Educating the Military Drill World
Across the country, cadet programs and organizations are facing a common restriction:uniforms cannot be worn. For many, this has created uncertainty: Let’s be clear: Yes, you can still present the Colors.No, the standard has not changed. The Misconception There is a growing assumption that without the uniform, the rules relax. They do not. The uniform is a supporting element. It …
One of the most persistent misconceptions I encounter is the statement:
“A flagstaff is just a flagstaff.”
This idea usually appears when someone is using a silver aluminum or gold telescoping pole and attempts to justify it for a military color guard.
At first glance, the logic seems simple: if it holds a flag, it should be acceptable.
That logic is incorrect.
In recent years, an increasing number of Air Force color guard performances—particularly within Technical School, the United States Air Force Academy, and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps—have shown a consistent pattern: movements that appear deliberate and “ceremonial,” yet are fundamentally incorrect within their training environment.
This article is written as a thought-leadership piece designed to bridge the gap between respect for first responders and the non-negotiable standards of military protocol. Its goal is not to diminish anyone’s service, but to defend institutional identity and restore ritual integrity in public ceremonies.
I have a story for you. It’s a true story that has a little embellishment with fictional names. The quote comes from the father of a cadet.
Large-scale flag displays at athletic events often generate the same recurring responses when standards are addressed.
There is a persistent and damaging belief in the drill and ceremonies community:
“If it’s not in our manual, it’s not authorized.”
That belief is wrong—and it is directly responsible for the kind of performance deficiencies we continue to see across military, cadet, and first responder color guards.
“You got chocolate in my peanut butter!” The old commercial for Reece’s Peanut Butter cups was about “it’s all how you look at it” and was fun.
Introducing the Updated Training Framework For years, I have provided guidance, manuals, and critiques to help Honor Guard programs improve their performance. Departments across the country—and internationally—have used these resources to build teams, correct procedures, and elevate their ceremonial standards. However, one consistent issue has remained: Most programs do not struggle because they lack information.They struggle because they lack structure. …
It’s important to clarify the distinction of the Melophori (Mēlophoroi), or Apple Bearers, from the larger body of the Persian “Immortals” as historical sources have revealed.