A R L I N G T O N   N A T I O N A L   C E M E T E R Y

Arlington, Virginia

A fresh guard enters the scene and is immediately scrutinized by a relief commander, whose inspection is quite detailed and thorough. On average, a guard takes up to 8 hours to prepare his woolen uniform for the day's work. I can see why, I wouldn't want to experience the wrath from this tough looking commander.

VIDEOS: Here's my favorite video (7.8 MB), it shows the inspector taking the soldier's rifle. Oddly enough, the choreography displayed here is rather beautiful, in my opinion.

After the relief commander finishes up his inspection, the two soldiers ready themselves for the next stage of the ceremony.

While the on-duty soldier is going through his paces, the two soldiers approach the mat.

The relief commander takes a position in front of the Tomb and faces the audience, while the two guards approach each other from opposite ends of the mat. When they come within 10 feet of each other, they turn and face the Tomb. Afterwhich, the commander turns around to face the Tomb, then performs a salute.