Character Series 1: Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

It is a great honor, a cherished duty, and an arduous process to be a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Having good character is critical in view of what’s happening in our world all around us. All you have to do is experience it for yourself, then read the headlines, and view online videos or broadcast media to see how parts of our society are crumbling and crashing. There is growing consensus that character development and its focus on personal value has surely gone by the wayside. Instead, the importance of a good character is seen as increasingly being replaced by an obsession for social media influence and fame, raw ambitions for wealth and power, hedonism, depravity, hate-filled protests and destructive riots, vulgar behaviors, out of control crime, rampant drug use, and general immorality. Who isn’t sick of the adverse affect it somehow has on us?

Then, there appears to be an explosion of narcissism and entitlement, not just among celebrities and the rich and powerful, but affecting regular people— a self-absorption and self-centeredness unlike anything compared to decades ago. The sweet innocence of the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Father Knows Best, the Andy Griffith show and others like it on TV in the early 1960s are long gone. The many good and decent people still among us feel that there’s been a moral shift and a decay of Biblical proportions filtering throughout our culture that’s becoming an expanding wasteland for bygone principles, goodness and ethics.

Character is defined as to how one’s habits, motives, thoughts, beliefs, feelings and actions relate to all aspects of morality, particularly as it concerns integrity. It is often thought of as your moral self, your lifestyle, and your right-and-wrong and good-and-bad compass. It’s one’s “upright structure” built through virtuous, honorable, and decent behavior, especially toward others. Roger Babson, an American entrepreneur, economist and founder of Babson College noted, “A character standard is far more important than even a gold standard. The success of all economic systems is still dependent upon both righteous leaders and righteous people. In the last analysis, our national future depends upon our national character—that is, whether it is spiritually or materially minded.”

This article, the first of many on character that will be adapted into my new book, highlights a group of special, elite people who have the type of substantive character—with its positive traits—that we desperately need more of at home, at work and in our society at large.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

The Cemetery and Tomb

Overlooking the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C. from its hilltop perch, Arlington National Cemetery is located on the splendid west bank of the Potomac River. This revered national landmark is the U.S.’s largest and most important military cemetery. There are over 25 funerals conducted each weekday. Nearly 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres in Arlington County, Virginia. There are over 4,000 other unknowns buried at Arlington National Cemetery, from the Civil War through the 20th century. Both the Cemetery and Tomb are considered hallowed ground. The Cemetery contains several memorials and burial sites of well-known individuals.

The Tomb Guards (also called Sentinels) must be able to know who they are and their locations within the cemetery. They include such resting places as those of George C. Marshall, President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline, in addition to brothers Robert and Edward. Other significant sites include those of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, astronaut and Senator John Glenn, Combat veterans and actors Lee Marvin and Charles Durning, several Tuskegee airmen, seven Shuttle Challenger astronauts, boxing legend Joe Lewis and more people of stature and renown. Right before each Memorial Day celebration of honor, members of the Old Guard adorn the entire cemetery by placing a quarter of a million small American flags at each headstone.

WWII’s most decorated soldier Audie Murphy, from Texas, who enlisted in the Army at the age of 16, is buried there. After the war, he had a successful 21-year acting career, making more than 40 movies, many starring in Westerns, playing the good guy. Unfortunately, he was fraught with money problems during his last few years. Yet, as a result of his character, he outright refused lucrative offers to appear in cigarette and alcohol commercials as he did not want to set a bad example for others. Sadly, he died in a plane crash in 1971 at the early age of 45. After visiting Arlington National Cemetery shortly after the war, Audie Murphy, who also wrote songs, penned a fitting and fervent (untitled) poem in 1948:

“Alone and far removed from earthly care, The noble ruins of men lie buried here. You were strong men, good men, Endowed with youth and much the will to live. I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead, They rest, there is no more left to give.”

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier exemplifies valor and honor by remembering those who died committing brave and selfless acts with no one to bear witness to them. It is a white marble, neoclassical sarcophagus that majestically sits atop a hill, overlooking Washington D.C. in Arlington National Cemetery that is maintained by the United States Army. Since 1921, the tomb was a final resting place for one of America’s World War I unidentified service members. The Unknown Soldier from World War I lies underneath the large sarcophagus while World War II and Korean War unidentified service members lie in two crypts in front of the sarcophagus.

