The official nickname of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, which guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is The Old Guard.
The regiment traces its lineage to the post-Revolutionary War Army and is the oldest active-duty infantry regiment in the United States. Its long history led to the nickname “The Old Guard,” which reflects both its age and its ceremonial prominence.
The unit’s soldiers perform honors at Arlington National Cemetery, including continuous sentinel duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also support state ceremonies, military funerals, and official events in the Washington, D.C., area.
The nickname is not the same as names associated with other famous Army formations. “The Big Red One” refers to the 1st Infantry Division, while “The Screaming Eagles” refers to the 101st Airborne Division. The Old Guard specifically identifies the 3rd Infantry Regiment.