Deciphering information in the Army’s TC 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies (D&C) can take time and effort because not all passages are written as clearly as one might like. The use of the terms “colors” and “Color guard” are part of this. The Army isn’t alone in this, the other two D&C manuals are just as guilty!
This is almost a guest post. Carter Sharpnack, student trainer, and I had a short discussion, one of our many, and he brought this to my attention and then gave a possible solution.
Zeroing-in on the Use of Each Phrase
- The use of the phrase “Colors, Halt” is three times in 15-25. For context, this is part of the explanation for postingthecolors.
- As an example, “Once the Color guard is centered on the flag stand, they Mark Time and the Color sergeant commands Colors, HALT and Right, FACE.”
- The use of the phrase “Color Guard, Halt” is two times in paragraph 15-26. For context, this is part of the explanation for retiringthecolors.
- As an example, “The Color sergeant commands Color guard, HALT; Present, ARMS,”.
Carter’s Insight
The only thing I saw is when “Color Guard, HALT” is used, the flag bearers are not carrying the colors (they are about to retrieve them). When “Colors, HALT” is used, the colors are being carried.
Comments 1
Something else that came to mind — and this is just my interpretation — is that the phrase “Color Guard, HALT” might not be solely directed at the entire team as a unit. It could be more specifically intended for the rifle guards, especially during sequences where the color bearers are about to break away to execute their own commands
to post/retrieve the colors.
In those moments, halting the entire color guard (by command, but with the guards in mind) allows the bearers to separate cleanly, without disruption or unintended movement from the guards. It becomes less about motion and more about creating a moment of stability for a smooth transition.