What am I talking about? Well, in same competitions cadets are not allowed to let the sword or saber leave their hand- they cannot spin their chosen piece of drill equipment. Now, that has led to some creative work being done by a small handful of Drillers- which is an excellent thing! However, it also stifles other creativity. I have an answer to the predicament that comes from the color guard world (remember, here at DrillMaster color guard= marching band or winter guard and color team = military).

Above is the Excalibur Saber (photo courtesy of Bandshoppe). It is one of the sabers used by color guard units all over the world and it is safe! I really hope that more military drill teams will begin to explore the uses of this great piece of equipment, it can only bring benefits.

As far as ceremonial use goes, this is a saber that a cordon could use since it does fit into a scabbard. Who wants to beat up a ceremonial saber anymore anyway now that we have the spinnable saber?

Note: The Band Shoppe is just one of the web sites that carries color guard sabers from where I have purchased before.

DrillMaster

Author, drill designer, marching instructor, trainer for honor guard units, military drill teams, marching bands and drum and bugle corps.

Recent Posts

“Don’t Lock Yer Knees!”

Most cadets and many adults know only this phrase about fainting (flaking) in formation. You…

4 days ago

The Casket Shipping Container

Airlines receive caskets all the time, travelers just don't usually know it unless the remains…

2 weeks ago

Making RTC Great Again

I have been posting critiques on social media for several years now. The critiques are…

3 weeks ago

Protocol Manual Update, AFI 90-1201 Replaces AFI 34-1201

In October of 2024, the Air Force furthered the coverage of instructions and other regulations…

4 weeks ago

Presenting the Colors and Rain

Your team is asked to present the colors at a game outside and there’s a…

1 month ago

Joint International Color Guard Protocol

It's an issue that has never been formally addressed before and the time has come…

1 month ago

This website uses cookies.