Because we now have DNA technology, there will never be another American unknown soldier!
To be a guard a soldier makes the following commitments for the rest of his/her life:
- To be a guard for 2 years and live in the barracks under the tomb,
- Cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty,
- And cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.
After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as a guard of the tomb. There are only 400 wreaths presently worn. The guard must obey the above rules for the rest of his/her life or give up the wreath pin. All off-duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. The tomb has been patrolled continuously 24/7, since 1930, even during Hurricane Isabelle in 2003.
God Bless and keep them.