Unless the laws have changed, any veteran that is either killed in combat or dies has the priviledge to be buried at Arlington. When my Grandfather died many years ago he did have the option of being interred at Arlington (he was also Patton's personal driver in the field, doesn't hurt to be connected) or at the funeral ceremony there would be an honor guard assigned to the burial. Since he wan't an O-9/O-10 he wasn't eligible for a 21 gun salute, but at still got a 7 gun salute. As we opted for a burial closer to home so we could visit there was indeed an honor guard, and I was given the honor of receiving the tri-folded US flag that was drapped over his casket during the ceremony.
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