For almost a century, soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery have guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—24 hours a day, rain or shine, in a wool uniform, with perfect posture.

According to the Tomb’s official site, “The duty at the Tomb is not for everyone, with the majority of soldiers who begin Tomb Guard training failing … [Tomb Guards] are part of an unbroken chain of soldiers dating back to 1926.”

One redditor—user Formertombguard—claimed to be among the select ranks of soldiers who passed Tomb Guard training. After posting an image of an anonymized certificate, Formertombguard answered redditors’ questions about what it’s like to guard the Unknown Soldier for two years—and how early 20th-century picnickers and graffiti artists helped start this historic tradition.

Why Is This Particular Tomb Worth Guarding?

Why Does the Tomb Need a Guard in the First Place?

What Is Training Like?

How Strict Is Life as a Tomb Guard?

Are You Allowed to Walk Around?

What About Bad Weather?

Really? No exceptions?

If Formertombguard’s weatherproof attitude sounds unshakeable, there is one forecast that makes him uneasy.

How a Veteran Almost Made Him Crack up on the Job

Check out the original thread to read all of the top answers from the AMA of the Unknown Tomb Guard.