Ask the DrillMaster: What are we doing wrong with our color guard?

Question: Since you work with drill teams & know proper flag etiquette, you’re my go-to person on this one. We were told at a national veteran convention by someone from another state that we shouldn’t have an eagle on our state flag staff, only on the US Flag staff. I haven’t found anything about it. Is this accurate? Thanks! B

Answer: Hi B, Thanks so much for the question. Actually, the eagle is only for the president. Army spades are the only authorized finials for all services except the Navy and Coast Guard which both use the battleaxe- except when they are in joint-service situations.

Since veteran organizations are an extension of the military services, they should be following the guidance provided. However, the guidance is kinda difficult to find and can be confusing so I did some research and put everything on my website. The following links are my articles on flags (colors), flagstaffs and ornaments (finials), I hope they are helpful. If they are, please send this information to those you know might benefit from it.

All about ornaments (finials): http://drillmaster.wpengine.com/2013/01/31/ask-the-drillmaster-flagstaff-ornaments/

All about the flagstaff: http://drillmaster.wpengine.com/2012/10/03/all-about-the-flagstaff/

All about flagstaff sizes: http://drillmaster.wpengine.com/2013/03/07/all-about-flag-sizes/

How to mount a flag: http://drillmaster.wpengine.com/2012/09/26/how-to-properly-mount-a-flag-on-a-flagstaff/

Fringe on a flag: http://drillmaster.wpengine.com/2012/06/26/to-fringe-or-not-to-fringe-that-is-the-question/