The Ceremonial Rifle Program affords posts and departments an opportunity to add dignity and class to their honor guard details at events such as funerals or parades. Under Army regulations, the secretary of the army may conditionally loan not more than 15 excess M1 Garand rifles to an eligible organization. A formal written request, signed by the Post Commander, must be submitted to the National Programs Department which-after validating good standing-will forward it to the U.S. Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan. TACOM will accept no requests without written approval of AMVETS National Headquarters.
Forms may be requested from the National Programs Department or downloaded from the TACOM Web Site. Link: TACOM Click on the Veterans Associations.
The forms you need are; 1) Checklist for Rifles 2) Certificate of Arms Storage 3) Certificate of Compliance and 4) Ceremonial Rifle Inventory (if applicable)
The Process: Complete all forms and write a letter, addressed to TACOM, requesting a specific number of rifles. (from one to fifteen) The letter must be signed by the Post Commander or Adjutant. Include this letter, along with all of the forms and mail to the AMVETS National Programs Department. Your package will be reviewed and the letter validating your post will be added and then the completed packet will be mailed to TACOM. If everything is in order it will still take on average, four to six months.
AMVETS Ceremonial Rifle Brochure – This brochure has additional information.
ONLY AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE RIFLES – Blank Ammo must be requested from the Joint Munitions Command in Rock Island, IL.
POC for requesting Ammo – Dawn Folland – 309.782.4608 (follandd@afsc.army.mil)
Slings are not provided through the Donations Program Group. The slings are available through commercial sources. Two sources you may consider: (Providing these links does not represent endorsements of any products or services contained therein.)
www.amherst-depot.com - Amherst Arms
www.fulton-armory.com – Fulton Armory