UPDATE: I know that the image can be a bit offensive, but so is the call for official Military Funeral Honors. The image is meant to denigrate the thought process behind the petition, NOT the cadet, or any cadet, for that matter. I’ve already received several private messages from first responders who have had similar situations with the death of …
Of Flags and Sharp Objects
Please read All About The Color Guard for complete information on this subject. Can a color team use rifles with bayonets or even use swords or sabers? As the title suggests, flags and sharp objects do not go well together! Never ever, ever, ever put bayonets on rifles or march swords/sabers for a color team! When a color catches the …
“As I was!”
“As I was”? Stop talking to yourself, talk to your platoon/flight. What does “as I was” mean? Nothing. The term is “As you were.” Here is some info for you from AFM 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies, which you can download here: Use the command AS YOU WERE to revoke a preparatory command. After the command of execution has been given …
How to Write Drill
Drill is not boring, unless you do the same thing over and over or you execute very simple moves with “dead” time in between. How can drill be “exciting”? Variation. Variation of: Hand, arm, leg and head movements Body movement Step style Tempo You can get a sample of some drill movements in Exhibition Drill For The Military Drill Team. …
“Military Flavor”
‘Our drill team does a Stomp routine for our program this year.’ ‘Our drill team does cheer-like movements and we sing/chant throughout our routine.’ What is “Military Flavor” This is a term that we cannot define so that it is crystal clear. We can define it, but it is more of a subjective term. Military flavor is a “uniform.” Why …
All About Posting or Presenting Colors
There is quite a bit of information and several situations that every color team needs to know to maintain the American flag in the position of honor – on the marching right or in front. The American flag never marches any other position. Never. Military and para-military (just about every organization that has its members in uniform) should follow military …
The Colors Reverse How-to
The Colors Reverse turns the team around 180 degrees without executing a wheel movement. Here is a complete explanation on how to execute the move for a team of four.
How to Shape and Fold a Beret
How do you shape a beret? First: Cut out the lining. Second: Cut the cardboard so that it is just a small arch about 2 or 3 inches across the bottom so that whatever device you wear fits nicely. Third: Put on your beret and make sure it (the leather band around the bottom) is as parallel to the ground …
To Fringe or Not to Fringe, That is the Question
I originally wrote this in December of 2017. This update, December of 2023, includes links to other articles to help fully explain the issues. Please read about the difference between a flag and a color. According to the US Army, fringe is an honorable enrichment only, not an integral part of the color. As it is attached on the edge, …
All About the Shoulder Cord
How to Attach a Shoulder Cord or Aiguillette What’s a Shoulder Cord? Just a standard braided rope that fits onto the shoulder either underneath an epaulet (picture below, #452) or above the epaulet on the outside shoulder seam (picture below, #484SL). The cord above was specially made for the Modesto Fire Department Honor Guard by Shoulder Cords Unlimited. Glendale Paradestore …