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: …
The Mechanics of Movement
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 …
The Rhythm of Movement
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.
A DrillMaster Study of the Flagstaff and Finial
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 …
Symbolic Protection of the Colors
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.
The Gould and Goodrich Review
I must say, I’m impressed with these products!
The Joint Formation
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 …
Equipment for EMS Color Guards
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.
The Manuals a Veteran Organization Should Have On Hand
Veteran service organizations regularly form color guards and even perform military funeral honors daily throughout the year. The training the teams receive should come from established military manuals. This is a list of the manuals the organization may want to have on hand. All available as a free PDF download here: https://thedrillmaster.org/downloads/ Army Standards – most prevalent Marine Corps Standards …
The DrillMaster Book List
The books that I’ve been working on and publishing are to educate as many people as possible right now and in the future. Some of the information exists nowhere else than these books. Let’s educate and improve our performances in Ceremonial Drill, Regulation Drill, and Exhibition Drill.










