How do They Decide Who Gets to Guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? 

im a retired British soldier, but this is a whole new level. The professionalism and dedication , not to mention the sheer attention to minute detail , is off the scale !!! I don't have the words to express my admiration to these soldiers ! Because there are no words to describe their effort in maintaining their country's commemoration of soldiers who gave their all. My salute to all you sentinels... a brigade of your dedication would conquer the world.! Even at my age I wish i could join you

My father was a Tomb Guard shortly after the Kennedy assassination. He was transferred to the Firing party a month before he was eligible for the Tomb sentinel badges. He always regretted not earning it. A few years ago he returned to Arlington, and he and his freinds were given a personal tour by the Major in command. As they completed the tour my father mentioned that he regretted never earning his Tomb badges. The Major looked at him, reached up to his shoulder and pulled off his badges (they were velcroed on) and handed them to my dad. My dad was so shocked by the gesture he collapsed. To this day he keeps those badges next to his photos and his flag.

“So no one out ranks the unknown...” that’s deep.

My tour guide of the cemetery said that he reason why they ask for nothing but Perfection is because it’s what those unknown soldiers deserve

One of the many things that impressed me about the changing of the guard ceremony was the stone under their feet had been polished smooth at every place their feet touched the ground. Every soldier steps exactly where the last has stepped. The detail so precise that the polished stone even matches the left/ right cadence! Just incredible!

If I am not mistaken, the Tomb Guard badge is the 2nd rarest badge, device, ribbon or medal issued in all branches of the military. The Astronaut wings being the rarest. The Tomb Guard badge is the only award that can be taken away after service.

Even as a 10 year Marine myself (Amtracker - 1833)...I have nothing but the utmost respect for the soldiers that perform this duty... I served on a funeral detail while stationed in Hawaii for a year and thought that was a tough job to get...but even the Marine Corps standards, which are astronomically high, dont compare to this specific MOS... Edit: another fact not mentioned here...the guards always carry their rifle on the shoulder closest to the crowd of people...as a show of respect of "protecting" the Unknowns. Semper Fi!!!

"Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God." ~Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Look over our nation and her people from above and protect her from those who wish to do us harm. Amen.

The least we can do for the unknown soldiers is respect as embedded in the honor guards. God bless

My utmost respect to the Tomb Guards! These guys are incredibly disciplined.

I wish some people had a fraction of discipline they had. One was stabbed accidentally & still kept his composure. God bless these men who dedicated their time to guard those who will never be known to us.

Never forget the soldiers who have fallen defending this tomb all over the world; on October 22 2014 Corporal Nathan Cerillo was shot twice while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Canada by a terrorist. He was killed. We continue to forget that these men and women regularly put themselves in a position to be taken advantage of. I have lots of respect for those who attain this privilege and everything should too.

I saw the changing of the guard 6 weeks before 9-11 and it helped solidify my convection to join the Army. I was 15 and enlisted at 17, yes my parents signed the forms, and hoped for infantry as i knew it would have made it easier to get into the old guard. My dream goal was to become a sentinel. Fate had it's way and I went into field artillery. I never gave up hope but it wasn't in the cards for me. It was the most moving ceremony I had ever witnessed and still is to this day.

My Cousin served as a Tomb Sentinel For many years (I believe his last walk was in 2012) he's always held that being a Tomb Sentinel was the thing he was proudest of in his service in the Army.

I was in the Old Guard, and it was the greatest experience I've had. Bravo 1/3, 3rd United States Infantry regiment.

It was my honor to serve with The Old Guard back in 1976-77 during the bicentennial year. We truly worked our asses off that year (76) with ceremonies nearly daily, in addition to our burial duties at Arlington. It was a wonderful experience for me, but I never even considered requesting tomb duty, way to much work and dedication. The Old Guard had many specialty Companies, the Commander In Chief's Guard which trained from the Manual used by the originator unit from the 1700's, the Casson Platoon which cared for the only horses still in active duty in the Army, including "Black Jack" who was the riderless horse from the JFK funeral, he passed away while I was there, I had the honor of working the sound system for his last birthday celebration, still have the napkin that they served the cake on, and at the honors given when he passed away.

Last summer I saw the changing of these guards, PRECISION of the event is a understatement...it's open to the public at Arlington National Cemetery...quite a site to behold..you never forget it.

