Over the years, I’ve had the same conversation with cadets again and again. It usually starts with a simple question
Navy Massed State and Territory Colors Formations
At the Boot Camp training base, RTC Great Lakes, and at the Navy Ceremonial Guard in DC, Sailors carry the states and territories in one or two massed formations. Recruit Training Command Great Lakes and the Navy Ceremonial Guard both routinely display massed State and Territory flags in one or two large formations carried by Sailors. These are Flag Display …
The Flag Detail’s Job is at the Flagpole
There is a misunderstanding that keeps showing up in morning colors and evening colors ceremonies: people see a flag being raised or lowered and folded, and an immediately thought is that the Flag Detail is a color guard, the flag fold is exactly like a funeral honors team, or that the ceremony can take place at a better position for all to see.
You’re Not Training Wrong—You’re Training in the Wrong Environment
Instructors, this is one of the most common issues I see across cadet programs, ROTC units, and even some professional teams:
The CSM Is Not the Color Guard Commander
When it comes to the color guard, there’s a persistent belief that refuses to go away: “The Command Sergeant Major—the one with the sword—is the commander of the color guard at any time and for any ceremony.” It sounds right. It looks cool. It is not supported by doctrine. Let’s go to the source: TC 3-21.5 Drill and Ceremonies. Start …
Image Analysis: Indoor Navy Flag Displays
Yesterday’s article had two photos of incorrect Navy Flag displays. This article goes in-depth to explain what the issues are for both.
Affiliation Is Not Authority: Who Gets to Carry Service Colors?
I get this question fairly regularly. What flags should we carry in the upcoming parade?
When Not Displaying the Flag Is the Right Call
Every year, as motorcycle season ramps up and public events increase, more people display the American flag on vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. The intent is almost always honorable.
The execution, however, is often incorrect.
How Cadet Programs Should Interpret Drill and Ceremonies Regulations
This is an extension of yesterday’s article and is geared for cadets.
Motorcycle Flag Display: Proper Protocol and Common Errors
With motorcycle season underway, more riders—particularly veterans, first responders, and patriotic citizens—choose to display the American flag while riding. While the intent is commendable, execution often falls short of established protocol.