The Flagstaff Spade Marker

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The Flagstaff The guidon staff comes in three sizes for the US military: 8′ – for guidon flags and 3′ x 4′ colors (all services) 9’6″ – for 4’4″ x 5’6″ flags (all but the Air Force) 9′ – for 4’4″ x 5’6″ flags (Air Force, for some reason, as of 2019) The Finial A finial is a device or …

The Military Hand Salute

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This article originally published on Dec 30, 2014 under the title, When in Doubt, Salute! This is an update and rearrangement of information to help everyone understand this subject better. How to Salute The services have slightly different techniques. One technique is followed by the Army and Air Force. The middle finger is placed on the corner of the eyebrow, …

Color Guard Performance “Factors”

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As much as I am a “by-the-book” Airman, I know there are times when certain organizations must adapt and overcome and follow the spirit of the regulations rather than the letter. Speaking of letters. Below, is the text of an email from a friend of mine, MSgt Vincent Liddle of Warren Central High School MCJROTC. I was surprised to wake …

Half-staff

The American Flag at Half-Staff and Half-Mast

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Staff = a flagpole on land. Mast = a flagpole on a ship at sea or on a Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard installation or other maritime location. Halyard = the rope used to raise and lower the flag. Never fly a fringed flag on a stationary or mounted (on a wall or post) flagpole. These flags are only …