My dad at the age of 81 had the honor of representing the Korean War soldiers & presenting the wreath. I knew it an important event for him, but never understood how truly significant it was until your explanation. He’s 87 now & is starting to lose memories, but still speaks about it with tears in his eyes

It’s a little ironic that the unknown soldier(s) is probably one of the best known soldier(s) in the world.

On RU-vid you can find a video of a standing guard and his weapon being inspected at the start of the vigil. What makes this one video different from the rest is that the inspecting sergeant while inspecting the rifle drops the inverted rifle onto the guards shoe. Naturally the bayonet pierces the guards shoe and foot and blood is seen. The wounded guard is seen to wince slightly but does not flinch. Absolutely amazing.

You did a great job on this video. Usually, when I click on these I expect lots of mistakes, but you nailed it. I was a member of the Old Guard (TOG) for four years. I did a TDY training at the TUS, but was never a sentinel. I feel so privileged to have walked the plaza at night, with pitch-dark ANC all around and the lights of Washington across the Potomac River. That, funerals, and Dover missions made it a very meaningful assignment.

The Old Guard is basically the U.S.A. equivalent of The Queens Guard in England with how ceremonial they are.

My grandpa was one of these guards. I never really knew how awesome it was.

8:00 This is because the "theatrics" are not for the entertainment of tourists, they are to show respect to all those who have died in war, and whose name was lost.

I was an MP at Ft. Myer (home of The Old Guard) between 92-94, I would stand gate duty at Henry Gate and I would watch these soldiers train to be Tomb Guards, and that was just training to be be allowed the chance to become a Tomb Guard, along with soldiers training for other ceremonial duties, and that is no joke. During all types of weather, these infantrymen would stand at attention and march around at Henry Gate. I have a lot of respect for them.

My father, who retired an Officer of the US Army is buried at Arlington. We witnessed the ceremony and it is impressive and very moving.

As a Marine, these are the most squared away Army guys and gals you’ll ever meet and have my respect. Was just there 12/15/21 and witnessed this amazing tour of duty honoring our Armed Forces.

I was in the Old Guard from 2007 to 2010, and while I wasn’t a Tomb Guard, the only thing I can add to this video is that you can actually lose your Tomb Guard badge after you’ve retired from the military for a criminal record.

Who even does this ? These guys are super-human. I love the smooth way the walk !!! Like they gliiiide. The way they turn is sooo smooth and perfect. Michael Jackson must have gone there when he was little. Never saw that smooth and exact calculated moves like they do. They are aaaamaaaaazing to see. They move me to pure tears, when i see these guys. This job is beyond hard to have ever.

Many people find this a waste. I cannot imagine how. This is the utmost respect for the fallen that cannot be otherwised known and honored they died for us. Whether in a war you do or do not agree with and there are many I disagree with but I disagree with the government not the solider they did what they thought was right and laid down their lives defending out countries. Drafted or not they showed up and fought. They deserve to be honored this is the most rigorous form of respect that can be paid. Right now no matter when you read this comment there is a man marching guarding and honoring those who died. I'm just twenty two years of age. I have no interest in joining the military nor do I enjoy our government but I really respect the troops. I think we all should. Despite if you agree with the war you should at least respect the men and women who accepted the risk to do what they believed was protecting their homeland. This is a high form of that respect and of all the bullshit my tax dollars have and will fund. At least it is going towards one thing that actually matters. Whoever said this is a waste I hope is not from this country.

Nope, I do not qualify.

I recently went on a school trip to Washington D.C. and saw a changing of the guard and it was amazing. Also I am truly and totally disgusted by the amount of disrespect in the comments.

I saw it once. Anyone wanting to hold elective audience should be made to watch it. Then walk the cemetary. To understand the costs of their actions.

The 'unmistakable, undefined qualities' are really simple for those of us who are veterans. We call it 'military bearing'. It's the ability to be unflappable in the performance of your duty, the ability to focus on the job at hand, and the outward and obvious appearance of you doing so. It is NOT 'being a robot' or a 'drone'. You can tell who has military bearing when you see a unit march, even those who do not have a ceremonial function. Do the privates respond well to orders and commands? Are the NCO's looking toward alignment and keeping their troops in hand? Is the formation leader [be it officer, NCO or enlisted man] clear with their orders, knowledgeable about when to give them, and aware of the surroundings of the formation as it goes down the street? This is just one of the outwards signs. There are more of them, and there really is an indescribable quality to it. And make no mistake, there's a lot of jackass soldiers who look good in formation but do not possess a military bearing otherwise.

