This information affects all bases overseas for all services.
The photo at the top of the page is from 2025 of the Spangdahlem Air Base Honor Guard color guard in Luxembourg for the celebration of the liberation of Vianden with the wrong colors in the wrong positions. When my wife and I were stationed at Spang, I did this very same ceremony as a member of the BHG, our colors set up was just like this because of “common knowledge” , and we were also wrong. We just didn’t know we were wrong back in 2009 because of the lack of guidance.
Military color guards overseas cannot carry the country’s color just because you’re in a foreign land. Strict requirements must be met, and those requirements are found in Department of Defense Instruction 5410.19 Volume 4.
Another thing about the Spang team above. The USAF Honor Guard has restated that the USAF flag will always be carried for color guards of this nature*. That is plainly shown in AFPAM 34-1203, Drill and Ceremonies.
*Two rifle guards with only the national color is the minimal team authorized for all services. It’s not usual and most often is solely for foreign national arrival ceremonies but it is an option.
SECTION 5: CEREMONIAL SUPPORT AND MILITARY SERVICE EXHIBITS 5.1. CEREMONIAL SUPPORT. b. National Flag of Foreign Nations and Other Organizational Flags. (1) U.S. military personnel in a foreign location may carry the official national flag of foreign nations participating in official civil ceremonies sponsored and conducted by the U.S. Government or a State, county, or municipal government. (a) An official of the foreign nation concerned must be present in an official capacity to receive such honors. (b) The official must be an individual to whom honors normally are rendered. (2) In all other public programs or ceremonies, Service members in uniform and in an official capacity must not carry flags of foreign nations, veterans’ groups, or other non-military organizations**.
DoDI 5410.19-V4, September 29, 2021 (underline and asterisk emphasis mine)
**This is the key phrase that forbids the POW/MIA from every being carried outside of a funeral for a former POW.
When I write articles, I sometimes duplicate the information in another article and state it a different way. I’ve written about this here.
Ramstein Air Base Honor Guard Colors Team 2025
The Ramstein team pictured above is also in the wrong because the team is carrying the German flag (and a whole host of other issues).
So, What Can You Do?
Display the nation’s flag for ceremonies and do not carry it unless the above stated requirements are met. In the Ramstein photo, you can see the colors are all preposted on the stage and that means the team entered for what we call a “Shoe-n-Go” where the team enters, formally present, and then departs. All of the colors that need to be displayed are displayed and the color guard should then only present the authorized colors (US and AF).
Your Job
Spread the word. We need to get every Protocol office and ceremonial team in the DoD educated about this and stop violating instructions.
There is the idea that the POW/MIA hat table or Missing Man ceremony should be brought outside for any remembrance ceremony.
The Premise
The whole premise for the POW/MIA Hat Table Ceremony, which you can find here, is for the table to be with and yet separated from other tables. The POW/MIA or Missing Man Table is set with an empty plate and glass for one to six settings in stark contrast to the place settings at the other tables for the people attending the luncheon or dinner. It is even appropriate for a breakfast, if need be, but the emphasis since its creation (see MCO 5060.20 and the League of Families website) has been a formal evening military dinner setting like a dining-in/out.
The Guidance
Don’t. The ceremony will always have meaning, even if you take the ceremony outside, but the context will be lost.
This message is for all adults involved in cadet programs. It’s time to take a hard look at ourselves and confront some uncomfortable truths.
I know there are incredibly dedicated adult servant leaders in every youth program. I interact with them almost daily, answering questions and providing guidance to those who strive to be the best for their units.
However, I also hear from frustrated cadets who seek advice on dealing with the ultra-arrogant adults who insist on doing things “their way.”
The Basis
Drill and Ceremonies (D&C) is our foundation. Everything is built on it in the military and cadet programs are no different. Accepting this fact is crucial for everyone. Refusal to acknowledge this or to merely assume D&C should be relegated to history and that precision in this area is unimportant is to fail those you work with. Precision in D&C is not just about following orders; it instills essential qualities for effective training and overall success for the individual with an impact on the entire program.
When we lack accuracy in D&C, the affects are felt everywhere else, and the program suffers considerably because discipline is not there.
D&C creates a structure of standards and expectations essential for anyone wearing the service’s uniform. This is mandatory for military service and a fundamental requirement for all cadet programs. Please see my white paper that I turned into a series of six articles, Understanding the Types Purpose and Benefits of Military Drill, for a complete explanation.
Training Methods: I am emphasizing the importance of D&C as the foundation of cadet programs. Some may argue that a more flexible and adaptive approach to training could be more effective in addressing the diverse needs and learning styles of cadets. Allow me to quash that insipid argument right here. Teaching D&C can take longer for some cadets and that is just fine, but D&C is taught one way with patience and understanding of cadet needs.
The Problem – The “Cadet-Run” Program
While I support cadets taking on as much responsibility as possible, I cannot condone cadets running training situations into the ground due to a lack of proper guidance. From the start, cadets are taught incorrectly because knowledgeable adults are not involved. They are subjected to wrong commands, made-up commands, and improper execution. When they return to their units, there is often no one to correct these issues.
Cadets come to me with poorly taught training that I have to fix. Every training cycle I spend time correcting mistakes in my course and in battalion/Wing formation when I could be teaching new material. A culture shift is necessary, even if it is unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
The Value of Cadet-Run Programs: Cadet-run programs are essential for developing leadership skills and independence among cadets. Allowing cadets to take on responsibilities, even if they make mistakes, can be a valuable learning experience. The involvement of knowledgeable adults should be balanced to avoid stifling cadet initiative and growth.
The Problem – Adults
“I’m here for all the cadets.” This self-serving statement, delivered with a sense of superiority, was frustrating. It was told to me by an adult who retired from the Navy, implying that I am selfish and only care about myself and what I can get out of my time spent training cadets. These tired accusations have been thrown at me for years by those who dislike what I do or how I do it.
Why do these attacks take place? There’s a saying from WWII bomber pilots: “You take the most flak directly over the target.” That target is the woeful training cadets have been receiving for the last 30+ years.
My methods, honed over decades of learning and teaching D&C, are not always appreciated by everyone. While dissenting opinions are irrelevant, there are times when those individuals hold significant influence over cadet training, often imposing restrictive measures. This leads to less effective training sessions, as they prioritize their version of “training” over proper instruction.
Consensus and Collaboration: I am criticizing the bureaucratic processes and the need for consensus. One could argue that collaboration and consensus-building are crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Ensuring that all voices are heard and considered can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions and I am all for that – in meetings, not in the field.
Subject matter experts: Let the subject matter experts do their job. Scuba certified people teach scuba and drone teachers teach drone tactics. These are a given. The scuba instructor cannot walk around an evening colors formation and correct an individual or formation on their improper use of their equipment. That would only happen in class. However, the D&C instructor can and should make those spot corrections in and outside of class because every aspect of the training day is built around drill and ceremonies: formations, morning and evening colors, and marching to classes..
Communication is necessary: Adults need to ensure they are communicating at evening meetings. Lack of communication causes problems that no one needs.
The Solution
People are either part of the problem or part of the solution. You see me as part of the problem because I refuse to play the game of seeking consensus on every detail. That is bureaucracy, and no one has time for that.
Few understand D&C like I do, yet I am restricted by bureaucratic processes that waste time.
Corrections need to be made quickly, on the spot, not after forming committees to ensure everyone’s feelings are considered.
Initial training for cadet programs needs to be revitalized with knowledgeable adults overseeing cadets in training positions as they teach cadets new to the program how to stand at Attention, execute facing movements, and march.
I need to be very clear. I am not the solution. I am part of it, but I am in no way suggesting that only I have the answers. In fact, the answer has always been right in front of us, appropriate and accurate training at Basic Training, Boot Camp, and the similar initial training for cadet programs. Let’s get back to that.
