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TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS 

TOMB  OF  THE  UNKNOWNS
 Submitted by Thomas Louderback
from Washington State

The following information was sent to me my my daughter, Danee Delapp,
who received it from a friend over the internet.  I am not sure who created it, but I hope you enjoy it.  
TL

On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was, 'How many steps does the guard take
during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns?' ------  All three missed it --- EC

This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance .  Very fascinating.

1.  How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the 
tomb  of the Unknowns and why?  
 
He takes 21 steps.  Why 21?  Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the
highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.

2. How long does he hesitate as he executes the turn to begin his
return walk and why? 
 
The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb,
turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds,
then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. 
Why?  For the reason given in the first answer.

3. Why are his gloves moistened? 
 
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? 
 
No.  After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp 'shoulder-arms' movement
 to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to
signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat.

5. How often are the guards changed? 
 
 The guard is changed every hour on the hour Oct. 1 to March 31 in an elaborate ritual.
From April 1 through September 30, there are more than double the opportunities
to view the change because another change is added on the half hour
and the cemetery closing time moves from 5 to 7 p.m.

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.' 

Duty time when not 'walking' is spent in the Tomb Guard Quarters below the
Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater where they
study Cemetery 'knowledge,' clean their weapons and help the rest of their
relief prepare for the Changing of the Guard.
The guards also train on their days off. 

All of the training takes place at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC).
Soldiers selected as Tomb Sentinels are assigned full time.
Their training takes up to eight months to complete. 

Once the sentinel has completed his or her training, he or she is
examined formally for proficiency in performing the duties and in knowledge of ANC.
He or she must first pass a written examination of 100 questions about ANC
and then be evaluated on proficiency in keeping watch at the Tomb of the Unknowns. 

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge will be authorized
by the Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion (Reinforced), 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard),
for wear by each member of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
during their assignment to that duty.  It is only a temporary award, initially.

After the training and succesful completion of the exam, the soldier is officially awarded 
the Tomb Guard's Badge at a ceremony presided over by the company commander,
and the award becomes a permanent badge, which may then be worn
for the rest of the soldier's military career.
The silver badge is an upside-down, laurel-leaf wreath surrounding
a depiction of the front face of the Tomb.  Peace, Victory and Valor
are portrayed as Greek figures. The words 'Honor Guard' are shown
below the Tomb on the badge. The Badge is one of the Army's
higher honors and can be taken away from the soldier if he or she
does not continue to maintain the highest military standards. 

      The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole
and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand so that his back
is straight and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the
Sentinel can 'roll' on the outside of the build up as he walks down the mat.
This allows him to move in a fluid fashion. If he does this correctly,
his hat and bayonet will appear to not 'bob' up and down with each step.
It gives him a more formal and smooth look to his walk,
rather than a 'marching' appearance.
 
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a 'horseshoe' steel plate on the heel.
This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly
during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
 
Then there is the 'clicker'. It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face
of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to click his heels
during certain movements. If a guard change is really hot, it is called a
'smoker' because all the heel clicks fall together and sound like one click.
In fact, the guard change is occasionally done in the 'silent' mode
(as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns').  No voice commands - every thing
is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror. 
 
Off duty time is spent studying ANC history and 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 
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.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. 
  
Do the Tomb Guards protect the Tomb in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?

YES, BUT the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier
is never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready
to be executed IF the weather conditions EVER place the Soldiers at risk
of injury or death -- such as lightning, high winds, etc.
This ensures that Sentinels can maintain the Tomb Guard responsibilities
while ensuring soldier safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command
from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander
to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 
24/7, since 1937.   

May God Bless and Keep Them.

The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly
motivated and are proud to honor all
American service members who are 'Known But to God.'

00000000000

I don't usually suggest that many emails be forwarded, but I'd be 
very proud if this one reached as many as possible. We can be very proud 
of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

TL

Note: Content was edited June 8, 2007 to update the information
proveded on this page.  Our desire here is to honor both 'The Unknowns'
and the members of 'The Old Guard' who stand watch at 'The Tomb.'

Ken Louderback,  Editor

Sources:

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/sentinelsotu.html
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/sentineltraining.html
http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Badges/Guard,%20Tomb%20of%20the%20Unknown.htm
http://www.tombguard.org/FAQ.html#Is%20it%20true%20they%20cannot%20swear%20in%20public%20for%20the%20rest%20of%20their%20lives?