The regiment is the oldest active unit of infantry in the Army, having been first organized as the First American Regiment in 1784 The 3rd US Infantry Regiment's mission is to conduct memorial affairs to honor fallen comrades and ceremonies and special events to represent the U.S. Army, communicating its story to United States citizens and the world. On order, The Old Guard conducts Defense Support of Civil Authorities in the National Capital Region and deploys elements in support of Overseas Contingency Operations The 3rd United States Infantry Regiment is a regiment of the US Army. It currently has three active battalions, and is readily identified by its nickname, The Old Guard, as well as Escort to the President. The regimental motto is Noli Me Tangere (from Latin: – Touch me Not). The regiment is a major unit of the Military District of Washington (MDW).