All ceremonial guardsmen of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard have the responsibility of representing the U.S. and the Air Force in a variety of ceremonies conducted throughout the capital area, including ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and sacred Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The USAF Honor Guard also travels across the country representing the Air Force at hometown events, high schools and some of the biggest major-league sporting events.

Airmen
As an Airman in the USAF Honor Guard, you are entrusted to uphold the standards of all Airmen in the Air Force -- you represent them. You must epitomize perfection in dress and appearance, customs and courtesies and drill and ceremonies. You are responsible for ensuring that you, and your fellow wingmen, are physically and mentally prepared to flawlessly execute the USAF Honor Guard's mission.

Noncommissioned Officers
Junior NCOs can serve in leadership positions as NCOs in charge or element leaders in the only selectively manned 210-member squadron with a full-time ceremonial mission. NCOs perform in all unit ceremonies while also executing a variety of ancillary responsibilities, including mission scheduling, standardization/evaluation and U.S. Air Force Drill Team operations. All NCOs ensure subordinate ceremonial guardsmen maintain mission readiness and will have immediate supervision of between five and 10 Airmen.

Senior Noncommissioned Officers
SNCOs are responsible for day-to-day operations of a flight as superintendent or NCOIC, supervising flight-level operations for as many as 50 to 60 Airmen. SNCOs advise flight commanders on planning, operational matters, mission readiness and ceremonial standards. SNCOs are ceremonial guardsmen and perform in all unit ceremonies and ensure subordinate guardsmen maintain mission readiness. Ceremonies include presidential inaugurations, joint-service state and Air Force funerals, joint-service and Air Force wreath ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, White House and Pentagon arrival and departure ceremonies and Air Force and joint-service parades throughout the National Capital Region. 

Company Grade Officers
In addition to standard flight commander duties, the USAF Honor Guard officers provide mission briefs to senior DoD and Air Force leadership -- routinely briefing the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and other Air Force general officers. Company grade officers primarily lead ceremonial formations in two functions: commanding Air Force formations in joint-service ceremonies honoring the President of the United States, foreign heads of state and senior DoD leaders; and leading Air Force ceremonies during military honors funerals, performing as many as 10 full-honors funerals each week at Arlington National Cemetery.

Vowing to stand sharp, crisp and motionless, members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard practice every day to represent the Air Force in events in the nation's capital, around the country and across the world. Throughout their tour on the USAF Honor Guard, ceremonial guardsmen display the excellence and precision of all Airmen as they participate in ceremonies for the President, Secretary of Defense, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, among other national and international dignitaries. However, the duty they train for the most is also the most somber - they honor Airmen and their families every day during funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery.

The USAF Honor Guard is always looking for sharp Airmen with a deep devotion to duty and a strong sense of dedication. If you want to have a memorable and rewarding assignment; if you exhibit the highest professional military standards; if you look forward to the challenge of leading Airmen and representing all others serving your nation, then you are exactly the Airman the USAF Honor Guard is looking for - come join "The Chief's Own."

- Lt. Col. Thurston

There are two ways to join the USAF Honor Guard: as a basic trainee or as a prior-service Airman.

Have you not yet joined the Air Force?
Basic trainees are recruited regularly from Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. If you are interested in joining the Air Force and becoming a member of the USAF Honor Guard, your recruiter can contact us and assist you in the process. Click here to learn more about how to join the Air Force.

Already an Airman who has fulfilled your minimum time-on-station requirement?
If you are considered a prior service applicant, ensure you meet the minimum qualifications. Your chain of command will have to recommend you via Developmental Special Duty. After being recommended, you will need to fill out an application electronically.

The USAF Honor Guard does not have any positions for those serving in the Air National Guard or AF Reserve.

• Enlisted Application Instructions
• Officer Application Instructions
• Electronic Application Instructions
• Commander's Presidential Support Program Questionnaire
• Authorization for release of information
• Commander's Endorsement Memo

1. Members must be eligible for a permanent change of station reassignment.  Reference AFI 36-2110, Assignments Quality Control, paragraph 2.40, for specific requirements.

2. Performance reports must show the applicant has consistently demonstrated high standards of character, discretion, loyalty and performance.

3. No physical disqualifiers, to include history of posture, back, knee, feet, joint or equilibrium problems.

4. 20/20 vision is required, or it must be correctable via contact lenses.

5. Must present impeccable military image and conform to exacting grooming standards; no shaving waivers allowed.

6. No fear of firearms or have a history of anxiety, emotional or nervous system disorders.

7. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly with no speech impediment.

8. Desired height requirement for males is 5'10" and for females it is 5'6".

9. Have no conviction under the uniformed code of military justice during current enlistment.

Permissive TDY Shadows Program
(available to E6 and above)
This program allows approved individuals to travel (at their expense) to Washington, D.C., and setup a shadow program with a current USAF Honor Guard guardsmen.  The USAF Recruiting section will handle the schedule of the day. This offers first-hand experience for those considering this assignment.  This program is available right now for E6 and above applicants.  If you are on a government TDY in Washington, D.C., consider contacting us to arrange a one-day extension to participate in this program.

PCS Sponsor Program
The USAF Honor Guard has a sponsor package prepared to send to every approved applicant. Depending on rank, a military training leader or technical training course supervisor will be the applicant's official sponsor. The USAF Honor Guard is committed to ensuring that everyone has a smooth transition to the unit, so please contact us if you are experiencing delays in receiving information (choose the "URGENT - I have PCS sponsor issues!" recipient choice).