The Honor Guard Equipment Checklist

These are suggestions for your team.

Ceremonial Equipment

• 9.5′ flagstaffs with spade finial
• 4′ x 5.5′ (4′ x 6′) Indoor/Parade fringed flags
  • US (0216)
  • State
  • Military Service
  • Law enforcement
  • Fire (7784)
  • EMS (7625)
  • POW/MIA (7724)
• Colors harnesses (the best for training)
• Colors harnesses (the best for performance)
• Flag Stands
  • These are beautiful
  • These are economical (AMG)
  • Floor Stand Adapters for an alternative, click here
• Equipment for the guards on the color team
  • Replica M1 Garand (the perfect ceremonial rifle)
  • Replica M1903
  • Ceremonial Fire Axe
• Firing Party (min of three, max of seven)
  • To obtain rifles, see this article
  • Shotguns
  • Ammunition

Read, All About the Military Color Guard

Flags (Colors): Authorized for the military, the 4′ x 6′ flag fit on the 9.5′ staff (ceremonial use). The 3′ x 5′ flag fits on the 8′ staff (usually for smaller rooms indoors). Since first responders are paramilitary, it makes sense to follow these guidelines. Do not use the spread eagle finial, click here for more information. The eagle finial is appropriate for permanent display.

Indoor/Parade Use flags have the pole hem so that the flagstaff (not a “pole”) slides through it for mounting. Flags with grommets are not appropriate for carrying, they are for mounting on a halyard for outdoor display only.

On using cords and tassels. Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard color guards are authorized the red, white, and blue cord for the US for carrying/marching. A gold-colored cord is the only for a permanently displayed flag. You must have an appropriate cord for the service flag as well. Army and Air Force color guards are not authorized cords and tassels.  Click here for cord examples.

Flagstaffs: two-piece light ash wood guidon staffs are the only authorized staffs for color guards. For permanent display darker wood is appropriate. Click here for information on how to mount a color on a staff.

Floor Stand Adapters: If you have guidon staffs with a tapered ferrule at the bottom, you need the adapters if you are posting in a low-profile stand or else the staff will tilt to one side. To keep the staff vertical, use an adapter or my suggested alternative. If, however, you have staffs without a ferrule that have a squared off bottom, no need for adapters.

Good to Have on Hand

• Casket Band
• Extra uniform buttons
• A couple pairs of gloves in different sizes
• Diaper pins (to hold buttons, anchor shoulder cords, etc.)
• Extra chin strap
• Extra shoe laces