that the men are in proper condition to perform their duties
and that their arms and equipments are in proper condition. For
inspection by other officers, he prepares the guard in each case as
directed by the inspecting officer. (56)

=1619.= The guard will not be paraded during ceremonies unless
directed by the commanding officer. (57)

=1620.= At all formations members of the guard or reliefs will execute
inspection arms as prescribed in the drill regulations of their arm.
(58)

=1621.= The commander of the guard will see that all sentinels are
habitually relieved every two hours, unless the weather or other cause
makes it necessary that it be done at shorter or longer intervals, as
directed by the commanding officer. (59)

=1622.= He will question his noncommissioned officers and sentinels
relative to the instructions they may have received from the old
guard; he will see that patrols and visits of inspection are made as
directed by the officer of the day. (60)

=1623.= He will see that the special orders for each post and member
of the guard, either written or printed, are posted in the guardhouse,
and, if practicable, in the sentry box or other sheltered place to
which the member of the guard has constant access. (61)

=1624.= He will see that the proper calls are sounded at the hours
appointed by the commanding officer. (62)

=1625.= Should a member of the guard be taken sick, or be arrested, or
desert, or leave his guard, he will at once notify the officer of the
day. (63)

=1626.= He will, when the countersign is used (Pars. 1770 to 1776),
communicate it to the noncommissioned officers of the guard and see
that it is duly communicated to the sentinels before the hour for
challenging; the countersign will not be given to sentinels posted at
the guardhouse. (64)

=1627.= He will have the details for hoisting the flag at reveille,
and lowering it at retreat, and for firing the reveille and retreat
gun, made in time for the proper performance of these duties. (See
Pars. 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837). He will see that the flags are kept in
the best condition possible, and that they are never handled except in
the proper performance of duty. (65)

=1628.= He may permit members of the guard while at the guardhouse to
remove their headdress, overcoats, and gloves; if they leave the
guardhouse for any purpose whatever he will require that they be
properly equipped and armed according to the character of the servic