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 …
The DrillMaster DrillUp! Clinic
I’ve been teaching in various official capacities since 1986 and since 2009, I’ve been teaching various elements of what I have developed into a formal clinic for cadets, mainly, and JROTC instructors. The best news is that the clinic is free! I teach it to JROTC units as I travel the country instructing first responder ceremonial units. The text of the …
First Overseas DrillMaster Trip
During my 20-year US Air Force Career, I was stationed in three European countries and Japan as well as two states. I had not been to the Middle East or the African continent. Those two places are now added to the list. PART I Six Months in Planning Apparently, I have a fan or two overseas. One just happens to …
Off to Qatar and South Africa!
Yes, it is true! The DrillMaster has been international for years now, but my travels have not taken me outside of the country until today. At 1 pm Eastern, I will fly with my good friend and exhibition drill colleague, Matthew Pereau. We are truly excited and blessed for this opportunity! Our first stop is Qatar where …
The Obstacles of a Parade
When I was in AFJROTC (’79-’83), we didn’t have scoopers right behind horse entries in a parade. They were the unsung heroes who brought up the very rear, just in front of the police car with the flashing lights signaling the end of the parade. This meant that everyone in the parade had to dodge, duck, dip, dive and… dodge …
Shaving, a Bane of Existence
The first time one shaves is the beginning of a never-ending cycle when you wear a service uniform. Say hello to nicks, cuts and the occasional abrasion depending on your skin type and especially if you have acne. There are shaving powders, creams, and soaps, but probably the best shave you will find is from oil. You can buy a …
Military Drill Experts
DrillMaster explains what the military develops and why.
Drill Team Organizational Guidance Examples
Standards. The military is about setting and maintaining standards- even exceeding them. A cadet organization is not different. An extra-curricular activity of that program also needs to set and maintain standards. Those standards are of what is expected from each team member and what each team member can expect. Here are some examples. I encourage you to look them over, …
Complete Exhibition Drill Team Tetrad Routine
I have many free downloadable resources on the Downloads page and here is another! Click the link above to go to the Downloads page, scroll down to DrillMaster Downloads and at the bottom you will see the link for the routine. The PDF package outlines a complete tetrad (4- or 5-man) exhibition routine with the rifle work included in the …
Distance and Alignment Training
“Dress and cover!” This is the best way that I know how to train a team to consistently maintain alignment and distance.