Participating Units

The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army. The Old Guard is the U.S. Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the President. They conduct and support official joint service and Army ceremonies, memorial affairs and special events representing the U.S. Army and Armed Forces to the highest standard. The Old Guard continuously prepares for its contingency missions in the National Capital Region by maintaining trained forces year-round for operations within the Military District of Washington and Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region.

 

The Old Guard Caisson Platoon

The Old Guard Caisson Platoon is the only unit of its kind remaining in the United States Army. Its name is derived from the horse drawn wagons once used by the American Expeditionary Force to supply guns, ammunition and spare parts to the battle lines. Today these same caissons are used to transport flag draped caskets to their final resting places in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

Continental Color Guard

Soldiers in battle have guided on the colors for centuries and in today’s Army Soldiers still carry the colors in the form of a patch on their right shoulder, featuring the U.S. Flag in reverse. The Old Guard’s Continental Color Guard was established to recall the history of the regiment. Its heritage traces back to the early days of our nation and is a tradition in The Old Guard.

 

Presidential Salute Battery

Cannons from the Salute Guns Platoon signal the beginning of Twilight Tattoo and punctuate some of its more dramatic moments. The Salute Guns Platoon is responsible for rendering honors to visiting foreign dignitaries and heads of state at the White House, the Pentagon and elsewhere in the Washington D.C., area. The platoon also fires the final salutes during many funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. It is the only unit of its kind in the Army.

 

The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

The Fife and Drum Corps is charged with maintaining some of America’s oldest military music traditions. Their crisp drill and early American music represent the dedication, discipline and precision of the United States Army to our Nation and the world. Created in 1960, as an element of The Old Guard, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is one of only four premier Army musical organizations.

 

The U.S. Army Drill Team

Trim military bearing, strength and dexterity are mandatory for qualification to the Drill Team. Soldiers on the Drill Team use bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. These Soldiers and their performances are one of the finest examples of what hard training, constant practice and teamwork produces in today’s Army.

 

The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own"

The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own” has been the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army since 1922. The musicians of “Pershing’s Own” render musical honors for foreign dignitaries, heads of state, diplomats and high-ranking military officers. “Pershing’s Own” is the greatest non-threatening force in today’s Army and its duty is to bring about a patriotic feeling of honor and pride for the United States and for those serving to protect its way of life.

 

U.S. Army Band Downrange

Downrange is the premier vocal entertainment ensemble of the U.S. Army, capable of performing popular music from the 1940s to the present. Each year they entertain thousands of people around the country. With its unique and ever-changing repertoire, Downrange directs the spotlight on this dynamic group of active-duty musicians—talented vocalists and a powerful rhythm section. Downrange maintains the highest standards of excellence in musical entertainment and provides an exceptional musical experience.

 

U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble

In keeping with the tradition of America’s only original art form, jazz, the Army Blues strives to preserve the music of such big band legends as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton. Over the years it has evolved into the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army. As a component of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the Army Blues is one of the few remaining professional big bands working today.

 

U.S. Army Voices

The U.S. Army Voices provide musical support to the nation’s leadership and entertain a wide variety of audiences with choral and patriotic music , from the intimate setting of a State Dinner, to the floor show of international military tattoos and the grand stage of major concert halls around the world.