10. After meeting the gathered officials, it is customary for the visiting head of state to perform an inspection of an honor guard of military personnel from the host nation
As is traditional in state visits around the world, awaiting the honored dignitary is a ceremonial military guard of honor. In a reciprocal act of politeness, it is customary that the host and guest heads of state perform a brief inspection of the soldiers in attendance. Carried out to the performance of a military band, the two heads of state enact a short walk-by inspection of those assembled. Unlike a political gathering or informal occasion, conversation is not tolerated between either the heads of state or the politicians and military personnel; the inspection is a sacred formality, serving to display the authority of the president as commander-in-chief, not an opportunity to converse.
Following this brief close-up inspection, the heads of state climb a review stand to watch the fife and drum corps of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment conduct a pass-in-review. The troops march past the raised dais, allowing for an overview of the military personnel present. This procession is performed to the tune of Yankee Doodle – an American marching song dating to the American Revolutionary War. An exception is made during visitations by the United Kingdom, for which, reflecting the “Special Relationship” between the countries, the tune used is The British Grenadiers: a marching song popular during the 17th and 18th centuries among English regiments, particular in the Americas.