This article provides doctrinal clarification derived from Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies procedures for a joint color guard under Marine Corps control
The CAP and AFJROTC Issues Explained
In two previous articles (available here¹ and here²), I examined instances in which U.S. Air Force–affiliated cadet programs appeared to depart from published Department of the Air Force drill and ceremonies doctrine. Those discussions raised important questions about authority, interpretation, and the proper limits of cadet instructional publications.
The Three Pillars of a Championship Team: Building Drill Team and Color Guard Excellence
Three powerful concepts—Building Cohesion, Competition Simulation, and Peer Leadership—will build a truly dominant and strong drill team and color guard.
From Custody to Choreography: How Authority Shaped—and Split—the Color Guard
For many people involved in military drill, ceremonial color guards, marching band, or drum corps, one question keeps resurfacing: How did we all start in the same place—and end up speaking completely different languages about flags, rifles, and sabers? The answer is not stylistic. It is structural. It is a story about authority—where it came from, where it went, and …
Compliance Review: CAP Cadet Color guard — Doctrinal and Ceremonial Deficiencies
This article evaluates a publicly visible Civil Air Patrol cadet Color guard presentation based on published ceremonial standards, flag protocol, and drill doctrine. The purpose is educational and corrective, not personal. All observations below are based solely on what is visible in the referenced image and applicable regulatory guidance.
When “Joint” Does Not Mean Authorized
Recently, Virginia elected a new Governor. The image at the top of the page was shared on the VA State Defense Force Facebook page. There are many things wrong and here is what I noted on social media based on this image
The Pathfinder Drill and Ceremonies Manual: 6 Surprising Takeaways
Introduction: More Than Just Camping and Crafts When you picture a youth group, you probably think of camping trips, community service, and crafts. You might not picture a 318-page technical manual detailing the precise angle of a foot or the specific cadence for a funeral procession. But that’s exactly what I found when I analyzed the Pathfinder Drill & Ceremonies …
The Three-Man Color Guard: Authorization vs. Application
The USAF drill and ceremonies manual recognizes this configuration as an acceptable color guard formation. Its inclusion establishes that the formation is doctrinally valid. The other services do use this team set up, but it is relegated to formal visits on the international stage.
Should a Color Guard Bow Their Heads During Prayer?
This question arises frequently at ceremonies, particularly when a chaplain invites those present to bow their heads. The answer depends on a critical distinction: who is acting as an individual—and who is acting as a representative.
Why a TSA Color Guard Is Not Authorized—and What Works Instead
The Transportation Security Administration is a civilian federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security.