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Uniforms
Over the years many different types of uniforms have been worn by the
men and women who guard the Tomb. This page will highlight uniforms used
from 1926 to 1948, 1948
to 1960, and
the current uniforms in use. Many
uniforms have been saved over the years by our members and eventually, we hope to
proudly display them here.
1926
to 1948
Uniforms
During this period, the Sentinels were detailed from Army units
stationed in and around Washington DC. While most of the uniforms and
equipment were standard in the Army, the 3rd
Cavalry did have special items that were worn on the
uniform.
Non-Cavalry
Units
The Army had little in the way of
"special duty" uniforms, and the Guards used the everyday
uniforms of their units. Each unit had the following standard equipment:
1903 Springfield w/
12" Bayonet (reduced from 14")
Ammunition, Ball (5 rounds)
Belt, brown w/scabbard (right side)
Mckeever Box (center of back)
The Winter Uniform for Non-Cavalry units, consisted of the
following:
Blouse (Pre-WWII) &
Trousers, olive drab
Garrison Cap w/ white band
Overcoat (horse blanket), olive drab
Shoes, brown oxfords (spit polished) w/ white leggings
The Summer Uniform for Non-Cavalry units was basically the
same as the winter, with a few modifications: Garrison Cap w/ white band
Shirt, olive drab w/tie (tucked between 2&3 button)
Pants, olive drab
Shoes, brown oxfords (spit polished)
The raincoat (olive drab) was used in summer and winter by all
units.
3rd Cavalry Regiment The 3rd
Cav "dress uniform" was not a special uniform, just the
standard issue. The "britches" worn by most of the men were
standard issue, however some men had them tailored to give a flared Most
of the Troopers did not remember it was the depression, pay was very low
and not too many were able to afford to do so.
Standard Cavalry Gear:
1903 Springfield Rifle
Ammunition, .30 cal
Belt, "Sam Brown", brown leather
Cartridge Box, brown leather (center of back)
Cavalry Boots, brown (highly shined)
Spurs, Silver 1 1/4" long
Winter Cavalry Uniform:
Blouse, olive drab
Pants, light olive drab
Garrison Cap
Overcoat, wool, olive drab
White gloves
Summer Cavalry Uniform:
Shirt, cotton, tan
Britches, cotton, tan
Campaign "Smokey the Bear" Hat, w/chin strap down
Tie, (tucked between 2nd & 3rd button)
Sunglasses (individual purchase)
1948
to 1960
Uniforms
As with any organization, the Army began to change
it's style of uniforms and upgrade weapons, and by the early 1960's you
began to see these changes. The Guards used a variety of uniforms to
include the Tropical Worsted & Khaki,
Class "A" and Ceremonial
Blue uniform. There were also many different inclement
weather uniforms worn with these. While most of the uniforms
used during this time were worn at both the Tomb and Post #1, there were
a few items that were different: foot gear being the most noticeable.
Sentinels at the Tomb used the standard issue Low Quarter Shoe, with
"cheaters" on the toe, heel and inner side of the heel. A
Guard at Post #1 wore "Jump" Boots made of black leather. Both
were highly shined and one of the items that all Tomb Guards take
immense pride in. However there were still some standard items of
equipment used at both locations: M1 Garand
w/Bayonet
(Sentinel)
1911 .45 cal Pistol w/black leather holster (NCO)
Ceremonial Belt, black leather
First Aid Pouch, black leather (front right)
McKeever Box, black leather (center of back)
Gloves, White
Sunglasses (when authorized by the Relief Commander)
Tropical Worsted & Khaki Uniforms
Most visitors to the Tomb during this time witnessed the Guards in the
Tropical Worsted or TW uniform. This was the primary uniform during good
weather, and was typically worn without the Blouse. If the Blouse was
worn, the Tomb Guard would remove his tie from between the 2nd & 3rd
button, and tape it to his chest. The leather strap across the chest was
worn only at Post #1.
The Khaki uniform was of the same color, just a different style of
cloth. These uniforms consisted of:Blouse (no medals)
Trousers
Shirt, Long-Sleeve w/black Tie
Low Quarters
Service Cap, Green
Class "A" Service Uniform
The green uniform was used during "special" ceremonies or
visits by dignitaries. The standard Army Class "A" uniform of
today is its direct descendant. The Blouse was always worn, and the tie
was never tucked. The wearing of Medals and Badges was authorized on
this uniform, and the uniform consisted of:
Blouse
Trousers
Shirt, Long-Sleeve, tan w/black Tie
Low Quarters
Service Cap, Green
Ceremonial Blue Uniform
While this uniform had been issued in the late 50's, it was only worn on
very special occasions. The "Blues" uniform was only
worn at the Tomb, and not at Post #1. In early 1960, this became the
only uniform in use at the Tomb and it hasn't changed since.
"Blues" consisted of the following:
Blouse
Trousers
Shirt, Long-Sleeve, white w/black tie
Low Quarters
Service Cap, Blue w/gold trim
Belt, Ceremonial w/brass buckle
Inclement
Weather Uniforms
The rain and cold are always present in Washington DC, and on most days
you can go from sunny skies to showers in a matter of hours. As today,
the changes to the uniform are regulated by the Regiment. There are two
different types of inclement weather uniforms: raincoats and overcoats.
For the TW, Khaki and Class "A" uniforms a Light-Brown
Raincoat was used, while the Class "A" was the only uniform
authorized to wear an overcoat. This overcoat was heavy, even with the
liner removed.
The Ceremonial Blue Uniform also had a raincoat and overcoat
combination. The raincoat was blue, not very breathable and tended to
make the wearer drenched in sweat. A rain cap cover was used, and it was
clear or see-through. The overcoat was a heavy blue wool material, and
was worn with a white scarf.
Current
Uniform (1960-Present)
The
Sentinels today have a better selection of
uniforms to protect them against the elements. Primarily, the Sentinels have
a summer, winter
and inclement weather uniform. These
uniforms are also used by the entire Regiment, however with a few
modifications. There are some standard items of equipment that are worn
with each uniform: M14
w/
Bayonet (Sentinel)
M9 Pistol (NCO)
Ceremonial Blue Belt, modified
Sunglasses
White Gloves
Low Quarters (Highly shined and "built up"!)
Summer
Uniform
The current uniform used by the Guards
is the standard issue Army Dress Blue uniform. It is made of 100% wool.
The uniform consists of a blouse, trousers, service cap, and white shirt w/
black tie.
Winter
Uniform
The winter uniform used is also 100%
wool and consists of an overcoat, white scarf, trousers, service or cold
weather cap, and white shirt w/ black tie.
Inclement
Weather Uniform This uniform consists of an
raincoat over the summer uniform with rain cap cover. When this uniform
is used, the Changing of the Guard sequence will be modified to a
"Post One" sequence.
 
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