Do Soldiers Sleep During Guard Duty? Risks and Consequences

No, they do not sleep during guard duty, at least not without serious repercussions. In military operations, staying vigilant and alert is paramount. Sleeping during your watch can lead to severe penalties including Article 15, brig assignment, or in extreme cases, even injury or death to the soldier and those under their protection.

Training and Inspections

During training, particularly for units like the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, students learn the importance of maintaining high standards during their duty. Instructors meticulously check guard positions to ensure they are not compromised.

If an instructor hears snoring from a guard, they will conduct an inspection and carry a bright red magnum sharpie. Simulating a fatal injury by marking the guard's neck with this permanent ink serves as a stark warning. This practice ensures that any soldier who falls asleep is immediately identified by the entire squad, and rumors spread quickly about the incident.

Military Discipline and Consequences

NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) take a very dim view of soldiers who sleep on duty. The consequences can be severe, ranging from the loss of rank to being restricted to base for weeks.

One notorious case occurred at the Navy base on Whitney Island in Washington State. The watchman, while stationed in a vehicle, was found sleeping amidst ongoing inspections. The situation was visibly obvious to everyone on the ground. As such, the sailor faced severe consequences, including a loss in rank and temporary base restrictions. This incident highlights the strict enforcement of military discipline and the potentially catastrophic outcomes of ignoring such protocols.

Human Factors and Incidents

Although it is rare, soldiers do fall asleep during guard duty. However, the military system is designed to minimize these risks through rigorous training and regular checks. In some countries, the penalties for sleeping on duty are even more severe, including the death penalty in battle zones. In the U.S. military, the penalties may include Article 15 (a non-judicial punishment process) or a court martial for more serious offenses.

Rather than simply sleeping, soldiers often engage in light napping or subconscious alertness. While they may not be fully awake, they remain alert enough to respond to any unexpected situations. This practice is often informally referred to as “walking the watch” or maintaining "vigilance."

For example, on regular military service, guard duty is rotated to ensure that soldiers do not fall into a deep sleep. If an individual does manage to fall asleep, the system is designed to catch them. When a soldier is found sleeping, the incident is reported, and they face strict disciplinary actions as outlined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Conclusion

While soldiers are trained to remain alert and vigilant during their guard duty, they are human and can fall asleep. However, the military system is designed to ensure that such incidents are rare and that the individuals involved face significant consequences to deter future occurrences. Strict adherence to duty and rigorous training are key to maintaining military readiness and safety.