Are the weapons of the honor guards of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier loaded?

Question

Are the weapons of the honor guards of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier loaded?

Answer 1

Yes they are.

They have a very specific duty, and an unwavering faith. They cannot drink at any time, they spend alot of time in study before they are allowed to guard the tomb, and they have stood threw hurricanes to protect that tomb, that tomb has never been left unguarded, even for a second.

They have explicit permission to kill anyone that passes the rope. There are signs that warn of it, and tell not to pass that point.  

Answer 2

of course not ..have you seen some of the guards they have... i dont think some of them can tie their own shoes let alone use a firearm..c'mon the u.s government is stupid but not THAT stupid

Answer 3

That is one of the few questions they will not answer.  Check out all the various websites about the Sentinels and not one of them will say the guns are loaded or not.   Kind of like the Israelis who will not admit nor deny they have nukes.  

However,  one has to be a bit logical on this.  Those guns are M1 Garands which shoot a 30-06 rifle cartridge.  That is a pretty devastating cartridge and up close most likely it would go right through someone and could hurt someone else or do harm to monuments and Tombs in Arlington.  It is also unlikely they have a "toned down" round as that would not cycle the action.  They would get one shot and that would be it.  As a guess,  I would say the guns are not loaded.  

However,  not to worry.  

#1 the guards are the best of the best.  They are very fit,  well trained and take their jobs very seriously.  I doubt you would be able to sneak up on them.  

#2.  The rifle is a M1 Garand.  That is a pretty hefty weapon and using it as a quarter staff is a time honored way of defeating an opponent.  The two Sentinals could subdue you without having to shoot you and thus not run the risk of harming anyone or anything.

#3. If you take a look at any pictures of them,  that rifle has a bayonet on the front.   And it is not in a scabbard.  I am pretty sure they know how to use it to maximum benefit.   Just a little additional protection that most people would not even think about because all they really see is the guns.