My respect for the Sentinels who guard the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier at the memorial in Arlington National Cemetery is immense. I recently did a deep dive into the sidearm they carry… a thinly disguised effort to write something to honor them, I admit. I truly believe that they are at the top in terms of national pride. We are a country that chooses to honor its fallen, something I’m proud of.
I started this two-part series with a look at the Sig pistols they carry — you can read part one here. Those handguns are truly unique and are dressed up to the nth degree. I also spent many words writing about the memorial’s history and what the Sentinels must do to qualify to guard it. It’s an interesting read if you like military history and tradition.
This time, we’ll look at the rifle the Sentinels carry now, along with what they’ve carried over the decades. Let’s get at it!
The Sentinel’s Rifles
The Sentinels have carried just three types of rifles since the Tomb’s inception in 1926. They include the M1903 Springfield, the M1 Garand, and the M14.
Before we get into those, I need to address a question I’ve pondered since writing the first installment of this article… I find it interesting that they don’t use the M4 carbine, currently the issue weapon across our military. Why not? Why do they use an M14?
There are a few answers. Here are a few reasons the Sentinels don’t carry that weapon.
- The M14 continues the pattern of traditional military drill rifles that started with the “ought-three” and continued with the Garand.
- Balance. The M14 has the proper weight and balance that allows ceremonial drills to be enacted more easily than the M4 would allow. The M4’s pistol grip precludes it from being handled in the way required for some of the exercises the Sentinels employ.
- Speaking of that pistol grip, the M14’s lack of one, plus its wooden stock and polished metal, represents a timeless, classical ceremonial aesthetic.
- Consistency. The Army utilizes the M14 in several ceremonial roles, hence its use at the Tomb. They strive for commonality across ceremonies. They are striving for a timeless, solemn appearance at this honored site.
So we know why they use the M14. Let’s look at each rifle.
1903 Springfield
The 1903 Springfield, also known as the “ought-three”, was adopted in June 1903 to replace the .30-40 Krag. It was based on Mauser rifle patents, and we paid the company royalties to legally produce it until 1918. It was fed from an internal 5-round box magazine via stripper clips. Known primarily for its role during WWI, the rifle saw service from its adoption into WWII, when Marines carried it in the Pacific. The Garand eventually replaced it, but many Marines wanted to keep it. It remains a popular surplus rifle today.
Sentinels carried this rifle and the M1905 bayonet from the Tomb’s inception on March 24, 1926, until the Garand replaced it in 1936.
M1 Garand
Chambered for the ubiquitous .30-06 cartridge used so effectively by the 1903 Springfield, the Garand was the first semi-automatic battle rifle that the U.S. military used. Designed by Canadian-American John Garand at the Springfield Armory, the M1 replaced the 1903 Springfield on January 9, 1936, when the U.S. Army adopted it. Over its run, more than 5.4 million were produced.
Tomb Sentinels carried the Garand and the M1942 bayonet from 1936 to 1957, when the M14 replaced it.
M14
The M14 was designed as an “improved” M1 Garand. Many felt that the lack of a removable magazine hindered reload times, so the M14 was designed around a 20-round box magazine and select-fire capability. It’s interesting that the Army adopted this rifle in 1957 to replace the Garand, the M3 submachine gun, and the BAR. Its designers obviously had high hopes for it.
The rifle was successful and remained our battle rifle until the M-16 replaced it between 1964 and 1967 because of its weight and a shift in philosophy about what kind of battle rifle was needed for changing tactical conditions. Although it was replaced, its 7.62×51 (.308) cartridge remained in demand for years for Designated Marksmen (snipers). It is still used today in a modernized capacity, with a synthetic stock and other modifications… it never really went away.
Tomb Sentinels started using this rifle in 1957 with the M6 bayonet and still use it today. Its wood stock and lines lend it to ceremonial tasks, as mentioned above.
So there you have it. The M14 is the rifle of choice for Tomb Sentinels now, and it has been for 69 years. I know of no movement to try to replace it any time soon. I have the utmost respect for Sentinels who handle this 9-pound rifle like it was nothing in their role as Tomb guards. I’ve seen them up close… if you haven’t, set aside time to travel to our nation’s capital. Make time to catch the guard change… It’s truly a sight you’ll never forget.