academic simply means scholar, or educated. Anyone can attain the title. It simply requires a craving for knowledge and more knowledge. You don't need a college degree for that. That's simply a lazy, eternal victim cop-out. Watching the discipline, deep respect, and honor given to the "unknown" soldier inspires pride in every American. I wish the same was given to other American achievements

As a uniformed FF paramedic, I get my inspiration from the Sentinels My boots spit shined to perfection Uniform clean and pressed, with all metal parts shined to high gloss using a Dremel Ambulance cleaned, floors shined, equipment cleaned That’s really the only acceptable way to be

I didn't see your vid but I can tell you this, as a retired SSGT, I'm proud of these men. for all i know, one of them may preside over my passing.

My dad was a sentinel back in the 70's. Thank you old guard for keeping the tomb protected.

How could people with a heart dislike this

From Norway with love. Thanks for your sacrifice. It will not be forgotten...........

I wonder if these soldiers are looking down and just proud of what they see. The respect that these soldiers show the unknown is just remarkable.

Just before 1:08 I saw a patch that I know well... That was the patch of the 1st armored regiment, Old Ironsides

Very proud of you guys God Bless you all

I saw a blog about the training these go through! Incredible! Thank each and everyone on of you!!!!

I found cousins of my great grandparents who never got to come home in history and ww2 books. It was nice to learn about what kind of men and soldiers my family members were, but it was upsetting an I cried when I read how they died. Honestly I really admire these Sentinels.

so much respect from Holland for these guys!

Much respect for all of you and thank you for what you do amazing. It's an honor to know that some part of this country is still in one piece thank you.

😮😮😮😮. That is so amazing seeing this kind of things. The uniforms are awesome. Spent a lot of time on the uniforms. Amazing

I have so much respect for these men that I can’t put it into words

I’ve had the honor of knowing a few of these young men before i retired. Outstanding young men!

Respect from the UK, these Soldiers are the very top of drill and presentation, and are keeping Honor and respect alive.

They aren't their for their own glory, but every soldier that has sacrificed for this nation whether they be known or unknown. This includes not just the war dead but for every member that has served honorably.

God bless our military... Our young men and women are deserving of such respect. My daughter is in the Navy and it isn't easy, but she loves her country. A lesson a few college brats I see on RU-vid should learn to do!

From a former Presidential Security Group of the Philippine Army now assigned to the Military Police Company, a big salute to this fine men.

Love and respect these soldiers so much for this....the dedication is overwhelming

Your discipline and professionalism is just incredible......you make every American so proud....24/7!!

It’s so neat how he became a new person when he put on that uniform!