Members of the US Army Old Guard Prep their uniform to perfect standards. In an article sharing the experience of Tomb Guards in The Old Guard, “They’re required to get two haircuts in a nine-day work schedule and unlike most Soldiers, the sentinels are issued four dress uniforms and use an industrial-strength steam press. According to a seasoned tomb guard, they spend up to six hours a day preparing uniforms, and four shining dress shoes, and that’s once a Soldier has it down to a science….it can take a guard in training twice as long. “I’ve done over 800 walks and about 150 guard changes, so it’s become a habit,” said Spc. Kristopher Mancha, another guard. “But I try to keep that in the back of my mind, that just because it’s a habit, I’m never comfortable when I come outside. I’m constantly thinking and trying to do my best, never just going through the motions. But sometimes we do make mistakes, whether the crowd notices or not. We’re never perfect. We always try to strive for perfection, but deep down inside, we’re never perfect.”

Members of the US Army Old Guard Prep their uniform to perfect standards. In an article sharing the experience of Tomb Guards in The Old Guard, "They’re required to get two haircuts in a nine-day work schedule and unlike most Soldiers, the sentinels are issued four dress uniforms and use an industrial-strength steam press. According to a seasoned tomb guard, they spend up to six hours a day preparing uniforms, and four shining dress shoes, and that’s once a Soldier has it down to a science....it can take a guard in training twice as long. “I’ve done over 800 walks and about 150 guard changes, so it’s become a habit,” said Spc. Kristopher Mancha, another guard. “But I try to keep that in the back of my mind, that just because it’s a habit, I’m never comfortable when I come outside. I’m constantly thinking and trying to do my best, never just going through the motions. But sometimes we do make mistakes, whether the crowd notices or not. We’re never perfect. We always try to strive for perfection, but deep down inside, we’re never perfect.”