GUARD-MOUNTING is the ceremony of inspec tion and review preliminary to the actual re lieving of the old guard. The details fall in on their company streets or before their bar racks, are examined by their first sergeants, and marched to the regimental parade ground, where the sergeant-major places them in the desired alignment, receives the first sergeant's reports, and in turn presents the detail and reports to the adjutant. The latter officer then directs the officers of the guard to take posts, the guard is formed and turned over to the officer command ing the guard for inspection, the adjutant exer cising general supervision. During the inspec tion the band plays; on the conclusion of such inspection officers take post, the guard stands at the 'parade rest,' the adjutant orders 'sound off,' upon which the hand playing passes in front of the officer of the guard, to the left of the line, and hack to its post on the right, and ceases playing. The adjutant then reports to the offi cer of the day, before whom the guard is marched in review. After passing the reviewing
officer the adjutant and sergeant-major return swords and fall out, the commander of the guard forms it into column of fours, the band retires, the guard field music taking its place. As the new guard approaches the guard-house the old guard is formed into line, and receives its relief with arms at the 'present.' The officers of the day face each other, salute, and exchange duties. The new guard, drawn up opposite the old guard, proceeds to relieve the old sentinels, receiving over the duties and responsibilities of the posi tion. The old guard, having been completed, then marches past the new on its way to the regi mental parade ground, where, after inspection, the company details are marched to their own quarters by the different company non-commis sioned officers, and their tour of duty is complet ed. Except in special circumstances, the old guard is not available for other duties or parades within at least four hours of their dismounting guard.