CinC conducts modern-tactical training year-round, but their role expands beyond the scope of a standard infantry company. CinC is a living representation of the people, who generations before fought for American freedom, said U.S. Army Spc. Rodric Mehus.
This formation is not filled with role-players. This formation is filled with active-duty service members assigned to Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the Army’s oldest active-duty infantry regiment. Historically, they are known as the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard or CinC.
“My unit, in particular, we’re the Continental line infantry,” said Mehus. “We fought in the American revolution, and we guarded the President Gen. George Washington.”
In 1776, General George Washington issued a General Order to select four men from each regiment of the Continental Army who would become his personal guard. This marked the official designation of a new unit, “His Excellency’s Guard” or as Captain Commandant Caleb Gibbs, the unit’s commander would refer to them, “C-in-C Guards”. This unit fought at the Battle of Trenton and performed their duties at Valley Forge. They fought for American independence and hold a place in American history. The legacy of General Washington’s personal guards lives on through the modern-day CinC. They preserve traditions from 250 years ago with ceremonies to keep the spirit of 1776 alive.
“In 1776 we won our independence using these battlefield tactics,” said Capt. Jacob Morgan, Commander of CinC. “The fact that we get to display those tactics today, 250 years later, is a great privilege and an honor.”
250 years later, these soldiers conduct tactical training to sustain proficiency in their Rifle Company tasks while also maintaining ceremonial and tactical proficiency in weaponry and tactics of the 18th century. This duality of missions allows for this historic unit to support the defense of the National Capital Region while also conducting ceremonies and funerals in support of the Military District of Washington. CinC did the latter when they took to the National Mall for the Great American State Fair.
CinC provides the public with an experience of watching 18th century battlefield tactics. This shares 250 years of history with guests and an opportunity to connect them to the country, said Morgan.
The demonstration by CinC celebrated 250 years of freedom. It celebrated American independence.