The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Tomb Sentinel

Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery requires soldiers to undergo a demanding training program lasting six to nine months. This challenge is so intense that only 10% of participants successfully complete it.

Achieving the epitome of 'perfection' is the goal for these sentinels. Among them, 19-year-old Private Joshua Beckman is deeply immersed in preparation for an important evaluation: the uniform inspection. This is one among five critical assessments a trainee must overcome to earn the esteemed Tomb Guard Identification Badge, a rarity in the Army, surpassed only by the Army Astronaut Badge since 1958 with just 735 awarded.

To observe the dedication required to be a part of this elite unit, Chief Video Correspondent Graham Flanagan spent 48 hours with the soldiers at the Tomb, delving into what it takes to achieve their high standards of exactness.