Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Ask DrillMaster”
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”? 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 …
‘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 …
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 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 …
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, …
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 …
While wearing your shoes (low quarters/boots/civvy shoes), move your feet back and forth and side to side to try to pinpoint from where the squeak is coming. Once you find the area that is squeaking, sprinkle it with corn starch or baking powder, inside and out. This will help to absorb noisy moisture and reduce or even eliminate noise. See …
Over time, I will update this list as needed. For now, educate yourself. Many of the following manuals are the Resources page. Service Drill and Ceremonies Training Circular 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies Marine Corps Order 5060.2, Drill and Ceremonies Air Force Manual 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies Regulation Drill Training (portable lesson plans) DrillMaster’s Color Guard Coach’s Field Manual DrillMaster’s Platoon, …
For many years now, I’ve received requests from JROTC instructors, especially those recently retired and new to the program, and some highly motivated cadets as to where to begin when teaching/learning drill. For regulation and color guard drill: Army- Training Circular (TC) 3-21.5. Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard- Marine Corps Order (MCO)P5060.2 Air Force*- Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 36-2203 …