The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is the U.S. Army’s official ceremonial regiment, responsible for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, supporting state arrivals and presidential funerals, and providing security and ceremonial presence at Arlington National Cemetery. As one of the oldest active infantry regiments in the Regular Army, it combines historic public duties with modern force protection and security operations. This profile outlines its core missions, lineage, notable engagements, and the standards that sustain its unique dual role in ceremony and defense.
Primary Missions and Ceremonial Duties
The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment executes three core responsibilities: ceremonial public duties, security and law enforcement, and wartime readiness. As the Department of the Army’s ceremonial unit, it performs guard changes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, maintains the U.S. President’s Foot Guard, participates in state funerals and full-honors burials at Arlington National Cemetery, and supports dignitary visits and national special events. Its security battalions provide law enforcement and protective services across Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall and Fort Myer, while its infantry companies maintain combat readiness to deploy in support of contingency operations. This blend of visible ceremonial presence and behind-the-scenes security distinguishes the regiment’s enduring public-service mission.
Historic Origins and Lineage
Constituted in 1791 and re-designated in 1796 as the 3rd Sub-Legion, the unit traces its lineage to campaigns against American Indian nations in the Northwest Territory. It earned the nickname “The Old Guard” during the War of 1812 for steadfast service in critical engagements. Over successive reorganizations, it became a regiment of infantry in 1815 and has remained on active duty longer than any other Regular Army infantry regiment. Its long institutional memory informs today’s ceremonial precision and professional standards, linking historic battlefield performance to modern public duties.
Key Historical Highlights
- Northwest Indian War campaigns in the late 1700s established its early reputation for reliability.
- War of 1812 actions, including the defense of Washington and engagements at Bladensburg and North Point, earned lasting recognition.
- Continuous service since 1791 makes it one of the most historically continuous units in the U.S. Army.
Notable Engagements and Recognition
While best known for its peacetime ceremonial role, the regiment has a combat record spanning nearly two centuries. Its soldiers have earned campaign credit and awards in conflicts from the War of 1812 through the Global War on Terrorism. Unit honors include multiple campaign streamers and prestigious awards recognizing discipline and valor under fire. This combination of battlefield legacy and public-service excellence sustains high esprit de corps and institutional pride.
Ceremonial Standards and Training
Members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment adhere to exacting standards in drill, uniform care, and military deportment. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is one of the most selective awards in the Army, requiring months of training and flawless performance under scrutiny. Uniforms are meticulously maintained, rifles are immaculate, and formations are executed with precision at every state arrival, funeral, and public ceremony. This visible excellence reinforces public trust in the Army and in the institutions the regiment represents.
Organization and Modern Structure
The regiment is organized into a headquarters company, multiple ceremonial line companies, a dedicated security battalion, and specialized units including the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon and the Continental Army Plaza sentry force. Its structure supports simultaneous execution of full-honors burials, sentry posts at Arlington, and internal law-enforcement missions across its jurisdictional footprint. Modernization initiatives have enhanced communications, protective equipment, and training while preserving time-honored ceremonial traditions.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Ceremonial public duties and security support | Official U.S. Army description |
| Key Site | Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery | Regimental public affairs |
| Notable Missions | State arrivals, presidential funerals, full-honors burials | Department of Defense fact sheets |
| Lineage | Constituted 1791; nickname earned in War of 1812 | Regimental lineage records |
| Training Highlight | Tomb Guard Identification Badge selection process | Regimental training protocols |
Relationship with Arlington and the Military Community
The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment operates from Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall and Fort Myer, embedding its presence in the Arlington community. It provides honor guards for interments at Arlington National Cemetery, collaborates with the Army Band, and coordinates closely with the Military District of Washington on ceremonial timing and security. Its law enforcement elements work alongside Pentagon Force Protection Agency personnel to ensure safety at high-profile sites, making it a linchpin of regional defense and ceremonial coordination.
Public Engagement and Legacy
Through open-house events, carefully managed public ceremonies, and media coverage of state funerals and Tomb Guard changes, the regiment maintains a visible connection with citizens. Public trust is cultivated by unwavering attention to detail, respectful conduct at gravesides, and professional representation during national broadcasts. This legacy of service, discipline, and dignity continues to attract soldiers who value tradition while contributing to contemporary security and ceremonial operations.