3D U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT (THE OLD GUARD)
The 3d US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conducts memorial affairs to honor our fallen comrades and ceremonies and special events to represent the Army, communicating its story to our Nation’s citizens and the world. On order, conducts defense support of civil authorities.
Click HERE for Old Guard Fact Sheet
Click HERE for Firing Party Fact Sheet
CAISSON PLATOON
Soldiers of the Caisson Platoon render final honors to our fallen comrades in Arlington National Cemetery. One of the oldest and most evocative of military traditions in a full honor funeral is that of the (riderless) caparisoned horse. The horse is led behind the caisson wearing an empty saddle with the rider's boots reversed in the stirrups indicating the warring will never ride again.
Click HERE for Caisson fact sheet.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S GUARD
The Commander-in-Chief's (CinC) Guard are members of Company A, 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment fashioned after Gen. George Washington's Continental Army. The CinC Guard wear Revolutionary War-era uniforms and demonstrate the weapons and tactics of the time.
Click HERE for CinC Guard fact sheet.
CONTINENTAL COLOR GUARD
The Continental Color Guard (CCG) is comprised of a five man unit including two armed guards and three color ensigns, who carry the National Colors, the U.S. Army Colors and the Colors of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The uniforms worn by the Color Team are replicas of the 1784-style infantry uniforms worn by The Old Guard's predecessor, the First American Regiment (George Washington's original unit). The pattern of the uniform for wear by all infantry units of the Continental Army was approved by General George Washington in 1782.
Click HERE for CCG fact sheet.
FIFE AND DRUM CORPS
The Fife and Drum Corps (FDC) provides musical support for Joint and Army Ceremonies to enhance and improve mission readiness. Showcase the professionalism of the US Army, enhance morale, and revive America's musical heritage across the Nation and around the world through participation in military, community relations and recruiting events. On order, support contingency operations as required by local Standing Operating Procedures.
PRESIDENTIAL SALUTE BATTERY
The Salute Guns Platoon (or PSB) is responsible for rendering honors to visiting foreign dignitaries at the White House, the Pentagon and elsewhere in the Washington D.C. area. The Platoon also fires final salutes during many funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. The platoon is equipped with eight 3-inch anti-tank guns of World War II vintage, mounted on a 105mm Howitzer chassis.
Click HERE for PSB fact sheet.
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Since 1948, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (TUS) has been guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in any weather by Tomb Guard Sentinels of The Old Guard. The precision of this elite platoon is witnessed by over 3 million visitors a year who come to watch the changing of the guard at the TUS. Since its creation in 1958, fewer than 600 Tomb Guard Badges have been awarded, making this the Army's least awarded and hardest to earn qualification badge.
Click HERE for TUS fact sheet.
UNITED STATES ARMY DRILL TEAM
The U.S. Army Drill Team (USADT), on of the 3d U.S. Infantry's renowned speciality units, has earned international acclaim through its breathtaking routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. When not performing for the President or visiting dignitaries, the Drill Team acts as "good-will ambassadors" for the Army and participates in major military and civic functions.
Click HERE for USADT fact sheet.