An empty third crypt represents missing service members from Vietnam. Therefore, the Tomb represents all dead American military who have no known grave. Because the person is unknown, he represents the thousands of dead and missing and the thousands of family members who don’t know. All the unknown soldiers were awarded the highest military honor one can receive — the Medal of Honor — to enable Tomb Guards to wear any medals they have rightfully earned so as to not “out medal” the unknowns. The sarcophagus is decorated with three wreaths on each of the south and north panels. On the front that faces Washington D.C., are three Greek figures that represent Peace, Victory and Valor. The west (back) panel in the center is inscribed: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

Soldiers from nearby Fort Myer in March 1926 were first assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Present only during daylight hours, they discouraged visitors from climbing, stepping or otherwise dishonoring the Tomb. In 1937, Guards became a 24/7 presence all year long, standing watch over the Unknown Soldier at all times. The need for a Guard is first and foremost to protect the site, secondly to properly honor the dead.

The Tomb also serves as a place of mourning and a symbol for reflection and memory on the sacrifice of military service. While a vast majority of people visiting are quiet, reverent and respectful, those in attendance are surprised at a rare few who are apathetic, disrespectful, inconsiderate and even rude at the Tomb and inside the Cemetery. The Guards, who will not tolerate bad behaviors, will chastise them if they are.

Impressive Military Professionals of Character

If you had the special opportunity to experience the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—at Arlington National Cemetery’s most iconic Memorial—it would deeply etch in your memory these awe-inspiring U.S. Army soldiers. Seeing their gravitas, precision movements, extraordinary bearing and meticulous appearance as they guard and walk the Tomb is truly something to behold. It’s a serious role brimming with pomp and circumstance of the highest order.

There are no pictures or words to fully and accurately describe the dedication that these consummate guardians have for their duty. People from all over the world are captivated and held spellbound by their demonstration of performance excellence. Guards are rare men and women who exhibit a deep, strong character of dedication, distinction and duty. They’re extraordinarily disciplined with high moral standards. We can learn much about upright and noble character traits and behaviors from them.

Soldiers who guard the tomb are volunteers in three ways: They volunteer to serve in the Army, in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment and then as Tomb Guards of Company E. Tomb Guards provide a 24-hour watch regardless of inclement weather. In addition to their esteemed ceremonial patrol around the tomb, they give visitors information when off duty and prevent anyone from disrespecting or desecrating the Tomb. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, headquartered at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia, is called the “Old Guard” because it is the oldest active duty infantry unit in the entire U.S. Military, serving since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president. It also will provide security for Washington, D.C., in the event of civil disturbance or national emergency.

These imposing soldiers perform many duties including performing as a distinguished Caisson Platoon. They have the exceptional honor of carrying a comrade for his last ride to Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is a quiet, somber place of respect, reverence and deep pride. It can also be quite saddening, knowing the ultimate price paid by so many, especially by those whose lives were cut short in their youth. There, six horses with a solemn dignity, pull a flag-draped casket on a black artillery caisson. Both soldiers and horses are always conscious and sensitive to the fact that this is no ordinary ride through to a burial. Sharply-dressed soldiers and their stately-looking horses constantly train for this duty. It is a venerable sight to behold. There are some soldiers who participated in 500 or more full-honor military funerals as a member of D company. The Regiment’s motto is taken from the Sentinels Creed: “My standard will remain perfection.” Their performance echoes that.

“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.” – Thomas Paine

The Old Guard also consists of the Continental Color Guard, the Fife and Drum Corps, the Presidential Salute Battery, and the U.S. Army Drill Team. While all these soldiers in these ceremonial functions are impeccably and consummately professional, the Tomb Guards are considered the best of the best. It’s a gross understatement to say it is a special honor and one of the highest accolades to be chosen as a Sentinel. The Old Guard annually participates in more than 6,000 ceremonies, averaging 16 per day. These soldiers don’t just represent themselves, but are a reflection of the whole U.S. military and a thankful nation. They feel it is a privilege to honor those who have most honorably served and paid the ultimate price.

“Character is power.” – Booker T. Washington

Stringent Requirements and Training

Becoming an elite Tomb Guard is extremely tough because The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has specific rules of eligibility with intensive and extensive training requirements as explained by the Society of the Honor Guard. Physically, males need to be 5’10” (1.78 m) tall and 5’8” (1.73m) for females. They need to be in superb physical condition and have an unblemished military record. Women can be Tomb Guards as multiple ones have served in the past decades. When soldiers volunteer to be a Tomb Guard by applying through the Sergeant of the Guard, they are thoroughly scrutinized and vetted for high moral character, excellent military bearing and demeanor, and sharp soldierly appearance and presence. Guards are trim and in excellent physical condition, many having a pronounced, imposing V-shape back (from shoulders to slim waist).