81 years and not one second has past where the tomb was not guarded

when i watched the changing of the guard the guard on duty had to confront someone in the crowd, i don’t remember why, but everyone was terrified by it.

I like how he calls this weird, but on his video about the Queen's Guard he was all cool with it. Your British is showing Simon.

The holy sentinels of the fallen stand as the last wall, a wall of flesh cloth and steel, upon which all beseechers will be smashed, a wall untouched by time, uncaring to the weather and unyielding in it's mission. The sentinels guard the dead for the dead have already guarded the living.

I was on a base honor guard (air force), and every funeral we did was always humbling and honorable. We never grew complacent at it (i was on it for 2 years), so i can only imagine the honor it is to guard the unknowns

It was a great honor watching the ceremony take place two years ago when my high school lacrosse team took a trip up to the DC area. I will never forget seeing the white tombstones, JFK’s eternal flame, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Technically the "Old Guard" is not the oldest continuously serving unit in the U.S. Military. Although, it may be the oldest unit in the Regular Army. The oldest unit in the US Military is probably The First City Troop Philadelphia Cavalry (currently assigned to the Army National Guard). They deserve their own "Today I found out" - as they were utilized as Washington's personal bodyguard in the War of Independence.

Man, that is pretty damn interesting.

“Weird tradition”? I don’t think so.

I simply cannot describe the awe I feel for these men and the honor they uphold. Their dedication is unmatched in this nation.

One of the most beautiful and dignified traditions in the military. My hat’s off to you soldiers. Semper Fi from an old Marine.

All the time invested in preparation, from the year of training, the daily care of their uniforms to the strict behavior (on duty and off) is to show the Country's reverence to the Unknowns by ensuring the Sentinels are the ideal of perfection to military standards and dedication while on hallowed ground. It is a small price to pay in showing respect and honoring the fallen. The soldiers buried there deserve this and more.

I love how you can clearly see where the footprints have been in the same spots over the years...

God bless the Old Guard. "Of The Troops And For The Troops!"

I saw this about 15 years ago shortly before I deployed to Iraq. I swear the sergeant conducting the ceremony looked me in the eyes when he said to remain standing. Yeah, I was sitting when this went down. I was kinda embarrassed but of course I quickly jumped to my feet. Much respect for these people.

I was a Tomb Guard on the 3rd relief in the late 90’s. There are three reliefs that work rotating 24 hour shifts and are separated by height so that all the guards are as close to the same height as possible. One interesting fact is that because the shift is 24 hours at a time and the sentinels do not leave the tomb during that period, the door you see the guard come out of during the changing of the guard is a barracks with a small room with two bunk beds, a kitchenette, and living space where the rest of the personnel stay during the day. I am 5’11’ which is on the short side, therefore 3rd relief. I saw one comment about needing to have a waist small enough to fit the buff strap around...perhaps that is true, but when I was there, we had a Mat to place our belt, hat, and scabbard on. The rule was that our belt had to fit on the mat without hanging over the edge. At 19, I was much thinner than I am now. To have served in that post was an honor I will never forget. The most memorable moment for me personally was having my father witness my 21st walk, which is a big deal. He later gave me two photos, one of me sitting on his shoulders watching the changing of the guard sometime in the early 80’s and the other of me during my 21st walk.

Had two very good friends that served in the Old Guard. One of which was my squad leader at one point, and I can tell you that they are VERY keen on uniform appearance; even long after they’ve left the Old Guard.

God bless those soldiers. I’m just awed and taken aback by their dedication, their selflessness, giving themselves over to perform such a solemn, dare I even say Sacred duty.

Bonus fact: The tomb guard insignia is the second least awarded in the military. The only one more rare is “astronaut.”

The soldier who gave everything for everyone... but no one knows his name. Thank you for your service!

Was there this past May and witnessed the changing of the guard..will never forget it..very emotional

This is the only badge you earn in the Army that can be taken away from you for your after service conduct.

