This article originally published on Dec 30, 2014 under the title, When in Doubt, Salute! This is an update and rearrangement of information to help everyone understand this subject better. How to Salute The services have slightly different techniques. One technique is followed by the Army and Air Force. The middle finger is placed on the corner of the eyebrow, …
The American Flag at Half-Staff and Half-Mast
Staff = a flagpole on land. Mast = a flagpole on a ship at sea or on a Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard installation or other maritime location. Halyard = the rope used to raise and lower the flag. Never fly a fringed flag on a stationary or mounted (on a wall or post) flagpole. These flags are only …
Flagstaff Refurbishing
Flagstaffs can become weathered and lose their original look like the one pictured. That is easily remedied! Well, not easy-easy, but it’s not really all that difficult. Here are the steps: Remove the ferrules and middle screw joints. Sand the staffs down completely to the wood. Stain the the staffs. Coat the staffs with at least five coats of urethane. …
Color Guard Flag Protocol
The National Ensign/American Flag For the National Ensign/Color/American Flag, military and other color guards will always hold its staff vertical (Marine Corps, Navy, & Coast Guard and US Certified Ceremonial Guardsmen) or slightly incline it forward (Army only), depending on the service drill and ceremonies manual for regulation or ceremonial drill. The minimum color guard compliment requirement is the American …
The Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3)
In a nutshell, retirees and veterans of the military services may join full and part-time installation ceremonial teams (honor Guards) for the purpose of supplementing, not replacing, team members for funerals.
The Uniform and Presenting the Colors
DrillMaster explain the appropriate uniform for presenting and posting the colors.
All About POW/MIA Flag Protocol
Depending on where you live in the US, you can count on strong feelings as to whether the POW/MIA flag should be marched in a color guard for a parade. Title 36 U.S. Code § 902 – National League of Families POW/MIA Flag The information in the Flag Code is instructions for US government agency display. It has no information …
Ten Things Every Cadet Should Know
DrillMaster lists the qualities and concepts that will help cadets in leadership and training positions.
Taps: “America’s National Song of Remembrance,” Information and Origin
In The News That will be what the bugle call Taps is called when a proposal that is now in the House eventually passes. Read the complete story here. See also Taps 150 and TapsBugler. What to do – During a rendition of Taps at a military funeral, memorial service or wreath ceremony, -All present not in uniform should stand …
Is it “Tall or Tap,” “Tall Tap” or What?
When first falling-in for a flight or platoon formation, after the dressing to the right, the leader of the formation (Drill or Training Instructor or even the Drill Team Commander) might use a term that some seem to be unfamiliar with, “If you are taller than the person in front of you, tap him on the shoulder and move up!” …