In order to arrive at perfection in any art, it is indispensable that the principles of the art be understood. Everything not understood or mis- understood is mysterious. Those who do not comprehend what military discipline is, and some who only partially understand it, are impressed with the idea that it is a very mysterious affair, and many consider that it ought to be a mystery in the hands of a select few. There is confessedly a great deficiency of knowledge, or otherwise a very unaccountable disagreement in it; and if it be a very simple art, as it is alleged by some to be, then it should be made as intelligible as possible to every capacity.
MEMOIR, 1808, autHor unknown
The correlation between dance, other performance activities, and unarmed/armed military exhibition drill (UXD/AXD) is strong, as these disciplines emphasize precision, rhythm, coordination, and expression. Here are some key connections:
Choreography & Movement – XD sequences, like dance routines, are carefully choreographed to create a visually compelling performance. All involve intricate footwork, controlled body movement, and dynamic transitions.
Timing & Rhythm – Just as dancers move to the beat of music, drillers synchronize their movement with an internal rhythm (cadence) or audible cues (e.g., stomps, slaps, or vocal commands). Precision in timing is critical to a polished performance.
Body Control & Posture – All require strict posture, balance, and muscle control to execute movement with clarity and purpose. Whether it’s a spin in dance (pirouette), complicated pivot, or a rifle toss in drill, maintaining control is essential.
Expression & Performance – While dance expresses emotion through movement, XD conveys discipline, intensity, and sometimes even storytelling through formations and sequences. Some drill teams incorporate theatrical elements, further blurring the line between activities.
Training & Discipline – All demand rigorous training, repetition, and endurance. Mastering techniques in either field requires dedication and continuous improvement.
Influence of Dance on Drill – Many modern XD performances can integrate moments of breakdancing, hip-hop moves, and even ballet-like jumps and spins, demonstrating the crossover influence.
Ballet Dancer Grand Jete
A Detailed Breakdown of Connections and Influences
The relationship between dance and similar activities and XD is deeply rooted in their shared emphasis on movement, synchronization, and performance.
1. Choreography & Movement
Both these activities rely on carefully structured movement sequences to create a visually engaging routine. In dance, choreography is designed to flow seamlessly between steps, while in XD, drillers execute movements with sharp precision, ensuring each transition maintains a crisp and disciplined look.
Similarities:
Both require mastery of formations, body angles, and spatial awareness.
Choreographers and drill designers (masters) plan routines by mapping out formations, transitions, and pacing.
XD routines, like dance pieces, can tell a story or convey emotions through movement.
Differences:
Dance often focuses on fluidity and grace, whereas XD emphasizes sharp, rigid, and sometimes explosive movements.
XD is rooted in military tradition, while dance has cultural, artistic, and entertainment purposes.
2. Timing & Rhythm
In both disciplines, rhythm dictates movement. While dancers often follow a musical beat, XD drillers use an internal rhythm or cues from teammates, commands, or foot stomps.
Examples:
Breakdancers (B-boys/girls) time their moves to the beat of a song, just as drillers time rifle spins, stomps, and body slaps to create an engaging rhythm.
In step dancing (e.g., military-style step teams), movements are both visually and audibly rhythmic, much like XD’s slaps, claps, “beasts” (slaps on a rifle) and timed movements.
3. Body Control & Posture
XD and dance require extreme control over the body to maintain balance, posture, and precision. Movements must be deliberate and exact, with proper weight distribution to avoid errors.
Key Connections:
Balance – Just as a ballet dancer controls their center of gravity in a pirouette, a driller must maintain stability during spins and high-speed movements.
Strength – Dance styles like breakdancing require whole body strength for power moves, much like XD’s high-flying rifle tosses and exchanges.
Coordination – Whether executing a grand jeté (a ballet jump, a high leap where the dancer’s legs form a split in the air) or a rifle toss, timing and coordination between different muscle groups is essential.
4. Expression & Performance
Both dance and XD are performance-based, engaging the audience with a combination of movement, energy, and intensity.
Performance Aspects in UXD:
Some teams incorporate dramatic poses and facial expressions to heighten the impact of their routines.
Drillers use their entire bodies to communicate power, discipline, and sometimes creativity: body movement, equipment manipulation, and/or drill design.
Just as dancers use different styles to convey emotion, drillers adapt their movements to create either a sharp, aggressive, or smooth, flowing routine.
5. Training & Discipline
The process of mastering either discipline is rigorous, requiring extensive repetition and refinement.
Common Training Elements:
Hours of drilling (no pun intended) to develop muscle memory.
Breaking routines down into small sections for refinement.
Strength and flexibility training to support performance quality.
Studying other performers (dance styles or past XD champions) for inspiration and technique improvement.
Dance/Drill Team
6. Influence of Dance on XD
Modern exhibition drill has increasingly integrated dance elements, making performances more dynamic.
Examples of Dance-Drill Fusion:
Hip-hop & breakdancing – Many teams use footwork patterns, power moves (e.g., windmills, head spins), and freezes in routines.
Ballet & contemporary dance – Some teams incorporate turns and smooth transitions inspired by dance to contrast with sharp drill movements.
Step dancing & stomp – Using body percussion, rhythmic stomps, and synchronized claps to create an engaging audio-visual effect.
Summing Up So Far
At their core, both dance and XD are about movement, discipline, and storytelling. While they originate from different traditions, they share an undeniable synergy. As XD continues to evolve, it borrows more from dance, making routines more dynamic and visually compelling. Many drillers even study dance to improve their performance, proving just how interconnected the two art forms really are.
What About XD and Step Teams?
XD and step teams share many similarities, as both focus on rhythm, synchronization, and visually striking movements. In fact, stepping is one of the closest civilian performance styles to XD because of its structured, military-like precision and percussive elements.
Key Connections Between UXD & Step Teams
1. Rhythm & Percussive Movement
Both XD and stepping rely on body percussion—using stomps, claps, slaps, and synchronized movements to create a rhythmic performance.
In XD, drillers generate sound through precise stomps, hand slaps, and controlled movements with an internal rhythm.
In stepping, performers use their entire bodies to produce complex beats, often without music, much like XD teams performing without external sound cues.
2. Precision & Synchronization
In both disciplines, synchronization is critical. Movements must be executed at the exact same time to create a seamless group performance.
In XD, teams execute synchronized spins, arm movements, and intricate footwork with exact timing.
Step teams perform intense routines that require military-level precision, where even a slight timing error is noticeable.
3. Choreographed Patterns & Formations
Both XD and step teams perform intricate formations that evolve throughout their routines.
XD drillers move in sharp, geometric patterns, often using straight lines and angles.
Step teams incorporate military-style formations while integrating circular, staggered, or diagonal shapes to add variety to their performances.
4. Military & Cultural Influence
Stepping has direct military influences, especially through historically Black fraternities and sororities (Divine Nine), where many organizations have deep ties to ROTC programs and the military.
XD originates from the military tradition of regulation drill and ceremony, where discipline and precision are key.
Stepping incorporates military-style elements, such as call-and-response chants, boot stomping, and uniformity, reinforcing a structured, disciplined aesthetic.
5. Power, Energy & Showmanship
Both styles are highly performance-driven, requiring drillers and steppers to project confidence, intensity, and sometimes even attitude.
XD performers use strong body language, facial expressions, and aggressive movements to engage the audience.
Step teams use shouts, chants, and facial intensity to create an interactive and high-energy experience.
6. Training & Athleticism
Both UXD and stepping require endurance, coordination, and strength.
UXD training involves muscle control for holding positions, executing sharp transitions, and maintaining perfect posture during fast movements.
Step teams train for stamina, as their routines often involve constant movement, jumps, and body slaps that require explosive energy.
Crossover & Influence
Some UXD teams incorporate stepping into their routines, blending drill precision with percussive step movements. Similarly, some step teams incorporate military-style movements, further blurring the lines between the two disciplines.
Both are highly disciplined, visually impressive, and rooted in tradition, making them closely related performance arts that push the boundaries of movement and teamwork.