Also, I saw some comments related to why so few women had ever been sentinels. The reason is actually much simpler than one might think. Until 1997 or 1998 (can’t remember the exact date), the most basic requirement to become a Sentinel was to be assigned to the 3rd US Infantry Regiment. At the time I was there, no women could be in the infantry. The change that occurred was that duty as a Sentinel was opened up to the military Police unit at Ft. Meyer, then again expanded to include more units, if I remember correctly. I was at the tomb when the first woman became a Sentinel and she was from the Military Police unit. So, the reason so few women have been sentinels is really quite mundane as there have been very few people at all to be sentinels, but the pool from which women could apply for the duty was extremely small compared to men (easily hundreds of potential male applicants vs somewhere in the ballpark of dozens of women).

This was not the first such burial. The original graves were for an unknown/unidentified British person who died on a European battlefield during WW1, being buried in Westminster Abbey. At the same time, a French soldier was buried at the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France. Both were interred on 11 November, 1920 with the sight of the internment of the British soldier being named the grave of The Unknown Warrior, usually called The Tomb of The Unknown Warrior. The French internment is known as the La tombe du soldat inconnu (The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). These are the original graves to honour the unknown dead of any war. All such burial sights from all other countries are known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a few exceptions and with slight variations. One example is the Monument to the Unknown Sailor, in Ukraine. A few countries did bury unknown soldiers at earlier dates but it is only recently that they acquired the name of "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." The name in the United States has been changed to the Tomb of the Unknowns. Most of the conditions for the selection and the ceremonies attached to the processes of the U.S. Military originate from those laid down by the British Army and the U.S. just copied them, with minor changes. 'nuf sed

My dad's best friend from his tour in Vietnam was a member of the Tomb Guard on his very next posting after combat. I've never seen them myself but I have undying respect for them.

Served in honor guard company from 2008-2012, this video is spot on, my roommate in the barracks was a tomb guard, and trust me when I tell you this barely scratches the surface of what they put the guys through during training. “Our standard is perfection”

As an American, I'm a bit offended that a foreigner calls this a "weird" tradition.

The dedication required has made me exhausted just listening to it!

It's not a "Weird Tradition" it's called respect

My father met a few Old Guard soldiers while in the Navy. He spoke very highly of them. He said they were the sort of guys who would happily help anyone they could. He also said the most impressive person he ever met was a Tomb Guard. This was during the Vietnam War, and while talking to an off-duty Guard in Arlington, a hippie type came up, spat on the Guard's shoe, and said, "Good thing you're on this side of the river. Smells like baby killers out here." The Guard didn't say a word. He took off his sunglasses, and stared at him. My father said the look in that soldier's eyes was the single most intimidating thing he'd seen. Somehow, that civilian was utterly puny and worthless, and yet, he'd managed to piss off the biggest wolf in the deep, dark woods... (his words. The phrase "that's one bad mothafucka" was not widely used at that point) I think that, given just how hard it is to become a Guard, it attracts the sort of soldier that would rather call in artillery on himself than perform his duty in any way other than perfect, and woe be on you if you disrupt that perfection. It takes a very specific sort of obsession to be perfect at everything, every damn day, for months on end, while still maintaining the ability to go to active combat mode immediately. It sounds like taking a six-month break to go play hide-and-seek in Afghanistan would be relaxing in comparison!

I am a Merchant Marine my Salute is to them. Thank you.

Definitely not a weird tradition but a respectable one.

I've watched this ceremony at Arlington- very moving.

Don’t call The United States traditions weird that’s extremely rude, it’s to honor our fallen and give respect and show discipline

Absolutely perfect presentation ! As a former C Co. 3 US INF (TOG) soldier I thank you for your presentation.

wonder how many of these guards appreciate so soild crew..... Big respect for any one with this much discipline and dedicated.

Bonus Fact - As the Sentinel makes his turns at the end of the walk, he also shifts his weapon to the shoulder away from the Tomb.

This was my first duty station in 1984.

I keep thinking you're Michael from VSauce.

God Bless - OUR Veteran's - All of Them...Thank You, for Your Service...

I saw this changing of the guard done in August 1990. Still memorable. We were all sitting on the facing steps until the relief commander went through his remarks. I still remember the little pause: "...silent, ... and standing." Cadence is so important.

