Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Color Guard/Color Team”
The ‘Good Idea Fairy,’ the destroyer of motivation and crusher of souls, is back, and this time it’s haunting the drill field. As I detail in my previous work, ‘The Magic White Glove Effect,’ this phenomenon is all due to unrealistic expectations. Recently, I received a message detailing a ceremony rehearsal where a prepared junior NCO and his Color Guard …
This article examines a recent colors presentation conducted by the California Military Institute in support of the California State Guard. As always, the intent here is not criticism for its own sake, but education. By unpacking both strengths and deficiencies, we can clarify standards, improve training outcomes, and reinforce the non-negotiable principles that govern military color guard operations. See the …
Over the past year (2025), I have shared several photos of JROTC units presenting all of the service colors at patriotic events and then wrote my thinking of the situation: “is this authorized?” and I went on to invite my readers to comment. I need to be clear: This creates a “why” behind the rules that backs up both positions: …
This article is a continuation of Part 1, The Rhythm of Movement. Here, we go over what physically happens when taking that first step. The Gate Cycle When we talk about the gait cycle, we’re essentially describing a full rhythmic cycle of walking. Marching is a highly disciplined and stylized form of walking, so when marching, the gait cycle is …
Movement has a rhythm and with competitive marching it is crucial to understand that rhythm and break down movement to understand it’s application better.
Today’s US military flagstaff, the light ash wood guidon staff with the flat, silver spearhead, comes from a time when polearms were the weapon of choice for infantry and cavalry. The image at the top of the page is a painting by Italian painter Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau called Batalla de Rocroi. The painting was created in 2011, and the battle was …
The protection of the “colors” on a military color guard is deeply symbolic, stemming from centuries, even millennia, of military tradition and reflecting core values of honor, loyalty, and the identity of the unit and nation.
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There might be some confusion as to what a joint formation looks like and when one is authorized so we will break it down here. The photo at the top of the page shows the Old Guard and Marine Barracks Washington companies with a barely visible Navy Ceremonial Guard company at the left of the photo marching in a parade …
The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) color guard holds a unique and often unrecognized place in ceremonial traditions. While frequently mistaken for firefighter units due to similar appearances, a closer look reveals their distinct identity: the blue Star of Life on a white background patch. This emblem proudly signifies their life-saving mission.