Fourth in the series: DrillMaster explains the reasoning behind color guard standards for the Air Force.
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 “Why” of the Military Color Guard – US Army
Second in the series: DrillMaster explains the standards for the US Army color guard.
The “Why” of the Military Color Guard – Regulations
The first in the series! DrillMaster explains why there are certain requirements for military color guards.
More Than One Flag At a Ceremony
“You cannot display more than one flag at a ceremony!” That’s one of several urban legends I’ve heard over the years related to me or told directly to me by well meaning people. Well meaning people who don’t know what they are talking about. Apparently, one set already posted and another set formally presented is “too many”. I know, you …
Organizing a Massing of the Colors Event
Massed Colors Massed colors, but not the type outlined in the Army and Marine drill and ceremonies manuals. These manuals specifically state to not have multiple color guards at a ceremony. One is enough. But, that’s for strictly military formations. Click here for information on a massed colors formation. Massing of the Colors is an event where multiple color guards …
How to Properly Mount a Flag on a Flagstaff
This issue has been on my mind for a little while. I have this outlined in my book, Exhibition Drill For The Military Drill Team, Vol II, and I really need to go over it here. Depending on the service, there are two ways to properly mount a flag on a flagstaff. Because I say so? No, because I’ve learned …
Of Flags and Sharp Objects
Please read All About The Color Guard for complete information on this subject. Can a color team use rifles with bayonets or even use swords or sabers? As the title suggests, flags and sharp objects do not go well together! Never ever, ever, ever put bayonets on rifles or march swords/sabers for a color team! When a color catches the …
All About Uniform Gloves
White Gloves I constantly see pictures of cadets, Active Duty, Reserve and Guard, and first responder teams wearing gloves that look terrible. Whether its the “Flag Bearer Gloves” (at right) or the dress gloves with a snap or no snap, they all are either (loose) or a bad idea (look almost “industrial”). The picture at right is a bit misleading …
To Fringe or Not to Fringe, That is the Question
I originally wrote this in December of 2017. This update, December of 2023, includes links to other articles to help fully explain the issues. Please read about the difference between a flag and a color. According to the US Army, fringe is an honorable enrichment only, not an integral part of the color. As it is attached on the edge, …