Sgt. Ruth Hanks is only the 4th Female Tomb Guard Sentenial Badge #643

It wasn’t until 1994 that women were permitted to volunteer to become sentinels when the 289th Military Police Company was attached to the Old Guard, according to the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknowns. The MP branch is a combat support unit.

In 1996, Sgt. Heather L. Johnsen became the first woman to earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. She volunteered for duty in June 1995 and earned her badge in 1996. Since then, two additional female Sentinels who are also NCOs were awarded the badge ─ Sgt. Danyell E. Wilson in 1997, and Staff Sgt. Tonya D. Bell in 1998.

Women must meet the same requirements as male Soldiers to be eligible as tomb guards. The only difference is that women have a minimum height requirement of 5 feet 8 inches, which is the same standard to be a member of the Old Guard. Male sentinels must be between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall.

“The motto of the tomb guard is ‘Soldiers never die until they are forgotten. Tomb guards never forget.’ That’s what we have to keep doing.”

“I am always trying to bring it back to the unknowns so that everybody remembers what we are here for,” Hanks said. “I am there for the unknowns, and I will perform to the best of my ability.” Tomb guards never forget.’ That’s what we have to keep doing.” Excerpts from NCO Journal 2/22/2017 by Martha C. Koester

Tomb Guard Training: the trainee is assigned a Tomb Guard trainer. The trainer is a mentor who is expected to mold the trainee into a Tomb Guard. The trainer informs the trainee of what is expected of them, including following strict rules, training guidelines, and the need for complete dedication and commitment to the Tomb. Then the trainer teaches, monitors, inspects, and test the trainee during the training cylce.

The training cycle is intense, consisting of a series of five exhaustive tests over six to twelve months. The tests focus on outside performance (Changing of the Guard, and "Walking the Mat"), uniform preparation, and knowledge. Outside performance tests on weapons manual, ceremonial steps, cadence, military bearing, and orders. Uniform preparation tests on Tomb uniform standards 2 for the Army Dress Blues, Shoes "Spits", glasses, and brass and metals. Knowledge tests on 35 pages of information on the history of the Tomb and ANC, for which the trainee must recite verbatim - including punctuation.

The tests are progressive, demanding quantifiable improvement and demonstrated performance. If the trainee completes the training cycle and passes the tests, they will be able to flawlessly conduct seven different types of ceremonies, to meet the highest standards of uniform preparation, and recite 35 pages of information without error. If the trainee fails any test, they are assigned back to their company.

The successful trainee is awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge (Badge), and will be referred to thereafter as a Tomb Guard - and affectionately known by their peers as "Badgeholder". The Badge is the least awarded badge in the Army, and the second least awarded badge in the U.S. military, trailing only the Astronaut Badge. The Badge is the only military badge that can be revoked for any action that brings disrespect to the Tomb during the lifetime of the Tomb Guard.

The Tomb uniform standards are of the highest and strictest in nature, and are different than that of the Old Guard and regular Army.

"Walking the Mat" refers to the Tomb Guard ceremonially guarding the Unknowns by walking back and forth on a rubber mat while maintaining 21 second interval

Each "walk" is a shift of one-half hour during daylight hours in the summer, one hour during daylight hours in the winter, and all night shifts are one-hour walks.

Each walk concludes with the ceremonial Changing of the Guards...even when no audience is present.

Army wreath laying ceremony.

Public Wreath Ceremonies are ceremonies conducted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Public Wreath Ceremonies are limited to one per group per day with a maximum of four participants in the ceremony. The wreath for the ceremony is provided by the participants.

Taps is played at the end of the wreath laying ceremony

The Tomb is comprised of three Tomb squads "reliefs", 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reliefs. The reliefs are organized based on height, so that the Tomb Guards are similar in size during the Changing of the Guard. Although the Sergeant of the Guard can organize reliefs based operational needs.

An impeccably uniformed relief commander conducts a detailed white-glove inspection of the Tomb Guards M-14 rifle, checking each part of the rifle once.

Then, the relief commander and the relieving sentinel meet the retiring sentinel at the center of the matted path in front of the Tomb.

Then the relief commander orders the relieved sentinel, "Pass on your orders." The current sentinel commands, "Post and orders, remain as directed." The newly posted sentinel replies, "Orders acknowledged," and steps into position on the black mat.

All three salute the Unknown who have been symbolically given the Medal of Honor.

When the relief commander passes by, the new sentinel begins walking at a cadence of 90 steps per minute.

The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.

The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God."