Meet The DrillMaster
At nine years old, John Marshall, The DrillMaster, watched the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and knew he wanted to wear a uniform for life. In high school, he spent four years in AFJROTC on a state-champion drill team. After attending Basic Camp at Ft. Knox, he spent two years in Army ROTC at New Mexico Military Institute before joining the Air Force in 1985. Over his 20-year career, he dedicated 15 years to part- and full-time duties with Base Honor Guards worldwide—including three years post-retirement as the only Authorized Provider Partnership Program member overseas (and possibly across the Air Force or even DoD).
Since 1979, he has been marched in some form. Since 1986, he has judged, written for, and taught marching bands, drum corps, and military units. Since 1990, he has trained and performed with ceremonial teams. Since 2011, he has written about and for the Military Drill World. His work spans law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS ceremonial units, Sea Cadets, Civil Air Patrol, JROTC, and other cadet programs across the U.S. and internationally.
A 21-time published author, he specializes in ceremonial, regulation, and exhibition drill, as well as military drill adjudication. He educates through his website, www.thedrillmaster.org, and shares micro-training moments on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
"Education is key!" is the phrase most often seen on DrillMaster social media, reflecting his mission of continuous learning.