Army Origins
When was the U.S. Army established?
→ 14 June 1775
What is the official mission of The Old Guard?
→ Memorial affairs, funerals, ceremonial duties
When was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier established?
→ 1921, after WWI
What year did the War Department create District of Washington HQ (Ft. Washington, Ft. Hunt, DC, Ft. Myer)?
1921
1966 – Where did MDW HQ move?
→ Fort Lesley J. McNair
Who is considered the “Father of the Army”?
→ General George Washington
What is the motto of The Old Guard?
→ “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not)
What unit is responsible for guarding the Tomb?
→ 3rd U.S. Infantry (Old Guard), Tomb Guard Platoon
What unit was formed by order of Gen. Pershing?
→ U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in 1922
1978 – What was unique about women in ceremonies?
→ Women recruited for White House joint honors
What is the Army’s oldest active Infantry regiment?
→ 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
What is the most recognized mission of The Old Guard?
→ Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
What is unique about the Tomb Guard badge?
→ Second least-awarded badge in Army
What year was the command for Military District of Washington (MDW) created in WWII?
1942
1987 – What support was transferred from USAMDW?
→ Pentagon daily ops
What is the Army’s official song?
→ “The Army Goes Rolling Along”
Where is The Old Guard garrisoned?
→ Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, Arlington, VA
What year was the Old Guard reactivated and assigned to MDW?
1948
Battery X in 1942 is known as...
“Battery X” (WAACs, antiaircraft artillery training); women's unit was formed in 1942
1993 – What change occurred to USAMDW posts?
→ Expanded from 4 posts to 8 posts
What is the oldest Army branch?
→ Infantry
What special platoon does The Old Guard maintain?
→ Caisson Platoon, X..
What year did USAMDW no longer manages ops, still guards Tomb/funerals as it relates to ANC?
2010
In 1960 what ceremonial music unit was founded?
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
2001 – What role did Old Guard play after 9/11?
→ Support at Pentagon; Engineer Co. helped rescue/recovery
What are the Army’s official colors?
→ Black and Gold
What does the Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment symbolize?
→ Commitment to tradition, honor, respect
What does a Sentinel’s 21 steps symbolize?
→ 21-gun salute, highest military honor
1961 – What ceremony was revived?
Twilight Tattoo
2002 – Why did USAMDW change mission focus?
→ Garrison mgmt moved to IMA, focused on defense/ceremonies
What is the Army motto?
→ “This We’ll Defend”
Who is the Old Guard’s official ceremonial music unit?
→ The Fife and Drum Corps (est. 1960)
How often do Sentinels change guard?
→ Every 30 minutes in summer, 1 hour in winter, 2 hours overnight
1971 – MDW redesignated as?
→ U.S. Army Military District of Washington (USAMDW)
2021 – What did JFHQ-NCR become?
→ Joint Task Force–National Capital Region (JTF-NCR)
What do the 13 stripes on the U.S. flag represent?
→ 13 original colonies
What is Twilight Tattoo?
A public military pageant with music and drill by The Old Guard
Since what year has the Tomb been guarded 24/7?
→ 1948
1980 – What cemetery responsibility given to USAMDW?
→ Admin/daily ops of Arlington National Cemetery
Current subordinate commands of USAMDW?
→ Army Aviation Brigade, Old Guard, Pershing’s Own, Army Field Band, Army Transportation Agency
What do the stars on the U.S. flag represent?
→ 50 states
What Army band is attached to The Old Guard?
→ “Pershing’s Own”
What war’s Soldier is represented by the first Unknown?
→ World War I
1997 – What installation joined USAMDW?
→ Fort Hamilton, NY
Current senior commander responsibilities?
→ JBM-HH, Fort Meade, Fort Belvoir, Fort Walker, + 3 agencies
When is the Army’s birthday celebrated?
→ 14 June every year
Who does The Old Guard serve as official escort to?
→ The President of the United States
What does the Tomb of the Unknown symbolize?
→ All unidentified U.S. service members who gave their lives
2004 – What joint HQ role did USAMDW assume?
→ Army component of JFHQ-NCR
What is the significance of The Old Guard after 200 years?
→ Represents Army traditions, honors the fallen, supports the nation’s leaders