Arlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.

Arlington National Cemetery conducts thousands of military funerals a year. It’s one of few cemeteries that provide graveside burials with full military funeral honors and escort, and each part of a military funeral at Arlington is performed by a service member stationed in the D.C. metro area. The Army is the largest branch of military service in the U.S. and, as a result, conducts more funerals at the cemetery than any other. Members of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” fill these roles. Funerals are referred to as “missions” to help soldiers stay emotionally detached and focused on their task. The Old Guard is organized into platoons specific to each ceremonial job. This helps the soldiers specialize in their part of the service and gives them time to rest and maintain their infantry training. When soldiers arrive at Fort Myer, they’re given their platoon assignment. Most want to be part of the firing platoon because it takes the most skill, but you have to audition for a spot first. For seven soldiers to fire the 21-gun salute at the same time requires impeccable timing. The shots are fired in unison and the soldiers must reload their weapons in perfect synchronization with each other. Casket platoon is also a sought-after position. The casket bearers are positioned next to the Chaplain and in full view of the family.