Point Spreads and What They Mean

DrillMasterDrill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional, Judging Leave a Comment

Currently, military drill competition scores are not associated with a standard so the point spreads (the amount of numbers between scores given to teams) do not have any meaning- but they should. I’ll explain. Current scoring methods look like this (or are very similar): several categories with a score range of 1 – 10. The total points for that score …

It’s Natural to be Negative

DrillMasterCommentary, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional, Judging Leave a Comment

“Negative” judging was the first kind and in the military drill world is still quite prevalent. What is “Negative” Judging? In the drum corps and marching band world, this judging is called the “tick system.” The score starts with 100 points and each “tick” being a tenth of a point that is deducted for “mistakes.” This is what the military …

What is “Derived Achievement”?

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Judging Leave a Comment

A friend of mine (“R”) and I (“DM”) were having a discussion, sending messages back and forth a short time ago. The questions he asked have been asked me before and I had to take the opportunity to share the information with you. R: I have a couple questions, I have heard that in high school exhibition it is illegal …

The DrillMaster’s Creed

DrillMasterDrill Teams, Honor Guard, Judging Leave a Comment

Originally written by a Soldier friend of mine, it is an adaptation of the Army’s Soldier’s Creed. The DrillMaster’s Creed  I am a DrillMaster. I am an expert in all forms of drill: Regulation and Exhibition. I am or was a senior member of a team and one of the best therein. I am a leader and a teacher. I …