"The Old Guard" - Thoughts on it?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 09:13:06 -0500

I have a projected assignment to "The Old Guard" and just want to know anyones thoughts on it. What should I expect? Is it a good or bad assignment? To be honest I have never really heard of it and expected it to be just inf guys. I am a 91B. I pumped to get the assignment just havent heard to much about it or what I would be doing.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 6 at 2014 10:05 AM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 10:05:47 -0500

It is a great assignment, you will have many Infantry guys there, but other MOSs are within the unit. You will be in a very high political environment, so will be expected to be on your toes at all times. The area is beautiful at Myers, as well as plenty for family fun and adventure if your married, so be sure to take in the sites around DC and NOVA.

They are high on PT, spit and polish, knowing your job and the history of the Old Guard and the significance as well.

Have fun and good luck.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 6 at 2014 10:08 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 10:08:15 -0500

SSG Graves, thanks for posting this question. FYI, we have ~100 members on RallyPoint who are currently assigned to The Old Guard. I strongly recommend connecting with some of them here via the site to discuss the unit and prep for transition there, etc. Please let me know if I can help any further. Thanks!

Below is the link to the unit page of The Old Guard.

https://www.rallypoint.com/units/9373

3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) (3rd IN RGT) | RallyPoint

Join members of 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) (3rd IN RGT) on RallyPoint. Subordinate unit of MDW, Direct Reporting Units, and adjacent unit to 11th Aviation Battalion (11th AV), The US Army B...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 3:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 15:00:23 -0500

SSG Graves, many have the misconception that the 'Old Guard' is 'just infantry' and only does 'guard duty at Arlington'. Although their duties at Arlington are important and the most visible one of their missions, they are a fully manned and fully deployable unit. They often deploy in support of contingency operations throughout the world on every continent. I recently had the pleasure of visiting with one of their companies as they trained here at APG for an upcoming deployment to OEF.

I'm actually a little jealous; the Old Guard was my dream assignment when I was enlisted . . . then I found out about the height requirement. A sad day for a short Irishman. LOL

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 6:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 18:44:41 -0500

If I had to pick, at this moment, Reserves or Guard ? I say Go Guard all the way !!!

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jan 6 at 2014 9:50 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 21:50:51 -0500

I just left the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) 5 months ago after 3 years...best assignment EVER!

I would recommend contacting the Regimental Recruiter (POC info is on your packet you filled/are filling out) and get a good contact for the Motor Pool for real-world information on your specific duties.

If you have a family, would recommend getting quarters on Fort Belvoir.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 1:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 01:59:07 -0500

TOG ( The old guard) was the best unit I have been in. I was there for almost 6 years 4 of them serving at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I am also a 91b and when I was there Motorpool ops was on the back burner to ceremonys. TOG has so much to offer plus you get to run to DC for pt. I sure you will like it. My family wants to go back, when we just wanted to get out the house we went to DC and just walked around . Hopefully I will get a chance to go back.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 5:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 17:01:57 -0500

I found a place at Fort Belvior and it took me over an hour to get to Fort Myer. Does anyone know the fastest way to get there? Traffic is terrible in DC.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 4 at 2014 7:59 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:59:17 -0400

I'm Jealous, Ft Myers, Washington, DC. I was a guest there for a while before I moved into housing at Bolling AFB. Right Behind Arlington Cemetery. Plenty to see, plenty to do. Ceremony Are Us from Continuous Military Funerals, Honor Guards for all the Military Forces. Even I got snagged into a bit of it when I was Appointed Ceremonial Master at Arms to Commander Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. Loved hanging out in the Smithsonian and just like my tour in London like any National Capital there is always a protest going somewhere, go watch a protest. Naval District Washington Master at Arms Badge #9 at your service!

Response by SGT John Howard made Dec 8 at 2015 4:03 PM

SGT John Howard — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:03:38 -0500

Spent three lovely years with "Charlie Guard", '67 to '70. All footgear had maple heels and horse-shoe plates. NCOs were all WWII and Korea vets - as mild mannered as pitbulls. Each barracks had mess halls, squad bays, two-inch thick mattresses and no air-conditioning. We "busted butt" from 0500 to 1700 hrs six days a week. WOULD NOT TRADE A SINGLE HOUR IN THAT MADHOUSE! UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCES.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 5:32 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 05:32:10 -0400

The OLd Guard is in my opinion the worst functioning unit in the United States Army. Underneath all the Ceremonies, Funerals, and perfect looking uniforms is a pool of misery. You'll be dealing with Toxic leadership from the power hungry unqualified e-4 team leader most of whom never been to other units before, to the narcissistic Commander and First Sergeant who is willing to make their soldiers lives miserable in order to make themselves look good. Also discipline and unity is non existent with soldiers there. They are either getting in trouble all the time or they are trying to befriend their superiors in order to excel.

Response by MSgt Thomas Mason made Jul 18 at 2017 1:19 PM

MSgt Thomas Mason — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:19:43 -0400

I can't answer your question BUT! What an honor! I envy you!

Response by SFC John Courter made May 15 at 2019 8:54 PM

SFC John Courter — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:54:44 -0400

It’s a Honor to be asked to the Old Guard. Some are assigned to the Tomb of the unknown Soldier and Burial Duty

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 15 at 2019 9:01 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:01:46 -0400

Great assignment. I was offered the job as their PBO. I turned it down since I was on orders for bootstrap
as a cw2. My neighbor took.it. s reclass pilot. Only battalion in the army commanded by a COL.I have been to fort meyer many times. Best dining facility I ever ate at.