The selection process is exhaustive. Applicants must first go through an interview and a 2-week trial period. During this first test and training phase, they must memorize a seven page history of the Arlington National Cemetery and then recite it exactly word-for-word in order to earn a “walk.” After the two week trial, vigorous guard training starts that lasts 6-12 months and includes five grueling and progressive tests. All new guards receive basic instructions on preparation of uniform and the sequence of the walk.

They take behavioral assessments and get other information. Then they are tested on everything they learned (which is a lot) in that short time period to see if they are allowed to continue. Make no mistake about it‚ no one will set foot near the Tomb until they are judged fully ready. The Guards and others in the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) use a fully functional M14 rifle — in first-rate appearance and condition — that is the standard ceremonial weapon used.

“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” – Bruce Lee

Many don’t even get past the application part. It’s no wonder than less than 10 percent of men and women who volunteer for this most honored duty pass all the comprehensive requirements during training to become Sentinels. If they make the grade, on average, they serve an 18-month tour at the Tomb. They simply do not aim to just “meet” the standards or requirements, however tough and strict they are. Instead, they strive to exceed them with excellence, on the way to faultless, over-the-top perfection.

If the applicant gets past the first phase of training, “new soldier” training starts. They learn the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the grave locations of almost 300 veterans and famous people. They are schooled in the changing of the guard ceremony, the manual of arms and exact ways to maintain their uniforms and weapons in immaculate condition and appearance. The average time to get through training is 7-8 months, though the quickest was 4 months.

The new Guards are given 12-hour duty days plus homework. They are immersed in study. They can’t watch TV, talk to other guards unless spoken to, but can ask questions regarding training. They can’t even acknowledge jokes told in their quarters. With over 200 inspection points, they may have no major infractions and only 2 minor ones.

The Guards have to pass specific tests (with “flying colors”) to rightfully earn the privilege of wearing the coveted (heavy sterling silver) Tomb Guard Identification Badge. They are tested on their walks, quality of uniform preparation and manual of arms proficiency. Then they take their badge test composed of 100 randomly chosen questions from the 300 items they had to memorize during training. They must get more than 95 percent correct to pass. It becomes a temporary award until the badge-holding sentinel has honorably served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months. Earning the badge is an extraordinary symbol of pride, exclusivity, and achievement as it is the third least awarded badge in the entire US Military, after the Military Horseman Identification Badge and the Astronaut Badge. As of March 2024 only 864 soldiers have been awarded this privileged badge.

“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.” – Zig Ziglar

Guards Preparation and Routine

There’s a Latin saying, “Amat Victoria Curam” that says “Victory loves preparation.” Any type of endeavor that brings on success and supreme professionalism requires meticulous planning, organization, and preparation. That definitely applies to Sentinels. When you see them on duty, their uniforms, weapons and overall appearance are flawless and visually outstanding. For new guards, it takes about 12 hours to prepare their uniform to get it in perfect shape. For seasoned Sentinels, it might only take 5-6 hours.

They have to first painstakingly inspect and then clean, iron and often steam all of their uniform items and spit-shine their shoes using Kiwi shoe polish to have them look just like new patent leather ones. All fittings and medals are cleaned or polished to a bright shine. The longest and most difficult parts involve ensuring that the uniform accoutrements (pins, ribbons, fittings, buckles and other items) are cleaned and polished and put in their precise place. The ribbon rack and pins must be within a scant 1/64th of an inch (0.396 mm) in their location!

When on duty, each action of the Tomb Guard’s precise and choreographed routine has an important symbolic meaning. Their aim is doing 72 beats per minute cadence, once their foot is placed on the black walking mat. The Guard distinctly marches down the mat behind the tomb using exactly 21 steps, turns and then faces east for 21 seconds, then turns and faces north for 21 seconds and takes 21 steps down the mat on the ground. Next, the Guard executes a sharp “shoulder-arms” movement that places his/her weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors. This signifies that the Guard is standing between the Tomb and any possible disturbance or threat. The number 21 stands for the highest military honor rendered that can be bestowed — the 21-gun salute. The Guards do not wear rank on their uniform as they cannot outrank the unknown soldiers since we don’t know what rank they were.