The Correlations Between XD and Other Performance Types
Yes! UXD shares strong correlations with various other performance types beyond dance and step teams. Many of these art forms emphasize precision, synchronization, and showmanship, much like exhibition drill. Here are some notable connections:
1. Martial Arts (Karate, Taekwondo, etc.)
Connection: Both martial arts and UXD require controlled, powerful movements, strict discipline, and rehearsed sequences.
Kata & Forms: Martial arts katas (pre-arranged movement patterns) mirror UXD sequences in structure and execution.
Striking & Posing: Just as martial artists perform sharp strikes and controlled stances, drillers use exaggerated movements, stances, and poses for visual impact.
Weapon Handling: In armed exhibition drill, rifle spinning and tossing resemble martial arts weapon demonstrations (bo staff, nunchaku, or sword kata).
2. Cheerleading & Gymnastics
Connection: Both involve choreographed sequences, teamwork, and showmanship, with an emphasis on dynamic movement.
Stunts & Tosses: Gymnasts perform flips and tosses, much like drillers execute high-speed spins and aerial tosses with rifles or body movements.
Formations & Transitions: Cheer teams use formations and transitions similar to UXD teams’ precision drill maneuvers.
Showmanship: Like UXD, cheer and gymnastics performances rely on confidence, facial expressions, and exaggerated movements to engage an audience.
Connection: Rhythm, synchronization, and precision are fundamental in both UXD and percussion-based performances.
Visual Movement: Drumline performances (e.g., those seen in HBCU and other marching bands) incorporate military-like discipline and drill formations.
Body Percussion: Similar to stepping, performers create rhythms through drumsticks, hand claps, and synchronized movements, much like UXD’s percussive stomps and slaps.
Strict Timing: Drummers and drillers both rely on perfect timing—one mistake can disrupt the whole performance.
4. Color Guard & Flag Spinning
Connection: Like UXD, color guard performances involve equipment manipulation (flags, rifles, sabers) with a blend of technical skill and artistry.
Equipment Handling: The spinning and tossing of rifles or sabers in color guard directly mirrors UXD rifle drill movements.
Formations & Choreography: Both disciplines rely on dynamic formations that evolve throughout the routine.
Fluidity vs. Sharpness: While UXD emphasizes sharp, rigid movements, color guard incorporates more fluid, dance-like motions, creating a contrast yet similarity in presentation.
5. Breaking (Breakdancing / B-boying/B-girling)
Connection: Breaking and UXD share a focus on explosive, acrobatic movements, footwork, and controlled transitions.
Power Moves: Breakdancers use windmills, head spins, and freezes, similar to some UXD teams incorporating floor work and dynamic spins.
Footwork: Both emphasize intricate foot patterns, with breaking incorporating steps like the “6-step,” while UXD features coordinated foot placements.
Freestyle Elements: While UXD is often tightly choreographed, some teams incorporate freestyle-like elements (individual tricks within a structured routine).
6. Parkour & Freerunning
Connection: The combination of agility, body control, and athleticism in parkour overlaps with UXD’s dynamic movements.
Aerial Movements: Some UXD performers incorporate flips, vaults, or high-flying spins, much like freerunners navigating obstacles.
Momentum & Flow: Parkour athletes maintain continuous motion, much like UXD performers smoothly transitioning between sequences.
Strength & Endurance: Both demand extreme physical control and stamina, with drillers executing rapid sequences without loss of precision.
7. Theatrical Performance & Stage Combat
Connection: UXD and stage performance share an emphasis on storytelling through movement, discipline, and dramatic presentation.
Military-Themed Theater: Many theatrical productions (e.g., military reenactments, Broadway shows like Hamilton) incorporate stylized marching and weapon handling similar to UXD.
Stage Combat: Like choreographed fight scenes, UXD requires pre-planned, rehearsed sequences where performers must be in sync.
Audience Engagement: Both rely on commanding presence, exaggerated gestures, and powerful execution to captivate viewers.
Summery So Far
UXD is a highly versatile art form that connects with multiple performance disciplines. Whether it’s through rhythm, precision, showmanship, or athleticism, these correlations show how UXD blends military tradition with elements of music, dance, martial arts, and extreme sports. Many drill teams borrow from these styles to enhance their performances, making UXD one of the most dynamic movement arts in existence.
How Armed Exhibition Drill Fits In
Eastern WA College AROTC Drill Team 1960
Armed Exhibition Drill (AXD) shares many of the same correlations as UXD but adds the unique element of weapon manipulation. The presence of rifles (or other ceremonial weapons) introduces additional challenges and connections to other performance arts that involve object control, coordination, and precision handling.
Here’s how AXD fits into the discussion and its connections to other performance styles:
Napoleon Dynamite Bo Staff Skills
1. Martial Arts (Weapons-Based Disciplines: Wushu, Eskrima, Bo Staff, Swordplay, etc.)
Connection: Both AXD and martial arts weapon forms require precision, control, and dynamic movement with an object.
Weapon Manipulation: AXD drillers spin, toss, and catch rifles in ways similar to martial artists handling staffs (bo staff), swords (kendo, fencing), or sticks (Eskrima).
Controlled Transitions: Martial arts weapon techniques emphasize smooth transitions between strikes, blocks, and spins—just like drillers transitioning between rifle spins, catches, and releases.
Speed & Timing: Fast, well-timed movements are essential in both to maintain flow and avoid losing control.
Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps Color Guard
2. Color Guard & Flag Spinning
Connection: Like AXD, color guard performers manipulate equipment (flags, rifles, sabers) in a choreographed, synchronized way.
Tosses & Spins: The techniques used in flag, saber, and rifle spinning in color guard have strong similarities to AXD movements.
Choreographed Sequences: Both incorporate group synchronization, solo performances, and high-level tricks to engage the audience.
Flow vs. Sharpness: While color guard often emphasizes smooth, flowing movements, AXD leans toward sharp, powerful execution with military precision.
Baton Twirling
3. Baton Twirling & Juggling
Connection: AXD and baton twirling/juggling both focus on aerial tricks and precise object manipulation.
Tosses & Catches: AXD rifle tosses require the same level of hand-eye coordination as baton twirling, where performers execute spins and catches mid-air.
Continuous Motion: Just like in juggling or twirling, advanced drillers maintain an uninterrupted flow of movement between spins, releases, and recoveries.
One-Handed & Two-Handed Control: Drillers and baton twirlers must be able to switch between one-handed and two-handed control smoothly while maintaining rhythm.
Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps Drum Line 2008
4. Marching Band & Drumline Performance
Connection: Both AXD and marching band performances emphasize timing, formations, and synchronized group execution.
Structured Movement: Marching band members perform precisely timed steps, rotations, and formations, just like drillers.
Weapon & Instrument Coordination: Drummers and horn players move and play at the same time—similar to AXD performers spinning rifles while marching or maneuvering.
Cadence-Based Performance: Marching band performances often follow a strict cadence, much like AXD sequences that align movements with beats or silent internal rhythm.
Breakdancing
5. Breaking (Breakdancing / B-boying/B-girling)
Connection: Both styles incorporate dynamic, high-speed movements and individual freestyle moments within a structured routine.
Spins & Rotations: The way drillers twist, rotate, and spin their rifles in the air resembles breakdancers executing windmills, head spins, or air flares.
Groundwork & Acrobatics: Some AXD performers incorporate floorwork (push-ups, leg sweeps) similar to breakdancing moves.
Flash & Showmanship: Both disciplines demand performance presence, confidence, and sometimes crowd interaction to enhance the visual effect.
Parkour in The Office
6. Parkour & Freerunning
Connection: The agility and aerial control seen in AXD share similarities with parkour, especially when incorporating flips and acrobatic elements.
Weapon Acrobatic Control: Some advanced drillers perform rifle tosses combined with flips or rolls, requiring spatial awareness and a mastery of body movement.
Momentum & Flow: Parkour athletes use controlled momentum to navigate obstacles, much like drillers maintain fluid transitions between tricks while ensuring they catch their rifles.
Strength & Dexterity: Just as parkour requires grip strength and quick reflexes, AXD demands similar attributes to catch, balance, and spin a rifle mid-air.
