1. I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved. General Order Number 1 gives a Guardsman responsibility for everything that occurs within the limits of your post while you are on duty. You must investigate immediately any unusual or suspicious occurrence on or near your post, provided you do not have to leave your post to do so. If you should require relief for any purpose, you must contact the commander of the relief for instructions.
2. I will obey my special orders and perform all my duties in a military manner. General Order Number 2 requires a Guardsman to become thoroughly familiar with the special orders for your post before you are actually posted. You are also required to obey and carry out any orders or instructions from the commanding officer, field officer of the day, and senior officers of the guard. No other persons are authorized to give orders to Guardsmen on guard duty. You should pass instructions and special information to your relief.
3. I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief. General Order Number 3 requires you to report all special order violations and emergencies to your seniors. In case of a fire on or near your post, you should call in an alarm or make sure one is given. Assign a sergeant and enlisted guardsmen to extinguish the fire if possible. Assign someone to direct fire-fighting apparatus to the fire.
As an Officer of the Guard, ask your Guardsmen "What are your orders?" The proper answer is: "Sir/Ma'am, my orders are of two classes: general and special. My general orders are, 1: I will guard everything within the limits... My Special Orders are, 1: To be on the look out for..."
Be sure that you know these orders yourself, and ensure your Guardsmen know them. As Officer of the Guard, you should be able to answer any questions concerning the special orders for your post.
Relief Commander or Officer of the day
Sergeant of the guard or Field officer of the day
Commander of the guard or Installation Commander
o What is meant by the term "supernumerary"?
An extra member of the guard who is used when needed to replace a guard or perform duties prescribed by local directives.
o What does the term "challenge" mean?
Any process carried out by one unit or person with the object of ascertaining the friendly or hostile character or identity of another.
o What is a countersign?
Two words: the challenge and password.
o In a countersign, what is the challenge?
The first word used to challenge a person or party.
o In a countersign, what is the password?
The second word or sign, used to reply to a challenge.
o What is the parole?
A special password used as a check on the countersign.
o Who is the parole word imparted to?
To persons entitled to inspect the guard, the commander and members of the guard.
o Upon hearing the parole word, what action is taken by a guard?
He/She replies with both parts of the countersign. The guard does not use the password at any other time.
o The guard may be of three types. What are they?
(1) Interior
(2) Exterior
(3) Special
o What are special orders?
Special orders instruct the guard in the actual performance of his/her duty while on a particular post.
o When in doubt, what is considered the best means of identification of an individual?
A visual check of his/her ID card.
o What are your three general orders?
(1) I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.
(2) I will obey my special orders and perform all my duties in a military manner.
(3) I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.
o Who may give a guard member orders?
Only the guard's chain of command.
o What are interior guards?
Interior guards are detailed by commanders of military installations to protect property and enforce regulations and preserve order.
o What is exterior guards?
Exterior guards are lookouts, listening posts, outposts, especially designated patrols, guards in combat zones, field training areas, and guards outside the limits of a military installation. Exterior guards perform their duties as prescribed by special orders and instructions.
o When challenging one person, what is the procedure used?
(1) When the approaching individual is approximately 30 steps away from the guard, the guard assumes the proper challenge position and commands, "Halt!"
(2) When the person stops, the guard commands, "Who goes there?"
(3) After the person answers, the guard commands, "Advance to be recognized."
(4) When the individual is close enough to be recognized without putting the guard in danger, the guard commands, "Halt!"
(5) After recognition, the guard then passes the individual or detains him/her and calls the commander of the relief.
o When challenging a group of individuals, what is the procedure used?
Same as 1 thru 4 in question 17 above. After recognition, the one advanced will step by the guard. The guard will then call the group in one by one to be accounted for by the first person advanced. Or the guard may pass them as a group according to special instructions.
o Can a noncommissioned officer be the "commander" of the guard?
Yes.
o Is the composition of an exterior guard the same as that of an interior guard?
No. Exterior guards have no commanders that are detailed for that duty. Actions of the guards are prescribed by instructions from their leaders, SOPs, and special instructions.
o In general, what is the primary duty of an exterior guard?
Exterior guards are utilized to protect a unit from surprises and to give the unit time to prepare to counter any threats.
o May a guard leave his/her post to investigate or apprehend a person involved in a disorder near his/her post?
No.
o If a guard is not relieved at the expiration of his/her tour, what should he do?
He/she should continue his/her duty and contact the commander of the relief.
o Who is responsible for ensuring all guards understand their special instructions?
The commander of the guard
o When will a sentry not render a hand salute?
(1) When engaged in a specific duty
(2) When talking with an officer (unless a senior approaches and is saluted)
(3) When on a post that requires the challenge
o When challenging, what is the position of your rifle? Pistol?
(1) Rifle - Port arms
(2) Pistol - Raised
o When a guard fires his/her weapon into the air three times in rapid succession, what is signified?
Great danger
o In time of war, what is the punishment for disclosing the parole word or countersign to an unauthorized person?
Punishable by death or other punishment deemed by court martial.
o Must guards be qualified with the weapon they are carrying?
Yes.