The Army’s 1st General Order states, “I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.” The Tomb Guards take that much further. Regardless of extreme weather, these guards are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Regardless of cold or heat, heavy rain, snow, sleet, high winds, hail or or other adverse conditions, the Guards are still expected to be out there and do the same job to the same level of proficiency and professionalism. ABC News covered the story of Tomb Guards maintaining their full duty even during Hurricane Sandy, an extremely large and destructive Category 3 one back in October 2012. However, if local conditions are deemed dangerous and deadly, guards will be called into shelter.

“The qualities of a great man are vision, integrity, courage, understanding, the power of articulation, and profundity of character. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

The Sentinel Creed

A creed is a set of fundamental beliefs, principles, and aims that guide someone's actions and behavior. It’s from the Latin word credo translated into “I believe” and from credere meaning "to believe, trust, entrust.” The honor guards at the Tomb have such a venerated creed that they strive to uphold and honor:

“My dedication to this sacred duty is total and whole-hearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance, my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect, his bravery that made us proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.”

Lauded Characteristics and Traits

You can tell a lot about a person from their appearance, how they act, speak and what presence, charisma, gravitas and personality they genuinely and solidly project. The commonly used military term “squared away” denotes an elevated level of expertise in planning, organizing, preparing and executing one’s duties and assignments. They are competent in their job, have a high measure of situational awareness and are ready for any possible upcoming challenges. Tomb Guards are the quintessential squared away professionals. People who experience seeing Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier might attribute some mix of positive character qualities to them from the following:

Accountable…. Alert …. Attitude…. Brave.… Bold…. Capable…. Caring…. Confident…. Committed…. Conscientious…. Cooperative…. Dedicated…. Dependable…. Determined… Dignified…. Diligent… .Ernest…. Ethical…. Faithful…. Fastidious…. Focused…. Graceful…. Grounded…. Hard-working…. Heroic…. High-Integrity…. Keen…. Knightly…. Loyal…. Meritorious…. Methodical…. Meticulous…. Moral…. Motivated…. Noble…. Organized…. Optimistic…. Patriotic…. Persevering…. Persistent…. Poised…. Professional…. Punctual…. Reliable…. Respectful…. Responsible…. Sacrifice… Self-assured…. Self-disciplined…. Selfless…. Strong…. Tenacious…. Trustworthy…. Thorough…. Unwavering…. Virtuous…. Watchful

Character is built on qualities like those just listed and more. Being a Tomb Guard is not a job—it’s a humbling, life-changing experience and lifestyle. Tomb Guards have said that their perspectives on many things have been enlightened and sharpened as it has transformed them and their character—much for the better. After Guards dutifully serve their 12-18 months, they take what they have learned and developed to apply them to new arenas.

Guards have gone on to be successful business leaders, to serve in elite military combat units such as Special Forces, Delta Force, and Army Rangers. Some became helicopter pilots or commissioned officers. Regardless of their future endeavors, they continued to be people of exemplary character and models of good, decent citizens who add skills, substance, and value that impacts their organizations and society as a whole.

How would you like to have someone in your organization as a leader or individual contributor who has razor-sharpened their work ethics, skills, attitudes, principles and abilities, all of which would make a huge difference to any job or activity to which they participated? The Ancient Greek dramatist Euripides aptly said, “Character is a stamp of good repute on a person."

In summary, regarding character and its development and outward display, we have much to learn and admire from these adept and honorable Tomb Guards and their fellow soldiers from the Old Guard Regiment.

“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” – Charles Spurgeon

About the Author

Ray Anthony is the Chief “Innovader” in The Woodlands, Texas, USA. He is the author of 9 books and over 100 articles on strategy, innovation, leadership, creativity, sales, presentation skills and other key business topics. His vanguard book, Innovative Presentations for Dummies (Wiley Publishing) shows how to powerfully reimagine, reinvent, and remake presentations that win against the toughest odds. Ray is a dynamic keynote speaker, executive coach, program developer, corporate trainer, and creative who has worked with numerous Fortune 500 corporations and elite U.S. government agencies (CIA, NASA and USSOCOM) to help improve their operational performance and results through creativity and innovation. He served as an NCO in an Armored Calvary Unit in the Army National Guard.

He can be reached at Innovader@me.com or cell: 832-594-4747.