Can Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards Shoot You?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred monument in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, USA, dedicated to the unknown soldiers who have died in combat. The tomb is guarded 24/7 by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard." The guards are highly trained and sworn to protect the tomb at all costs. But the question remains: Can Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guards shoot you?
Background
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established in 1921 to honor the unknown American soldiers who died in World War I. The tomb is the final resting place of three unknown soldiers, one from each of the major wars of the 20th century: World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The tomb is guarded by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, which has been responsible for the duty since 1948.
The Guards’ Duties
The guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of the tomb. Their duties include:
• 24/7 Vigilance: The guards are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• Changing of the Guard: The guards perform a ceremonial changing of the guard every 30 minutes, where they exchange places with each other.
• Pacing: The guards pace back and forth in front of the tomb, known as the "catwalk," to ensure that the tomb is secure.
• Inspections: The guards conduct regular inspections of the tomb and its surroundings to ensure that it remains secure and respectful.
Can They Shoot You?
So, can the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guards shoot you? The answer is no. The guards are trained to use non-lethal force to deter and repel any threats to the tomb. They are not authorized to use lethal force, except in extreme circumstances, such as:
• Self-Defense: The guards are allowed to use lethal force in self-defense if they are in imminent danger of serious physical harm.
• Proactive Defense: The guards may use lethal force to prevent a serious physical attack on the tomb or other personnel.
Consequences of Shooting
If a guard were to shoot someone, it would have serious consequences. The guard would be subject to:
• Court-Martial: The guard would face a court-martial, a military trial, for violating the rules of engagement and potentially harming an innocent person.
• Loss of Duty: The guard would likely be relieved of their duty as a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guard and potentially face disciplinary action.
• Legal Consequences: The guard could face criminal charges and potentially prison time.
Table: Rules of Engagement
| Situation | Authorized Response |
|---|---|
| Self-Defense | Lethal force |
| Proactive Defense | Lethal force |
| Deterrent Force | Non-lethal force (e.g., baton, pepper spray) |
| Crowd Control | Non-lethal force (e.g., baton, pepper spray) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guards are highly trained and sworn to protect the tomb at all costs. While they are authorized to use non-lethal force to deter and repel threats, they are not authorized to use lethal force except in extreme circumstances. The consequences of shooting someone would be severe and could result in court-martial, loss of duty, and legal consequences. The guards’ primary responsibility is to ensure the security and integrity of the tomb, and they take their duties very seriously.