7. Stage Combat & Theatrical Swordplay
Lightsaber Duel
Connection: AXD routines, especially team performances, often resemble choreographed fight sequences seen in theater and film.
Choreographed Weapon Movements: Stage combat involves pre-planned movements, controlled strikes, and defensive motions, just like AXD rifle tricks.
Precision & Safety: In both AXD and staged fights, performers must execute movements with absolute control to avoid injury while maintaining an impressive performance.
Dramatic Presentation: AXD performers often incorporate poses, freezes, or dramatic pauses, just as actors in action sequences do to heighten suspense.
8. Circus Arts (Knife Throwing, Object Manipulation, Performance Juggling)
Connection: AXD has a strong connection to the world of circus-style object manipulation, where high-risk tosses and catches are performed with dramatic effect.
High-Stakes Tosses: Just as knife throwers or jugglers rely on precision and hand-eye coordination, drillers must catch rifles mid-air with pinpoint accuracy.
Multi-Object Manipulation: Some advanced drillers perform dual-rifle tricks, similar to jugglers managing multiple objects.
Performance Under Pressure: Like circus performers, AXD drillers must execute flawlessly in front of an audience, often with no room for mistakes.
Solo Exhibition Driller
Final Thoughts: AXD as a Hybrid Performance Art
Armed Exhibition Drill is a unique hybrid of military tradition and performance-based movement arts especially for soloists. It blends:
The discipline of military drill
The weapon control of martial arts
The choreography of dance and color guard
The rhythm and synchronization of drumline and step teams
The acrobatics of parkour and breaking
The high-risk, high-reward spectacle of circus arts
As AXD continues to evolve, it borrows techniques from various performance disciplines, creating routines that are not just displays of military precision but full-fledged artistic showcases of skill, creativity, and physical mastery.
Summary
In this article I tried to emphasize the importance of recognizing the strong correlation between dance, other performance activities, and unarmed/armed military exhibition drill (UXD/AXD). The document highlights how these disciplines share common elements such as precision, rhythm, coordination, and expression.
Key connections include choreography and movement, timing and rhythm, body control and posture, expression and performance, training and discipline, and the influence of dance on drill. We explored the similarities between XD and step teams, martial arts, cheerleading, gymnastics, drumlines, color guard, flag spinning, breaking, parkour, freerunning, theatrical performance, and stage combat.
My suggestions here are based on my research and anecdotal evidence, I am not giving medical advice, just passing along what has worked for me.
The Situation
I was teaching at a school Friday through Sunday and when Saturday morning came around, one of the female cadets on the team had to fall out and sit down since she was suddenly not feeling well. At the next break I went to check on her and asked her the first question I always ask in when this happens, “Did you eat breakfast?” Her reply was, “No, we had a sleepover, and I just skipped eating.” I thought so, her blood sugar had dropped like a stone.
Read my article, How not to Faint or “DoN’t lOcK YeR kNeEs!” In that article I go over the necessity of consistent eating and hydrating, etc. One thing that we often overlook is the inclusion of minerals and salt.
Urine Color Hydration Chart
My go-to for the above situation was a packet of LMNT Elemental Labs Recharge electrolyte drink mix (https://drinklmnt.com/). I always have a box of watermelon salt packets with me, and I talked with both instructors before offering a packet to the young lady. She poured the packet into a bottle of water and sipped it for the next ten or so minutes.
I knew the results would be outstanding and 20 minutes later she was back in the flight marching around with the rest of the cadets. Salt and accompanying minerals are essential for us daily.
Types of Salt
Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl). It is essential for human and animal life and has been used for centuries for seasoning, preserving food, and various industrial applications.
There are different types of salt, including:
Table Salt – Refined with added iodine to prevent iodine deficiency.
Warning! This is garbage and should never be consumed, it is bleached and processed so there is no value in it whatsoever. This is what contributes to blood pressure problems. Salts 2 and 3 are much better for you.
Sea Salt – Obtained by evaporating seawater, often with trace minerals.
This is very good salt. Celtic is even better.
Celtic salt, also known as Celtic sea salt, is a type of unrefined sea salt that originates from the coastal regions of Brittany, France. It is harvested using traditional methods, often by hand, from clay-lined salt ponds. This process helps retain its natural moisture and mineral content.
Himalayan Pink Salt – Mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, rich in minerals.
Along with Celtic salt, this is the best. Salt filled with natural minerals and little flecks of purple (iodine) are so beneficial for you.
Kosher Salt – Larger crystals, used in cooking for its texture and ease of handling.
Epsom Salt – Not actually salt, but magnesium sulfate, used in baths for muscle relaxation. This is a great laxative as well.
Borax – also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral and a salt of boric acid. Its chemical formula is Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O (decahydrate form). Great health benefits when ingesting tiny amounts, do your research.
Salt plays a crucial role in bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
Severe dehydration (dizziness, confusion, very dry skin): Several hours to a full day, often requiring electrolyte-rich fluids or IV hydration in extreme cases.
Everyone’s needs can be different, professional guidance is recommended.
Drinking only water is good, but there’s a better way that I will explain in a moment.
“Sports” and “energy” drinks should be completely avoided.
I highly recommend electrolyte supplements, but not all are good, do your research.
A balanced diet contributes to hydration and overall performance.
By focusing on the general principles of hydration and emphasizing the need for professional guidance, you can provide valuable information without giving potentially harmful advice. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to health and nutrition.
Hydrated Enough?
You can tell if you’re properly hydrated by paying attention to these key signs:
1. Urine Color & Frequency
Pale yellow or light straw-colored urine = Well-hydrated
Dark yellow or amber urine = Dehydrated, need more water
Clear urine constantly = Might be overhydrated
2. Thirst Levels
If you rarely feel thirsty, you’re likely drinking enough.
Feeling thirsty often is a sign you need more fluids.
3. Energy Levels & Mood
Proper hydration helps maintain energy and focus.
Dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and irritability.
4. Skin Elasticity (Turgor Test)
Pinch the skin on the back of your hand and release it.
If it bounces back quickly, you’re hydrated.
If it stays pinched for a moment, you may be dehydrated.
5. Mouth, Lips, and Eyes
A well-hydrated person has a moist mouth, soft lips, and clear eyes.
Dry mouth, chapped lips, or dry eyes indicate dehydration.
6. Sweat & Body Temperature
If you’re sweating normally and maintaining body temperature, you’re likely hydrated.
Excessive sweating without replenishing fluids can lead to dehydration.
7. Mental Clarity & Focus
Hydration affects brain function. Brain fog, dizziness, or headaches can signal dehydration.
How Much Water Do You Need?
A general rule: Half your body weight (lbs) in ounces per day. Example: If you weigh 160 lbs, aim for 80 oz of water.
More if you’re active, in hot climates, or sweating a lot.
Bottom Line: Listen to your body! Watch your urine color, thirst, and energy levels to ensure you’re staying hydrated.
Too Hydrated?
Drinking too much water can lead to a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia, which occurs when excess water dilutes the sodium levels in your blood to dangerously low levels. Sodium is crucial for nerve function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance.
How Water Intoxication Happens
When you drink excessive amounts of water too quickly, your kidneys can’t excrete it fast enough. This causes:
Dilution of sodium in the blood.
Cells begin to swell, including brain cells, leading to pressure in the skull.
This can result in headaches, confusion, seizures, coma, or even death in extreme cases.
Symptoms of Water Intoxication
Mild: Nausea, headache, bloating
Moderate: Confusion, muscle cramps, weakness
Severe: Seizures, loss of consciousness, coma
How Much Water is Too Much?
The kidneys can process about 0.8–1.0 liters per hour (about 27–34 oz). Drinking much more than this, especially in a short time (like 3–4 liters in a couple of hours), can overwhelm your body’s ability to balance fluids.
Who is at Risk?
Endurance athletes (marathon runners, triathletes) who drink excessive water without electrolytes.
People with kidney or heart conditions that affect fluid balance.
