The DrillMaster

Criticism

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

Criticism There are different types of criticism: Negative (personal to one or more people)- criticism that has no real point except to tear a person down which only leads to defensiveness. Examples: “That was terrible.” “You really did a bad job on that.” 2. Constructive (professional)- the ability to point out that a performance (in our case) may have had …

Routine Mapping Tool Sample

How to Write Exhibition Drill: The “Boxes of Three” Method

DrillMasterDrill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional Leave a Comment

  How to Write Exhibition Drill (XD): The “Boxes of Three” Method When beginning any task it is always best to go from simple to difficult, even when writing drill. “But, my team already knows ‘difficult moves!” I hear you exclaim. No problem, you can still use these moves because they easily fit into a parade routine (long road that …

Why We Follow Manuals

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Color Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams 2 Comments

A Question from a cadet Hello sir, I need some advice. I am a [JROTC] deputy drill team Commander. I was trained both by my summer instructors and you that one should ALWAYS follow the manuals. However, my commander and my officer in charge refuse to take any ideas about following the manual. Do you have any advice? I greatly …

How to Write Drill

The Seven Parts of an Exhibition Drill Routine

DrillMasterCommentary, Drill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional 3 Comments

The Seven Parts of an Exhibition Drill Routine In the article, How to Keep a Drill Team Going, I briefly mentioned the seven parts of an exhibition drill (XD) routine. Here, I will expand on and explain those parts. These parts are a good way to break down the routine into digestible parts when programing (creating). The information provided below …

How to Blouse Your Boots

How to Blouse Your Boots

DrillMasterDrill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional, Uniform Tips 2 Comments

When I first began teaching as the DrillMaster, I wore the Army Combat Uniform (photos below) until I achieved my goal of wearing a generic solid blue Tactical Duty Uniform (above) when I teach. Many years ago while I was still active duty in the Air Force I bought blousing weights to give a “squared-off” look to my Battle Dress …

The First Certified Pathfinder Drill Specialists!

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The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church has a wonderful youth program called Pathfinders to instill discipline, hard work, teamwork, and a whole host of other positive attributes, all while honoring our Lord and Savior. There are three marching parts of the Pathfinder program: Drill Team, Honor Guard (includes color guard), and Drum Corps (a percussion section). In early 2017, Leanna …

When Calling Commands, where does the commander face?

DrillMasterDrill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional Leave a Comment

When Calling Commands, where does the commander face? (ROTC, JROTC) Those of us who have worked with Army units have had it drilled into our heads that you MUST face your platoon when giving commands during regulation drill. This necessitates a face-in-march or even marching backwards at times. Here is the excerpt from T.C. 3-21.5: 3-1 “a. When at the …

#drillface

“As I was!”

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Commentary, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional Leave a Comment

“As I was”? Stop talking to yourself, talk to your platoon/flight. What does “as I was” mean? Nothing. The term is “As you were.” Here is some info for you from AFM 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies, which you can download here: Use the command AS YOU WERE to revoke a preparatory command. After the command of execution has been given …

Routine Mapping Tool Sample

How to Write Drill

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Commentary, Drill Teams, Instructional 1 Comment

Drill is not boring, unless you do the same thing over and over or you execute very simple moves with “dead” time in between. How can drill be “exciting”? Variation. Variation of: Hand, arm, leg and head movements Body movement Step style Tempo You can get a sample of some drill movements in Exhibition Drill For The Military Drill Team. …

Honor Guard Gloves

All About Uniform Gloves

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Instructional 3 Comments

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 …