The Transportation Security Administration is a civilian federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security.
The Flag Display Team and When a Color Guard Is Not Appropriate
Across the United States, organizations of many types—federal agencies, uniformed services, public safety departments, schools, and civic groups—seek meaningful ways to honor the United States flag during ceremonies and public events.
Navigating Leadership: A Cadet’s Guide When Adult Support Falls Short
You’ve heard the message: Dismissiveness hurts. When you bring a real problem or an idea to an adult leader and their response is a dismissive comment—or worse, “I don’t care”—it’s frustrating, unfair, and makes you question why you should even try. First, know this: You are heard, and your concerns are valid. Your initiative is vital to our program. You …
The USNSCC Honors and Ceremonies Course
Over the years, adult volunteers have done their best to provide information to Sea and League Cadets regarding US Navy honors and ceremonies. In this article, I will attempt to convey to you why this course is important for every Sea and League Cadet.
The “Wrong” Committal Shelter Set Up and the “Rule of the Foot”
The photo at the top of the page shows what is called a “Committal Shelter” or a “Committal Pavilion”. For a more modern, utilitarian structure, “Committal Terrace” is also sometimes used to describe a paved, roofed area specifically set aside for the service to take place away from the mud or grass of the grave site. Why these are used …
The “Good Idea Fairy”
The ‘Good Idea Fairy,’ the destroyer of motivation and crusher of souls, is back, and this time it’s haunting the drill field. As I detail in my previous work, ‘The Magic White Glove Effect,’ this phenomenon is all due to unrealistic expectations. Recently, I received a message detailing a ceremony rehearsal where a prepared junior NCO and his Color Guard …
Case Study: Posting the Colors — CA Military Institute/CA State Guard
This article examines a recent colors presentation conducted by the California Military Institute in support of the California State Guard. As always, the intent here is not criticism for its own sake, but education. By unpacking both strengths and deficiencies, we can clarify standards, improve training outcomes, and reinforce the non-negotiable principles that govern military color guard operations. See the …
Motivation, Legitimacy, and Instructor Presence in Cadet Drill Programs
“A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.”Napoleon Bonapart Napoleon’s observation remains relevant because it identifies a fundamental truth of military culture: recognition matters. Ribbons, medals, badges, cords, and other uniform distinctions are not superficial. They are visible acknowledgments of effort, competence, and commitment. They communicate, without explanation, that an individual or group has earned …
Proposal: Cadet Joint Service Colors Policy
Over the past year (2025), I have shared several photos of JROTC units presenting all of the service colors at patriotic events and then wrote my thinking of the situation: “is this authorized?” and I went on to invite my readers to comment. I need to be clear: This creates a “why” behind the rules that backs up both positions: …
The Proffer
It’s not short for “professor”, a proffer is one who stands by with awards or certificates and hands them to the presenter. In the U.S. Air Force and other branches that follow similar protocol the term for the individual who assists the presenter during a formal military award or retirement ceremony is called the Proffer. Their role. The following is …