Overhydration due to excessive fear of dehydration.
Prevention
Drink when thirsty instead of forcing excessive amounts.
Balance fluids with electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium) when sweating heavily.
Monitor urine color—very pale urine all the time can indicate overhydration.
While rare, water intoxication can be fatal.
The ”Solution”
There isn’t necessarily a problem although we do need to know the above information to keep ourselves healthy even when exerting ourselves in training sessions but what I am talking about here is literally a solution of water and minerals.
My suggestion to you is to not just drink water but drink water that has structure to it so that it will be distributed throughout your body at the cellular level and retained instead of just creating a lighter colored urine.
Bring your own container: Using a copper water bottle is very good, stainless steel works well, but plastic should be avoided since it leaches chemicals and microscopic pieces.
Use a supplement: What I carry with me is for urgent and occasional use. Taking an electrolyte supplement regularly has a bad effect on your body.
Salt is good: Again, not bleached table salt. I take just one grain of Celtic or Himalayan and put it in my reverse osmosis or distilled water (the only water I drink) when I travel and teach. It helps me maintain a good electrolyte balance. I also salt my food with those salts and practice iodine and salt loading at times (https://www.breastcancerchoices.org/drshevin.html).
Other than salt: you can replace minerals with ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops.
Summary
Salt plays a crucial role in bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. It’s essential to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance, especially during training. Drinking water with added minerals, like a grain of Celtic or Himalayan salt, can help maintain a good electrolyte balance.
Time and space. Drill competitions across the country are underway each school year. School campuses are taken over for one day out of the year with different drill decks on various grassy fields, the football field, and even inside the gym and field house.
The Complaint
For that one day, the school is overrun with cadets in uniform marching several sequences, running, and testing. Someone is bound to complain that they can’t sip their soy latte, no foam, no whip, under the shade of their favorite tree while giggling with their friends.
That complaint can be dealt with by a school administrator telling students that it’s only for one day each year and that everything will be back to normal by later afternoon. Or the administrator can buckle under the pressure of the toothpick on his/shoulder and demand the ROTC/JROTC department speed things up and clear out of the campus as quickly as possible.
The Demand
That demand leads to a really bad decision in order to speed up the process. Senior ROTC drill teams are relatively few, but every unit has a colors guard, and that color guard category becomes a long list of teams wanting to compete. It’s the same for JROTC color guards.
The simple fix is to split the list in half and run two colors decks simultaneously, which is a great solution, but to have both decks compete for the same trophy is inappropriate. In this article I will explain why.
The Bad Fix
With half the competitors judged by one panel of judges and the other half by another panel, there are fundamental problems of fairness and consistency. Here’s why that scenario is problematic (at best):
Variability in Judging Standards:
When you split the competitors, the core issue is that different judges will inevitably have different interpretations of the judging criteria. This means that a performance judged by one panel might receive a significantly different score from the same performance judged by the other.
This introduces an element of chance, where a competitor’s final score is influenced by which judging panel they happen to be assigned to.
Unequal Playing Field:
The goal of a competition is to provide a level playing field for all participants. Splitting the judging panels creates two distinct playing fields with potentially different standards.
This can lead to situations where one group of competitors faces a more lenient or strict panel than the other, resulting in an unfair advantage or disadvantage.
Difficulty in Meaningful Comparison:
Even if the judges are highly qualified, subjective elements in judging will always exist. This makes it difficult to accurately compare scores between the two groups.
It becomes very hard to say with certainty that the competitor who scored the highest was truly the best, or if they just had the “better” panel.
Perception of Unfairness:
Competitors and spectators are likely to perceive this system as unfair (because it is), even if the organizers attempt to justify it.
The perception of fairness is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the competition.
Essentially, even when splitting the competitors, you are still splitting the standards. To have a fair competition, all competitors should be judged by the same standard, which means the same judges.
Additional Nuances to Consider:
Attempts at Calibration:
Sometimes, organizers try to mitigate the issue by having judges “calibrate” beforehand. This involves discussing the judging criteria and watching sample performances together. However, even with calibration, subtle differences in interpretation will persist.
Calibration can lessen the gap, but it cannot completely eliminate the problem.
The Impact of Category Type:
The level of subjectivity in the judging criteria matters. For example, in a science fair where measurements are objective, the impact of different judges might be less significant. However, in artistic performances (military drill, dance, music, etc.), where subjective interpretation plays a large role, the impact is much greater.
Even when using the World Drill Association adjudication system, the most analytical system developed for the military drill world, there is still the human, subjective, factor.
The Size and Scope of the Competition:
In very large competitions, logistical constraints might make it seem like splitting judging panels is the only option. However, organizers should prioritize finding alternative solutions that maintain fairness, such as staggered performance times or multiple rounds with consistent judging.
Having the two-deck system with 20 teams per deck and then a final round for the top five teams from each deck would be a good option.
Transparency and Communication:
Even if organizers choose to use multiple judging panels, they should be transparent about the process and communicate how they are attempting to ensure fairness. This can help to alleviate some concerns among competitors and spectators. However, it does not remove the core issue of inconsistent judging.
Alternatives:
When possible, alternatives should be strongly considered. For example, having panels rotate through different groups of competitors, or as mentioned before, staggering performances to allow one judging panel to judge all competitors.
In short, while splitting judging panels might seem like a practical solution in some situations, it fundamentally compromises the fairness and integrity of the competition. Organizers should prioritize finding alternative solutions that ensure all competitors are evaluated under the same standards.
The Good Fix
The simple fix, as stated above, is to split the list in half and run two colors decks simultaneously. You then have two options to keep the competition fair:
Option 1, Two Categories: Create two different categories, one for each deck, with a set of awards* in each category.
This is quite common within JROTC color guard competitions. Many schools will field two color guards and enter one each in “armed” and “unarmed” categories, even though the teams are always armed. See the article, The OTHER Unarmed Color Guard, for further information.
Option 2, One Category: Keep the two-deck system with both decks vying for one set of trophies. You then have a final round for the top five teams from each deck and take half the judges from each deck as well.
*Trophies are nice, but I really think we need to move to award streamers. Streamers fit in with the military system, are easily transported, and better displayed without taking up unnecessary room.
Tulane
I wrote this for the NROTC department at Tulane University, specifically, but this applies to anyone who might find himself in a similar situation.
Let’s talk about Countermarch and the Wheel for a 5-man color guard for the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard.
The Photo at the top of the page shows a color guard with Marine Forces, Europe and Africa, retire the colors during an Assumption of Command Ceremony MarForEURAF at Panzer Kaserne, Stuttgart, Germany. There are big problems in the photo.
❌The national is lower! Org bearers, adjust your sockets, that why God made them adjustable.
❌You are not a Close Interval.
How the 5-man Exists
Notice the color guard has two organizational colors. That’s because one General heads two different commands, Marines in Europe and Africa. The Marine Corps has maybe three of these instances where a CG has two commands (one in Louisiana and one in the Pacific?).
Countermarch or Marine Corps Wheel?
Can a 5-man color guard perform Countermarch? Yes! “But how”, I hear you ask. “The MCO doesn’t have that guidance.” You’re right, the only 5-man color guard movement is the Wheel with the rotation point in the center (not the Army Wheel, the MCO calls that a Turn) and the text says the team must be joint service. Hear me out on this:
A joint colors team begin at 5 members and can be larger. The guidance for a joint team to perform the Wheel in the MCO centers on the number of team members. The MCO *should* state the Wheel is for teams of 5, joint or otherwise but since it doesn’t, .
The reason for the MC Wheel is time. A 4-man Turn/Army Wheel, with rotation on the guard, takes 8 steps on average, where you don’t look like you are running nor taking forever. Add one more person and the steps increase by 2. A Marine Corps Wheel reduces the step count to 6.
