Tomb of the unknown soldier Changing of the guard

[vickster339]

I appreciate the response, I would like to see it one day and pay my respects. So much of our country is a complete disgrace it amazes me that you dont' see loons hurling tomatoes. Perhaps a loon even have desire for self preservation?

[vickster339]

I keep hearing conflicting crap. Is the gun loaded and do they have orders to fire if the someone crosses the barrier? Has anyone everyone crossed it unauthorized?

[shadowwatcher42d]

@vickster339 The "weapon" is not loaded, no, there are no orders to fire on any one who crosses into the guarded area, you will be warned verbally to remove yourself to the spectators side of the chain links. There are other guards approx 200ft away who will respond upon the sentry's calling for the Commander of the Relief.

How ever, just so you know, the bayonet on the muzzle end of the weapon is quite real.

[shadowwatcher42d]

@vickster339 as to your question, "Has anyone ever crossed it unauthorized?" Yes, on numerous occurrences, They are told to remain behind the chain links, also, if there is too much loud laughter, the guard will admonish the "general" area where the laughter is coming from, I don't know the exact formula used, but basically they are told that this is a very solemn area.

[ogpaintballr]

I went to D.C. with my family in July of 2008, my Grandfather came with us, him and my grandmother presented a wreath in the ceremony...they both teared up during it, My grandfather served in Germany in WW2 and it was touching for him to come to this place and see so many brothers in arms laid to rest peacefully. He'll never forget that experience...Thanks for posting this video

[ls033189]

Beautiful tradition. In 2003 while hurricane Isabelle was approaching, the soldiers assigned to guard duty were given permission to suspend the assignment, they declined. They marched in the pelting rain of a tropical storm. They stated "Guarding the tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson".

[copencorporations]

the arlington cemetary is truley an amazing and sad place to be but the sights are amazing

[93sifuentes]

Ive seeen this before. truly an amazing sight

[wigglywoman]

They even kept guarding the tomb during 911.

[WESTPOINTACADEMY]

no shit that would be a good reason to keep guarding it.

[va85buckeye]

What about EXTREME weather? Do they wear extra cloths? Do they cover their ears in freezing weather? Where do they come from? Is what they do hard on their body?

[LilP803]

in extreme weather they do have long military style coats they wear along with gloves but other then that no they dont wear anything extra.and no its not nessicarily hard on thier body they just have to have great and ourstanding bearing because they arent allowed to move their head,scratch an itch,blow a bee off that lands on them or anything among those lines...anyother questions im happy to answer

[happynobleman]

the russian military soldiers are the best ))))))))) this is the truth

[bunkman64]

Man please! You have GOT to be kidding. I have worked with the russians, germans and french. they are a bunch of KIDS who are forced into military service. They have no timing, their facing movements are terrible. They have no pride because they are forced to serve. thats what makes american soldiers so damn good. We WANT to serve.

[LilP803]

uve got to quit watching deadliest warrior man

[kinfolk420]

I believe the rifle is loaded...They are military soldiers. Here to defend our nation. no matter where they are at. Especially there.. God Bless the military.

[Hawkins203]

The rifle is loaded, they are trained, and ordered, that if anyone passes the fence/chain that they are to warn, and if they disregard, to shoot on sight.

[stopher0304]

yup. I was at a Changing of the Guard last summer i believe. Where I witnessed a women being bitchy and thinking she was hot shit and all, crossed the fence, was warned and then aimed at, she was lucky in my opinion. Lucky her Boyfriend or husband pulled her over the rail.

[FearAcademy]

wow talk about disrespect!

[bunkman64]

Yes sir and they will do it. It amazes me that with a ceremony as sacred as this there are still people who refuse to take their hats off their heads. Even the parents of the kid down front dont have enought common curtisey or respect to teach their kid when to do it. I was taught this by me dad very young. Shame.

[ReverendSlick]

My cousin is currently a Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. I asked him if the rifles are loaded, and he said, "What's the point in carrying a rifle if it's not loaded? We are trained to give orders, and if they are disregarded, to shoot upon sight." This man has the upmost respect from me, and he has trained so hard for most of his military career to become a guard. he finally achieved his dream. Notice how they don't have their rank on their arm? they don't want to outrank the unknown.

[crisp124]

the rifles r not loded i saw the clip wen i went there it was empty

[kinfolk420]

whats the point of carring a unloaded gun

[crisp124]

i dont know but it IS EMPTY!

[LilP803]

the gun is unloaded now because back in history a guard killed himself using the gun he was carrying now the only one to carry ammo is the guard commander

[maxwalsh92]

NO. they carry m14s that have firing pins and that actually fire but are not loaded, they are equipped with fixed bayonets. the presence of arms signifies that it is a protected site, and if need be they can protect themselves with the rifles, but only once since 1939 has a sentinels life been endangered. and the SOG carries and unloaded pistol, which is sometimes even an airsoft gun.

[LilP803]

no its not an air soft gun it is a real gun at all time and the SOG is the only one to carry ammo which is in his 9mm hand gun he is the only one with ammo and it is a real gun but its unloaded for the simple fact that in 1939 a man that was on the guard killed himself so thats why they are unloaded with the bayonet

[Vorbis5]

Insane! I love America and I hope you guys respect this country too

[BEESLAXBOY393908]

when i went there the clicky thing from the bottom of the relief commanders shoe was sliding out

[SurvivingKevorkian]

Stunning and a great honor of those men.

[pbrault96]

the sentiel's gun is not loaded.

[johnnyork]

Robocops

[zorlokian]

i was there last week. its amazing. but it is really humid and hot. i don't know how the guards can stand it wearing dark blue wool

[joelqh1]

awesome video. best one on youtube of the changing of the guard. great vid.

[odst0001]

If a guy with a bomb went near the Tomb, would the Guard be authorized to actually..kill the potential threat?

[B17MIKE]

Yes, but there is a phone in the booth for things like protesters and such. The M-14 is NOT loaded.

[StateTroopaFarva]

really? i am almost positive it is? i swear i saw a bullet being loaded when i was there this past week (ill post a vid) and my grandparents once saw a gaurd shoulder his rifle at a lady leaning over the ropes.