Photo By Tech. Sgt. Betty Chevalier | U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) stand in...... read more read more
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Throughout history, military members have donned uniforms, representing their commitment to a commanding officer and allegiance to their country. Uniforms have evolved, changed and changed again as the U.S. armed forces continues to develop. The U.S. Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, embodies the history of uniforms in public ceremonies, such as the upcoming Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.
The Old Guard is comprised of hundreds of Soldiers who wear various dress uniforms dating back to 1784, displaying the Army’s history and professionalism through public events and as the Army's official escort to the President.
“Uniforms are important to us because not all of the American public has a direct relationship with the U.S. military,” said Capt. Andrew Guay, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment memorial and ceremonies special events officer in charge. “When they come see us do a ceremony, for a lot of people that is their first and only touch point with America's military, so how we present ourselves is very important.”
The Old Guard uniforms are unique to their unit and even the current ceremonial uniforms are built in-house and held to a higher standard. Each member handmakes their ribbons and presses their uniforms followed by inspection to ensure their presentation is top notch.
“What makes us different here at The Old Guard is we don’t wear the Army Class A uniform off the shelf how it comes,” explained Guay. “We modify it significantly to make it look better during ceremonies and also to add certain ceremonial and distinctive unit elements for how we display ourselves.”
1st Sgt. Joshua Jenkins with The Old Guard’s Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, added that nearly all members of the unit will play a role in the 60th Presidential Inauguration. From Soldiers managing uniform inspections to those who will be part of several inaugural events such as a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and the pass in review at the U.S. Capitol, The Old Guard's full participation will ensure the unit's history and professionalism is seen throughout the presidential inaugural period.
“[The presidential inauguration] is something that happens every four years. In between, we're doing a lot of ceremonies, we're doing a lot of funerals, and this is a point where we are on display,” said Guay. “This is kind of a fruition of four years of hard work for everybody here to go and put their skills, their talents, everything we've rehearsed on display for a national and international audience.”
Arguably the Guard’s most important part will be the Presidential escort during the parade, which will take place after the newly-elected president is sworn in. The Old Guard will be present at Capitol Hill for the inauguration, then be one of the first to render honors to the commander in chief, followed by the escorting to the White House during the parade, as well as a marching element and supporting a street cordon.
Displaying uniforms ranging from Revolutionary War and Colonial times to the present day for the world to see during the 60th Presidential Inauguration is something The Old Guard takes great pride in, and the unit remains committed to representing the U.S. Army’s professionalism through their appearance.
“The level of discipline in the way you wear your uniform, the style of hair you choose, the way you look in your uniform, it really sets a precedence on the American people for what the Army can do and what the Army does,” Jenkins said. “It is what we’ve worn, it’s what our ancestors wore. We are portraying the Army’s heritage to the American public.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2024 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 485094 |
| Location: | FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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