Tulane, You’ve Done it Again
Each year, Tulane University’s NROTC hosts a drill meet during Mardis Gras for college teams from around the country and each year there is some sort of change to try to keep things interesting. Most of the time, the change is never researched, it’s just decided. For 2025, a color guard Wheel movement was replaced with Countermarch and since the competing color guards must march five members (possibly reflecting joint service standards) and Countermarch for 5 is not explained in MCO 5060.20, teams are scrambling and asking questions.
My guidance: Countermarch with 5? See the guidance in TC 3-21.5 for Counter Column for 5 and maintain the MCO standards.
It can be a bit annoying to face and then move to Right/Left Shoulder but there is good reason for it.
What the TC 3-21.5 Says
Chapter 5, paragraph 5-2, bullets 5 and 6. (Emphasis mine.) This is for the Army, Air Force, and Space Force. It also encompasses AROTC, AFROTC, AJROTC, AFJROTC, SFJROTC, CAP, and related programs.
Facings, alignments, and short-distance marching movements are executed from Order Arms or Sling Arms. When the movement has been completed, automatically return the carbine to Order Arms.
Facing movements are executed from Order Arms or Sling Arms. When a Facing is necessary to establish the direction of march, the Facing movement is executed before the command for the manual of arms. After a marching movement has been completed, Order, ARMS or Sling, ARMS is commanded before the command for the facing movement.
What MCO 5060.20 Says
Here is a quote from Chapter 3, Section 1, paragraph 1. While the bold emphasis is mine, I included the rest of the text for a wider explanation. This is for the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. It also encompasses NROTC, MCJROTC, NJROTC, CGJROTC, and related programs.
c. On the command “FALL IN,” if armed with a rifle it will be positioned at order arms.
d. Facings, alignments, and short distance marching movements are executed from order arms. Side step, back step, open and close ranks, and close and extend are short distance movements. Forward march may be given from order arms to march units forward for a short distance. When these movements are commanded while at order arms, it is necessary to come automatically to trail arms and step off simultaneously on the command of execution for the movement. The rifle is returned to order arms upon halting.
e. Before a command for any marching movement (other than the executions stated in paragraph 1.c. of this section) is given to armed troops, they are faced in the direction of march and their weapons brought to right (left) shoulder, port, or sling arms by the appropriate command. After a marching movement has been completed and it is desired to execute a facing movement, the command to order or unsling arms is given, followed by the command for the facing movement.
f. When at a position other than sling arms, the troops must come to port arms for double time. When the troops are in formation, the commander gives the appropriate commands.
But Why?
No explanation is given as to why facing movements cannot be performed at Right/Left Shoulder, but we can use some reasoning and most likely discover why.
The inability to perform facing movements at Right/Left Shoulder can be attributed to safety and formation integrity. When individuals fall into a formation, they should maintain their dress, cover, interval, and a distance of 40 inches all around. However, this is not always the case due to the varying heights of individuals in the ranks. When a formation is properly sized, safety is less of an issue, but it is still important to play it safe by facing the direction of march, hoisting the rifle to a shoulder, and carrying on. Obtaining Right or Left Shoulder beforehand would not be wise because it could compromise the safety and integrity of the formation.
When marching in formation at either shoulder, executing flanks and “To the Rear” movements is different because a formation often enlarges when marching. This enlargement provides more space and flexibility for such movements, reducing the risk of collisions or accidents.
In Summary
Facing movements cannot be performed at Right/Left Shoulder due to safety and formation integrity and not “because we’ve always done it that way.”
Both the flagstaff manual and the guidon staff manual are linked. In this study we will discover the similarities and where both manuals separate due to the flag attached to the staff.
The guidon staff is the flagstaff and vice versa. The differences come in length and the type of flag attached. This is key to understanding the difference, the guidon flag is just a unit designator, and the staff can be put in many positions. A color is complete different and must be treated with the utmost respect at all times.
All services use the 8’ guidon staff with the flat, silver spade finial, ferrules, and middle screw joint with the guidon flag attached.
Only the Army and Air and Space Forces use the 8’ flagstaff with the flat, silver spade finial, ferrules, and middle screw joint with a 3’x4’ color attached.
All services use the 9’6” flagstaff with a 4’4”x5’6” color attached.
Army, Marine Corps, and the Air and Space Forces use only the flat, silver spade finial, ferrules, and middle screw joint.
The Navy and Coast Guard use gold-colored ferrules, middle screw joint, and the battle-ax finial as the standard finial.
The Navy and Coast Guard use gold-colored ferrules, middle screw joint, and different finials, depending on rank for ceremonies and displays.
Only the Army can attach 3’x4’ colors to 9’6” flagstaffs with the flat, silver spade.
Only the Air and Space Forces attach a 3’x4’ color to a 7’ flagstaff with the flat, silver spade for indoor posting.
Where do we get that the manuals are linked? From this brief statement in TC 3-21.5, paragraph 15-20. “The CSM then directs UNCASE THE COLORS. The Color bearers lower the Colors (same as Present Guidon)” (emphasis mine) and by reading the descriptions of each position observing the photos.
Order
Guidon and Colors Order
All of the services have been mostly the same for as far back as I can go in the service drill and ceremonies (D&C) in descriptions and, eventually, images. I don’t know if I have all of the historical drill and ceremonies documentation for each service, but what I do have in book and PDF form has led me to come to a few conclusions- although they are not necessarily concrete.
Army: Order has always had the right hand in the “V” grip for the flagstaff and guidon staff. The placement of the ferrule was at the center of the foot and later moved forward to the little toe (1986). The first color guard images showed up in 1971.
Marine Corps (Navy, Coast Guard):
The “Strong Grip” has existed at least since 1980 edition of NAVMC 2691.
Before that, the “V” Grip was used as described in the Marine Corps League’s Drill Manual (1956). The hand flip on the command of Carry/Present is described but not necessary since the hand is already in the “V”. The lower ferrule was positioned at the little toe touching the edge of the shoe.
Air Force (Space Force): The first AF manual (1953) included images of positions, and the USAF has used this positions since separating from the Army in 1947. The description for the grip is the “V”.
Double Time
All Guidon Double Time
All services use the Double Time position for the guidon. This is for running with the guidon staff. In all of the text for all three D&C manuals, the word “port” is never used.
This position is not “Port Guidon”, it’s the Double Time position.
There isn’t a preparatory position, command, or procedure for assuming this position.
Lastly, it is never used for the flagstaff because we do not run with the flagstaff/colors. Running with a guidon flag is perfectly acceptable, not with colors (I know…).
Carry
All Colors Carry Position
Carry comes with several surprises from everyone.
Army: As I previously wrote, not until 1971 was there a photo of Carry.
The descriptions merely stated to hold the “pike” with the right hand at should height slightly inclined forward.
The right hand eventually moved up from shoulder level to in front of the mouth, allowing the Colors Sgt to give direction to the team without being noticed
In 1971, Carry is shown with the left hand at the side (as God intended!). The same for the 1984 edition of FM 22-5 (the precursor to TC 3-21.5).
In the 1986 edition, suddenly the left hand is on the staff at the socket all the time for no reason (it’s a bracing technique and doesn’t need to be applied constantly) and it’s been there ever since.
To make this even more interesting, here is a photo of an Army color guard from around 1910. Notice the bearer left hands.
Army Colors 1910
Marine Corps (Navy, Coast Guard):
The 1956 description has the staff angled forward, like the Army technique of the era. The command “Ready Cut” was not used but the movement is described.
The publication of the NAVMC in 1980 saw changes to staff angle and the addition of the command “Ready Cut” for uniform secondary movement.
Air Force (Space Force):
The first AF manual (1953) showed the right hand on the staff at shoulder level. The angle forward has always been the standard. Keep in mind that flagstaffs have always been held by the right hand at shoulder or chin/mouth level.
In the 1963 edition the right forearms of the bearers are horizontal.
The 2013 edition saw something very strange. The description for the staff at Carry was wrongly rewritten to say the left hand was to hold the staff*. Please read the article, The Problems of AFPAM 34-1203, thedrillmaster.org/2020/03/10/afman-36-2203-problems/.
