Street parades or even a military parade (a pass-in-review, not “pass and review”) is a celebration of a special event like the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, Independence Day, Memorial Day, or Armed Forces Day. There are any number of reasons for a parade and this article will be helpful for parade organizers.
The order of multiple color guards is a broad subject. We will go over information that you may not have considered. Before we continue, I need to ensure everyone is aware that agencies should not mix. That means filling positions in the same formation (i.e., CBP right rifle, US Army US color bearer, local PD bearer, etc.).
While on the surface this color guard above of Maine Air National Guard Airmen and Bangor Firefighters looks to be the kind of togetherness we all desire, DoD, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force regulations state military color guards are made up of the members of each branch of military service and that’s it. The military does not mix with any other agency at the federal, state, or local level. Plus, we don’t carry the POW/MIA flag unless its for the funeral of a former POW. Never any other time.
We need to follow that standard at the federal and state levels. Just because someone might wear a uniform in another organization doesn’t mean mixing is authorized.
Read here for the difference between Joint Armed Forces, Joint Service.
The Joint Agency color guard is very common. This color guard is made up of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel.
The above photo shows how first responders and military work together – they do it separately. Color guards don’t integrate, that sends a bad message. Precedence: the team on the right can be the one in charge of the ceremony. When both teams are invited the precedence for what team is on the right goes in order: federal, state, county, city.
On tribal lands: the tribal color guard is always first, regardless of any other agency or unit present. This team should be comprised of tribal members deemed appropriate by the tribe (e.g., adults and teens or only adults, etc.).
Off tribal lands: The tribal team ranks as US territories rank, state, tribal, followed by territory. There isn’t any documentation on this at all. This is DeVaughn and me getting together and using logic to create guidance. Please see blow.
These are the federal services/agencies that would field a color guard in a parade. Since all are at the federal level, they could be organized in this order.
For more on US military joint armed forces order, read here.
If more than one foreign nation attends, they go in alphabetical order.
When multiple states are represented, go in the order of Admission to the Union.
If there is more than one tribe represented, contact the tribes and see what agreement they have between them for precedence. Some go by alphabetical, some by language, and others might use something different. There is no set standard across the country. If no agreement, alphabetical might be a good way to organize the teams.
If more than one US territory would be represented, their order is when the territory was acquired.
County/parish and city first responders. For more on first responder joint service order and how I came to find these dates, please read here.
Order is the same as the parent service.
These are the organizations most likely to forma color guard and march.
While names of the organizations may change, the establishment dates are set.
There are several programs, all might not march. The ones I know of follow:
Only when color guards will be one right after the other. If the teams will be spaced out by several other parade entries, then the order doesn’t necessarily apply, unless you, the parade organizer, wants it to apply.
This article was written in collaboration with DeVaughn Simper, Vexillologist
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I have a question as to where a tribal Honor Guard would fit into the order listed above. When the parade occurs on tribal reservation lands, and they are representing their tribal nation, what level of precedence would the tribal Honor Guard receive?
What a great question and DeVaughn and I couldn't believe that we missed this! I have added information to the article for on and off tribal lands protocol. I hope this answers your question, please let me know if you need more guidance.
Regarding faith based groups, the following can march but are missing from your list:
Salvation Army Junior Soldiers USA 1880
United Boys and Girls Brigades of America 1887
Christian Service Brigade 1937
Calvinist Cadet Corps 1952
Royal Rangers 1961
Mr. Ramos,
Thank you so much for your input! I truly appreciate it. I just couldn't think of any more organizations, but I knew they are out there.
Adding this right now!