Your video is 98% accurate. Thank you for having more knowledge than the average Google search. - Sentinel 637

I was invited to apply in 1993 but my commander wouldn’t release me to apply. I always wonder if I could have cut it...the path not taken

First thought when seeing the title: ‘I don't remember there being any guards at the Arc de Triomphe’

My late father served as a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown during the Korean War era. But he never talked about it. He wasn't really an open, talkative person in general. Watching this helped me understand him a little better. Thank you very much for this video. Oh, he also could sleep standing up with his eyes open. ...I really miss him.

Doing a TON of studying getting ready for the centennial of WWI coming to an end. My perception of the Unknown Soldier has completely changed, and my respect for these guys has skyrocketed.

When I was in basic at ft. Benning myself and 3 other guys were asked if we wanted to join the old guard. I know you had to have a high ASVAB score be over 6 foot tall, have a good pt score and some other criteria that I can't recall because it was over 20 yrs ago. Those guys are high speed as fuck lol.

9:03 yo I went to muscle shoals middle school I didnt go on the trip because it was $2500 dollars but I remember seeing pictures of that in my school lol

One of my closest friends trained those guys for a couple years, and I can tell you that you are almost understating things.

What is weird is that other countries do not show respect and appreciation for the men who paid the highest price, God Bless America!!!

I remember watching the changing of the guard with my dad when we were in D.C. it was amazing. I saw it when I was a kid but watching it as a high school graduate really meant more to me.

As a former royal guard I think everyone of us who's stood ceremonial guard knows how painful it can be at times. Still today 14 years after I stood there I sometimes get flashbacks to how sore my feet, back and shoulders were when I think I've stood for long in comfy civilian clothes. However, as a member of another country's army I can't let it all pass without a little jab. Sunglasses and a rubber mat, that sounds luxurious. All I had was cobble stone to stand on and sun in my eyes.

Fun fact, the March is the hardest part as you must appear to float or glide. That alone takes exacting precision.

I wonder what happens when the tomb of the unknown is attacked

One of the most humbling things to see in person.

Just to let you know.... I'm a US Army veteran. I was a mechanic 63B20. E5. One of my AIT comrades was slated for the Old Guard. And I will tell you right here and now. Do not fuck with the Old Guard. Every living Veteran and Serving Member of the US Armed Forces will come for you. The Old Guard are Sacred. I'll bleed for them or kill for them. They are the ones that defend our Holy Ground. And If you can't understand that, You deserve what you are asking for.

American version of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. Very impressive.

Somehow i never realized the tomb guards were army. I always thought they were marines.

Thank you but you forgot the weapon never faces the tomb.

it is not weird !!! this the most respect another soldier and nation can give to a fallen soldier no matter what country he was from !!!!

These guys are not just the face of the Army, they are the face of the US military as a whole for the most part. So yes they are expected to be the best people and soldiers we have to offer. Embassy guards are also held to very high standards.

I would just like to say that when you refer to "theatrics" of tomb guards duty, the "theatrics" are anything but. You don't stop respectably carrying on the ceremonious duty just because people stop watching. The soldiers of the 3rd take it serious because those unknowns fought and died for the freedoms and rights of the people of the USA, and more importantly their brothers in arms to their right and left. It is the very least that the military can do to honor them by guarding the tomb. This is something everyone who'd ever served would agree with I think. Just because most people have no idea of honor, duty, or respect today doesn't mean we stop our traditions. You cant explain the bond that is formed in the miltary to the people around you, this is one way of expressing it and honoring it. I hope this makes sense.

My grandfather was a guard, incredible.

Hmmm, feel a little ignorant now... the title of this video was enough for me to watch it as tbh I’d never heard of this. Guess they’re just like our Queens guard in the UK. Interesting video

My cousins husband a command sgt major was the enlisted top N.C.O. of the detail for a tour of duty at the Tomb of the Unknowns he was and still is very proud of when he preformed this duty and always made sure the men under his command were the very best in their performance of duty at all time and presented the best example they could plus he’s a Iraq war vet which makes him a hell of a leader because he would never ask his men to do anything that he couldn’t or wouldn’t neither.

Basically you volunteer, pass 3 test outs, and get your badge. It's a lot of work, especially your shoes. I spent probably 15 hours shining my shoes, only to have my relief commander, SSG Lanier, toss them across the room. My entire soul was crushed 😂