Instead of switching the text to correctly state the right hand should be on the staff, the 2018 edition doubled down on the error with new photos of Carry and Present having the bearers now holding the staffs with the left*.
The 2022 edition still has the wrong text and photos*.
*If the left hand was the true standard to hold the staff at Carry:
The USAF Honor Guard would have switched their standards immediately.
The Training Instructor color guard for Basic Training graduation also would have switched.
The USAF would be opposite of the other services.
No AF organization switched, ever, and that should have been a big clue to the OPR that the D&C manual was wrong. Not to mention members of the USAF Honor Guard calling the OPR immediately on publication of the new edition in 2013 telling them the flagstaff text is wrong.
Present
The end result is similar for the Army and Marine Corps with the Air Force being close.
All Present Guidon
All Present Colors
Army: The Army has Raised Guidon, the position executed just before Present. It is a traditional hold over from when guidon positions were used for signaling troops. The reach across is used when at Carry to switch the right hand to the “V” Grip. Notice the positions of the hands on the staff.
Marine Corps: The Marine Corps does not have Raised Guidon, but it does have Ready Guidon, a stand-alone signal position, not associated with any other position or movement as this quote from MCO 5060.20 shows: “This movement is used as a signal for aiding troops in the execution of commands where hearing verbal commands is difficult.” Why the staff is shown centered in 2019 the edition, when the text only says to raise the staff, I am not sure. The 1956 edition is true to the text, although the hand placement is better in 2019.
Air Force: The Air Force also has Raised Guidon, which is also executed just before Present. It too is a traditional hold over from when guidon positions were used for signaling troops. There is a reach across when at Carry to switch the right hand to the “V” Grip, but you’d never know it. Notice the positions of the hands on the staff, opposite of the Army technique.
Army JROTC will use its version and so will Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard JROTC colors guards. Air and Space Forces color guards use the AF version.
Parade Rest
Army:
Army Parade Rest Montage
A change happened over time for the Army with Parade Rest. Notice the image from 1971 showing the prep movement for the guidon bearer on the command Parade. That movement did not transfer to the flagstaff until the 1980s.
In 1986, the drawings poorly showed the right hand slid up the staff for that same prep movement; not to the extreme of the 1971 image, but the 2021 cartoon image shows a good version.
NOTE: Notice how the Parade Rest images for the guidon bearer and the color bearers look like the exact same position with the staff pushed forward, that’s because the drawings, made by a contractor, are the same. The flagstaff is always kept vertical at Parade Rest and that’s what the text in the TC states. This is just poor communication.
Marine Corps:
The delineation between techniques for the Marine Corps is obvious and I appreciate this very much. Clear communication here.
MC Parade Rest Montage
Air Force:
The Air Force also has relatively clear communication here. There should have been a photo taken of the color guard with the color bearers holding staff without colors attached to be able to see the hands.
There is a possibility of the US bearer here holding his color with a finger or two. Never do this.
Another big issue with the photos is that the spacing between the team members fluctuates drastically without any explanation in the text. It shouldn’t fluctuate at all.
AF Parade Rest Montage
The Links
The links come when we go to case and uncase the colors. The Army describes this quite well in paragraph 15-20. The MCO has a general description and does not go in-depth like the Army. Due to that, JROTCs are forced to use the Army procedure.
“The CSM [US color bearer -DM] then directs UNCASE THE COLORS. The Color bearers lower the Colors (same as Present Guidon).”
Complete Unfurl Sequence
Only the Army starts this way. AF/SF JROTC teams may be forced to use this technique.
MC, Navy, AF, SF, & CG start this way.
The Army’s technique. There is no reason to quickly swap hand positions. You can easily lift the staff out of the harness socket and meet the staff with the left hand at this position. It’s the ending position shown here, not the process that is required.
This is the AF/SF technique that the MC, Navy, and CG JROTC units can use.
This is the AF technique, modify the hands for the Army technique.
Pull the staff inward to make the unfurling/furling process easier.
Unfurl/furl using a smooth two-handed twisting technique, do not jerk – stop – repeat.
As the color elongates, gently raise the staff.
Completely unfurl with the spade at eye level or so that you can at least see it. It must be flat.
Completely furl so that the staff ends horizontal and the spade flat.
Conclusion
This DrillMaster Study explores the similarities and differences between the flagstaff manual and the guidon staff manual. It highlights that the guidon staff and the flagstaff are essentially the same, with differences arising in length and the type of flag attached.
It delves into the historical aspects of the manuals for the services, noting changes and consistencies over time and further discusses various positions and movements for each staff manual detailing how each service executes these movements including the process of casing and uncasing the colors noting how the two manuals are linked.
Equipment is expensive! The storage of colors and flags needs to be considered carefully to ensure your equipment lasts.
Maintenance of Staffs
Mil-Bar Guidon Staff/Flagstaff Repair Kit
The Guidon Staff Repair Kit. The kit is necessary to have on hand and only available from Mil-Bar.com. In the kit, you have brass machine screws and brass connectors (tubes). The connectors insert into the holes on the guidon flagstaff and the screws secure into the connectors. The short connectors are for the ferrules and the long connectors are for the middle screw joint.
Continuous flagstaff maintenance is very necessary. Always ensure the screws are tight on the middle screw joint and each ferrule monthly. However, there comes a time when you might overlook tightening one screw, it works it way loose with constant use, and it’s gone. What makes matters worse is losing the inner brass connector to which both screws attach. These connectors are critical for securing the middle screw joint and the upper and lower ferrules to the staff. Many throughout the years have relied on a wood screw to make up for the lost screw(s) and connector(s). It might work for a while but there’s a better way.
Powdered graphite. This is a key item to have in your toolkit. Applying graphite powder on the threads of the screw joint, each screw, and the screw post for the finial will help keep them locked in place and yet allows easy removal if necessary.
Powdered Graphite Lubricant Tube
Storing Colors and Flags: Short-Term
Colors are flags mounted on a flagstaff that have a staff sleeve and fringe. A note here: The Navy has flags that have a staff sleeve without fringe that are solely for outdoor display on a mast. The sleeve adds strength against high winds. These flags are not carried by a color guard (no fringe). There is also the battalion flag that has a staff sleeve and is not authorized to have fringe because it can be displayed on a mast and also carried in a color guard (the only exception).
The photo at the top of the page was taken during my visit in 2018 to Marine Barracks Washington (MBW). That is the how the Color Guard of the Marine Corps stores all its colors for the different teams that are sent out each day in and around Washington DC and the country.
Here is a different view to show the battle streamer storage rack below on the left.
Colors Storage System at MBW Corner ViewColors Storage System at TOG CCG
Above, on the right, at the 3rd Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard’s Continental Color Guard (CCG), the team uses a similar storage system to Marine Barracks Washington but drapes the flags back over the staff. This minimizes the flag material, which is quite heavy, from stretching.
Storage of Colors on Hangers
Storing Colors and Flags: Long-Term
When storing colors, not flags, for a longer period, the best thing to do is remove it from the staff, fold it twice lengthwise, and drape it over a hanger.
This method is the best for long-term storage of colors. It minimizes wrinkles and creases and, when you put a garment bag over the color, it will remain virtually dust-free.
Use of Colors
Don’t iron colors, you could easily damage the material. Make sure you steam your colors before each performance. The material will not be perfectly flat, that just won’t happen but do your best to get wrinkles and creases out so that, at least, they becomes softer waves in the material.
The same goes for streamers. Steam them.
Storing Flags
A flag can be folded into a rectangle (civilians) or a triangle (military* and civilians). Either is appropriate, depending on your status.
Flag Storage Rectangle or Triangle
*Military status includes Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Veterans, and all cadet programs. All in this category are required to fold the flag as our service manuals dictate.
When folded into a triangle, the plastic storage bag is an option to keep the flag free of dust. The bag should not be left in direct sunlight as that will create moisture to appear inside the bag and could damage the flag.
A flag is folded into a tight rectangle when brand new, boxed, and mail to you. The reason for this is because civilians are not required to fold the flag at all.
