By YM/PFC Anubis Rodriguez PFC. Bruce W. Carter (FL) Twenty one. That’s the number of steps taken to walk across the tomb by the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It’s also the amount of seconds that the guard will face the tomb. This number also symbolises the 21 gun salute, the highest honor given to a soldier in the United States, or any other soldier of any foreign military establishment. This is the salute that has been giv- en to the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery when he was laid to rest. This number is a legacy at Arling- ton. The guards at the Tomb of the Un- knowns have a prestigious assignment and are among the most elite soldiers in the United States Military Service. These soldiers are among the most precisely trained, taught, and recognized. They have been trained so precisely that the mats they walk on across the tomb have indentations from each soldier who has walked upon it since 1934. They also have silent ceremonies which the means of commands are clicker shanks on the sides of their boots, signi- fying the silent respect for the unknown soldiers. The history of the Tomb of the Un- knowns is rich and interesting. In 1937, guards had started to take watch over the Tomb because there had been a case of theft and some belongings inside of the tomb had been stolen. The schedule consists of twenty four hour shifts, only stopping before night to dress in standard combat uniform to perserve the ceremonial uniform for the daytime ceremonial changing of guards. The training of the Tomb Guards is dif- ficult and few complete it. There are also physical requirements to start training. First, you would have to be part of the 3rd Regimental Infantry, also called “The Old Guard,” and must be within 5 feet and 10 inches to 6 feet and 2 inches tall with a waist size of 30 inch- es or less. Of course, you must be physi- cally healthy and prepared for the as- signment. Newly assigned guards must complete a one to two weeks period of training at the start of their assignment. Training instructs the preparation of uniform, memorization of information about the Tomb of the Unknowns and Arlington, and the motions necessary for the changing of the guards. At the end of the period of training, the soldiers must take exams on these areas to move to the next level of the training. Appointees who pass the first course of training are assigned to a “re- lief,” where they will train with intense preparation for their post with a trainer. During the six to twelve month course, the trainees learn the strict and tough requirements of the post. They learn the precision of the walk done while at the Tomb, which they must practice to perfection. They memorize 35 pages of information about the Tomb, and pre- pare their uniforms to the highest stan- dard of perfection. Trainees are assigned to take five ex- ams. At the end of the training courses, apointees take written and military stan- dard practical exams. The standard practical part of the exams includes uniform inspection, performing the ceremonial patrol flaw- lessley, reciting memorized information perfectly and identifying people in rela- tion or of subject at the Arlington Na- tional Cemetery. Successful soldiers be- come official Tomb Guards and receive a Tomb Guard Badge.To recieve this badge is a high honor and is among the most prestigious. This article and the illustration above are dedicated to the 3rd Infantry Regi- ment, all the people who served as hon- or guards, all unknown soldiers from all over the world, and my unit for inspiring me to write this. OORAH, YOUNG MARINES! The Tomb of the Unknowns, and Its Amazing Guards By YM/PFC Janea Mendez Eagle (CA) Being a Young Marine has been very rewarding for me. We started our activity with a ceremony in honor of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Our job was to escort people to their seats.Then, the ceremony began. We were honored to listen to their sto- ries. All the Eagle Young Marines are so proud of what these people did for our country. The ceremony began with the 21-gun salute. It was a very deserving salute to the Iwo Jima veterans. Then was the playing of Taps. I felt happy to be an American. The next thing we did was go inside for the dinner and the chaplain gave an invocation. His prayer honored everyone there. After that, we had our meal. The meal was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.After that we began the cake cutting ceremony. The cake cutting ceremony was in honor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began on February 19, 1945. Then all the Eagle Young Marines were called up to the General who came to our formation. LCpl Loya called me to report to the Commanding General of the Iwo Jima Cermony. After greeting the Gen- eral, Mrs. Siegmann read my promotion warrant. The general put my chevrons on. I was surprised and very honored to be promoted at the Iwo Jima ceremony. I was very grateful that I’m a part of the Eagle Young Marine program. This is a day I will never forget. Eagle: We Honored Veterans, and I Received My Promotion to PFC The Rich and Interesting History of a Proud and Inspiring Tradition Young Marines Esprit ONLINE 23