The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces and is part of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The Corps is stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.
The Soldier musicians recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of General George Washington's Continental Army circa 1784. In order to be easily identified, military musicians of the period wore the reverse colors of the regiment to which they were assigned. The uniforms consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, leather neck stocks, waistcoats, gaitered trousers, and distinct red regimental coats.
The drum major marches at the head of the formation and leads the Corps in performances. Wearing the distinct light infantry cap, baldric, epaulets, and red sash, the drum major issues silent commands with the espontoon, an adapted 18th-century ocer’s weapon.
Performing music on 10-hole fifes, handmade rope-tensioned drums, and three-valve bugles, the Corps brings to life the exciting sounds of our Nation’s heritage. From small teams of Soldiers at intimate venues to large formations on the national and international stage, the Corps is flexible and adaptable to any performance environment.
As an official representative of the U.S. Army, the Corps averages 500 performances annually. The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants, and historical celebrations throughout the United States. Major sporting events the Corps has performed at include NCAA bowl games, NBA games, NFL games including Super Bowl XVI, the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, the 2016 Invictus Games, and the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid NY. Serving the Nation as a goodwill ambassador around the world, the Corps has been featured at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Washington Tattoo, the Basel Tattoo, the Fortissimo Sunset Ceremony, the Virginia International Tattoo, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, and President Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom in 2025.
In support of the president, the Corps performs at all armed-forces arrival ceremonies for visiting dignitaries and heads of state at the White House and has participated in every presidential inaugural parade since President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.
