A Fire Team is a squad of soldiers in battle. courtesy simhq.com A Firing Party is a ceremonial salute detail made up of 3 to 7 members with a commander. Courtesy army.mil The Firing Squad is a small group of individuals who line up to execute someone sentenced to death. courtesy sonofthesout.net
Which Drill Rifle is Better: Glendale or Daisy?
This article could be easily based on bias: previous owners Wendy Lazar and Joes Rivas, and now Jose Barreto the current owner of Glendale Industries, are friends of mine. I could just say that the DrillAmerica rifle is the best and be done with it, but I’m going to let you make the decision after listing the pros and cons …
All about “Color Guard” and “Color Team”
I received this question: How and why does a military color guard and marching band color guard differ? My answer: This is a great question and one that I’ve dealt with for several years since I have been a judge for marching bands, winter guards and military drill teams/color guards. So here is a detailed explanation and a little history. …
When to use The Ceremonial Pike Pole and Fire Axe
Firefighter honor guards have the unique ability to use two implements of their trade for ceremonial use: the pike pole and fire axe. The Pike Pole First used to unhorse and attacker in the middle ages, it is now used to pull ceilings down and sort of other things to search for hazards. There are two ceremonial versions, one about …
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’ve been asked many times about what a high school student can do once he/she has graduated. Well, here are some options for you Drillers who really love what you do. Go to college (ROTC) and continue to drill with the school’s team Join the military and join your service’s honor guard Join a civilian drill team (i.e. New Guard …
Ask The DrillMaster: Commander Procedures for Columns?
Let’s begin with defining where a team commander has control. This is called the “Span of Control.” As yo can see from the diagram below, a commander’s “span of control” is 180-degrees all around the formation at 3 steps from the formation. However, in competition team commanders are to maintain a position to the left side of the formation. Having …
What is “Derived Achievement”?
A friend of mine (“R”) and I (“DM”) were having a discussion, sending messages back and forth a short time ago. The questions he asked have been asked me before and I had to take the opportunity to share the information with you. R: I have a couple questions, I have heard that in high school exhibition it is illegal …
Who makes the rifles that drill teams use?
“We are the makers of rifles, and we are the dreamers of dreams” The M1917 “American Enfield” (9lbs. used from 1917 to mid 1960s, eventually replaced by the M1903) Winchester, Remington and Eddystone (Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone, Pennsylvania). The British made the Lee Enfield Rifles which date from the late 1800s to the present day. Numerous version were created, …
Ask the DrillMaster: “Fancy” Right Shoulder?
Question: What is the Marine Corps color guard fancy Right Shoulder? Answer: There isn’t one and color teams in all services DO NOT EVER execute anything that is “fancy.” The Presidential Honor Guards have a specific way to execute shoulder movements with the rifle for timing reasons and because the different shoulder movements are a little more ‘ceremonial.’ To learn …
“Stop me if you’ve heard this one…”
How many honor guard members does it take to fold a flag? There are two ways to fold the American flag; one procedure of actually folding it, and two ways to accomplish that folding procedure. The Two-Man* Flag Fold This is the standard for retirements and memorial services. Veteran/retiree funerals also use this flag fold. The Six-Man* Flag Fold This …