Okay -this might be kind of
morbid but it's written in order to clarify some questions that I received regarding
The 21-gun salute. Apparently, in that node I distinguished the
hierarchy or
protocol centered around the number of gun salutes given to various military personnel based upon their rank and service. It was mentioned by some fellow noders that they have seen lower ranking service members receive the 21-gun salute. That is probably true but not in a full - honors funeral. It appears there are 3 types of military funerals that are available and there are different entitlements associated with each one. Hence, this node....
Standard Honors
Standard graveside honors can be provided enlisted service members by the appropriate branch of service at
Arlington National Cemetery. The honors include:
A casket team
A firing party
A bugler
Additionally, some branches of the armed services will use the caisson for service members who have reached the top NCO grade.
The cemetery staff will make arrangements for military honors when requested by the next of kin or representative. A military chaplain may also be requested.
Full-honors Funerals
In addition to the standard military honors, commissioned and warrant officers may receive:
An escort platoon (size varies according to the rank of the deceased)
A military band
Burial flags are provided by the U. S Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost. Most veterans are entitled to burial flags.Reservists entitled to retired pay are also eligible. Only one burial flag may be provided per veteran.
Additionally, officers buried in Arlington Cemetery are entitled to use of the caisson. Officers in the rank of colonel and above in the Army and the Marine Corps are entitled to a caparisoned (riderless) horse. General officers are also entitled to a cannon salute - (see the 21-gun salute for details)
Armed Forces Honors
The entitlements are the same as a full-honors funeral, except that escort
platoons from each of the services participate. The funerals are reserved for the
President of the United States (as Commander-in Chief), Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, or officers granted multiple service command.
Information for this node came from www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ceremonies/military_funerals