New US flag folded into Rectangle
The rectangle is good, loose or tight, and so is rolling the flag.
Rolled Flag For StorageRolled Flag For StorageRolled US Flag For Storage
Why roll the flag for storage? Because it can cause less wrinkles. If your military unit is hoisting the flag every morning and lowering it each evening, the only option you have is to fold the flag into a triangle and store it that way. Rolling is more for long-term storage.
Iron your flag if it is cotton. Steam all the rest of your flags and colors.
Cleaning Flags and Colors
For synthetic fabrics – cold water, machine wash normal cycle, and air dry. Mild detergent or, better yet, pure soap.
For wool/cotton fabrics cold water soak with Oxy Clean or similar product then gentle cycle with cold water. Extra rinse and air dry.
Flags in Clothes BasketFlags Drying on Washing LineFlags Laid out on Bed To Ensure Fully Dry
My eleven interment training flags needed to be washed. That is what you see in the photos above. I folded the first three we washed without ironing or steaming the wrinkles out of them and left them folded for 24 hours to see the results. After opening the flags, they are all still quite wrinkled and need to be gently ironed.
After washing, hanging out to dry, and ironing, the fibers in the flags tightened and shrank just a tiny bit making them “crisp” again with the first fold for each turning out really well.
Colors Harnesses, Web Belts, and Gloves
Colors Harness Diagram
Sometimes the harness is called a “sling”. Using that term can confuse team members since the rifles have a sling attached. Use “harness”.
Clarino Double Colors Harness
Clarino is a type of poromeric (fake, shiny) leather just like the corfam (not “corfram”) shoes we wear in uniform, the clarino colors harness (shown at the right) is black with a very high gloss. There are also leather colors harnesses that come in black and white that do not have a shine to them. All three of these need to be wiped down with a clean damp cloth and the leather should be treated with a leather conditioner on a regular basis.
The rectangular socket frame should be wiped down and the screws checked and tightened regularly. This is the type of frame and socket that is best. The Marine Corps and even the Army use a socket that has a smaller mouth to it and the socket moves on a ball joint.
Notice that the straps of the clarino harness attach to themselves and have only one attachment point at the top of the harness socket frame. This provides the best balance for carrying a flagstaff. The harness below has four attachment points to the frame. I do not suggest using this type, regardless of the socket itself.
Harness Plastic Shield Socket four-point and belt
The harness at the top right has the four-point shoulder strap attachment points to the shield-type frame and a plastic cup. I cannot recommend this at all.
Below it, you see the belt harness. This is mostly used by law enforcement who already have quite a bit of equipment over their shoulders and on their torso. It’s understandable but then it forces the team to use the telescoping flagstaffs (that are absolutely junk). I cannot recommend this either.
Cleaning web harness straps and belts is easily done with a stiff yet soft brush. DO not wipe with a paper towel as that will fall apart and leave bits of the towel in the material. If you have white web straps, belts, and gloves that need to be cleaned, if you use bleach, the chemical will cause the material to yellow over time. Use a fingernail brush and a little dishwashing liquid. Avoid getting metal tabs wet as they will rust.
Rifles
Rifle Slings Mounted
For working rifles, there’s the standard maintenance that you can find in military manuals and online. This includes cleaning the barrel and oiling the metal, etc. For a replica rifle, using a damp cloth to regularly keep the rifle clean is probably the most you need to do.
Long-term storage of today’s replica rifles is something you need to consider. There is the Daisy Drill Rifle, an M1903A3 replica, and there are several different types of DrillAmerica Replica rifles that are made to look like the M1 Garand and the M1903A3.
A note here on slings. For long-term storage, you may want to consider dismounting the slings and removing the metal from the slings as those metal pieces and the sling swivels on the rifle can create grooves in the sling material and also stain the material.
Rifle Sling Rust
I like both brands of replica rifles, but as I explain in my article, Which Drill Rifle is Better: Glendale or Daisy? the Glendale rifles have a coating on all the metal parts. That means it will last longer without rust or corrosion developing. The Daisy is not coated at all, and you will see rust on the barrel within the first year.
In the drier climates, the rust and corrosion are less likely to form, while in the southeast, rust is waiting at the door the moment the new rifles are unboxed. I know of JROTC instructors who have taken all of their rifles to a gunsmith and had all the metal parts blued. It’s a smart thing to coat the metal with something, even good ol’ Rustoleum is better than nothing.
Replica Rifle Stocks
Dinged Rifles
Dings and bruises are bound to happen. The stocks of most replica rifles are made of a composite material, essentially a hardened plastic.
At right is a photo of a couple of my training rifles. In the foreground is a DrillAmerica M1 Garand and in the background are a couple of older DrillAmerica Mark (MK) 1 Enfield M1917 replicas.
For the Mark 1s, it would be a matter of removing or taping over the upper receiver, trigger housing, sling swivels, and barrel end and just spray painting the stock with whatever color I think would be best. I have had an idea for years of having an exhibition drill team with two different rifle colors using the school colors which would be reflected in the shoulder cord colors, ascot, and even the gloves.
For the M1 Garand with the wood grain stock, a small, slight ding can be covered by a brown permanent marker. Any kind of mark that is large or if there are many marks like on my rifle shown here, you will have to try an alternative method of painting or taping.
Drill and ceremonies trainer David Simons in North Carolina uses friction tape. The tape does not leave a sticky residue and can be easily replaced. Eagles Hockey Tape, used on baseball bats, lacrosse and hockey sticks, tennis rackets, and much more, is what he recommends.
Vexillologist DeVaughn Simper suggests Flex Seal as a paint alternative. This product comes in a variety of colors and is extremely strong.
Jason Boykin, one of my connections on LinkedIn, suggested using a vinyl wrap, purchasing the vinyl in bulk and then applying it to the stock parts.
Stuart Montgomery, from my Facebook page, recommends ACF50. It is used worldwide by the marine & aviation industry as well as domestically in the vehicle/motorcycle sector & US military to prevent corrosion.
He noted, “Having used it extensively on motorcycles which were subjected to hostile weather (winter road salt, etc.) I swear by it. Only the very, very lightest application is required for long-term protection.
“It’s amazing! As an experiment, he sprayed half of a metal file, left it outdoors for 6 months. The untreated half quickly corroded while the treated half was like new! Only the lightest application is required. Clean the surface, spray the ACF50 onto a cloth and wipe down.”
Several readers like to use CLP – “Cleanz-Oil,” or Hoppe’s Break Free. I recommend Hoppe’s Number 9 after the corrosion is gone.
A couple of readers also mentioned Ballistol and CLP Break Free gun cleaners and lubricants.
Marcus Santana suggested powder or ceramic coating (not very expensive) or plating (expensive).
Greg Swiertz wrote, “I think naval jelly for rust removal and then ACF 50 like Stuart recommended. Sanding can embed the rust, and the cycle is never ending. Ceramic clear coat is another option.
Dan Fystro mentioned, “I have worked on some severely corroded metal part in my life, at home and on the job. In a mechanic situation the cheapest rust inhibitor and break free item I have found is automatic transmission fluid. Heat it up while it is on the part until it smokes. saturate again and smoke off. This combination has done wonders for me trying to break parts free. Side note the use of white vinegar will chemically stop rust from growing so you can treat with further rust preventive measures and/or paint coverage. These may not solve the issue you are having but I thought I would bring this up since in most cases these weapons will not be used to fire ammunition, and it would not be a safety factor.”
Greg Adams commented, “corrosion doesn’t have to happen. It happens when there is neglect. The metal needs to be wiped down EVERY time with a Ballistol/CLP/fluid film/whatever… If it gets wet, it needs to be dried first, then wiped. Rusty guns, rusty tools, doesn’t matter, that corrosion shown is neglect, period. Now, you could buff it with 4 ought steel wool and oil it, or get it redone. Either way, it needs to be maintained.”
Conclusion
If you want to keep your equipment looking nice for as long as possible, maintain it properly.
