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
Phone: Toll Free 877-233-2515
E-mail: dawn.lynn.folland@us.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

National Honor Guard Competition
(Posting/Retrieving the National Colors)

To be held during the 65th National Convention
that will take place in August 2009, in New Orleans, LA

• Streamers will be awarded to the top four places.
• Patches will be awarded to the first place winners.
• Certificates will be presented to all participants.
• Only one Honor Guard from each Department.

 Questions – May be directed to Beryl Love
AMVETS National Programs Director 240.832.7768
Entry forms will be mailed in early May!