DrillMaster shares his view of keeping the professionalism in an honor guard unit
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 …
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 …
All About the Color Guard
Please read this article very carefully. The following information is based in regulation drill. Much of the information directly relates to ceremonial unit color guards. Even though this is not about ceremonial drill (honor guard), color guards are ceremonial in nature and all must adhere to the standards. Written in 2018, updated in 2022 for clarity. Definitions Who is Represented? …
“Root Step” and Command Pronunciation
When we give commands to a formation, the words and your voice need to have several different attributes (click here for complete information on the command voice). One of the attributes that is never addressed is how to pronounce certain words. The two words that are constantly butchered by cadets and members of the military are Route and Oblique. The …
The 50-Gun Salute
Each July 4th, Independence Day, The US Army Honor Guardat Whipple Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the Presidential Salute Battery of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) fired a traditional 50-gun Salute to the Nation. This is the 50-Gun Salute. One for each state of the Union. This is one of only two ways to fire a gun …
Ask the DrillMaster: Rendering Respect
It’s unfortunate that some zealous and yet so very uninformed veterans and even civilians feel they need to chastise someone for the way they are rendering honors during a veteran’s funeral. I received a question from a veteran regarding the procedures he follows- training he received while in the Army- at veteran funerals while he is there as a member …