DrillMaster explains how to create a pallbearer deck to ensure safety of the pallbearers as they step up to place the casket on or retrieve it from the hose bed of an apparatus.
Posting Other Organization’s Colors
The DrillMaster explains how to honor the colors and every local organization that asks for colors support and still stay within standards.
Sunglasses in Uniform
Everyday eyewear, including sunglasses, may be authorized for routine wear in the U.S. military; however, it is not authorized in formation unless medically prescribed. Accordingly, sunglasses are inappropriate for pallbearers and likewise for members of the color guard, firing party, and even the bugler. Sunglasses interrupt the essential human connection between ceremonial personnel and those they serve. This restriction is …
The Why of the Military Color Guard – Marine Corps, Navy, & Coast Guard
Third in the series: DrillMaster explains the reasoning behind color guard standards for the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard.
The Flagstaff Spade Marker
When we stand at Order, Parade Rest (Stand at Ease), and Carry (Right Shoulder), the spade should be flat to the front. In order to do this, for many years, we (older guys) would use thumbtacks that we could feel with our fingers with the staff on the deck and/or see when carried.
Color Guard Performance “Factors”
As much as I am a “by-the-book” Airman, I know there are times when certain organizations must adapt and overcome and follow the spirit of the regulations rather than the letter. Speaking of letters. Below, is the text of an email from a friend of mine, MSgt Vincent Liddle of Warren Central High School MCJROTC. I was surprised to wake …
The Half-Staff, Half-Mast, and Mourning Ribbon DrillMaster Study
There is confusion about placing the American flag at half-staff, using a mourning ribbon, and a few myths. Let’s go over the facts.
Flagstaff Refurbishing
Flagstaffs can become weathered and lose their original look like the one pictured. That is easily remedied! Well, not easy-easy, but it’s not really all that difficult. Here are the steps: Remove the ferrules and middle screw joints. Sand the staffs down completely to the wood. Stain the the staffs. Coat the staffs with at least five coats of urethane. …
Color Guard Flag Protocol
There is so much information to learn when it comes to flag protocol. A flag is called a color when posted in a stand and carried by a color guard.
Practice Never Makes Perfect
“Practice makes perfect” is the usual phrase, or you may hear the modified “perfect practice makes perfect”, which doesn’t even make sense. What exactly is “perfect practice”? I really do not like either of those phrases at all because they are quite meaningless. Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence. Vince Lombardi The learning …