Why is the Honor Guard at Dover wearing fatigues?

Soldiers give all to ensure dignified transfers at Dover

Each week, a squad of Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is set aside from the typical ceremonial tasking to take upon itself a most difficult honor. These Soldiers are on call, 24 hours a day, weekday or weekend, to receive the remains of America's fallen heroes at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del.

The Soldiers on the team wear the Army Combat Uniform when they go to Dover. The Soldiers also wear white cotton gloves, the same gloves they wear when rendering honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

The reason for this uniform is for practical reasons, said Capt. Michael Frank, the officer in charge of ceremonies for The Old Guard. Because there is so much time spent in preparation, and because the Soldiers fly to Dover in Blackhawk helicopters, wearing the ACU is much more practical than wearing the ceremonial blues uniform the Soldiers wear when rendering final honors in Arlington National Cemetery. The Soldiers wear the gloves so they can better grip the casket.