DrillMaster lists the qualities and concepts that will help cadets in leadership and training positions.
The Harch, Harms, & Hace of AFMAN 36-2203
Word pronunciation can be peculiar in the US military. However, if we look at it with logic, we can understand the the application of those possible peculiarities (See this article, Root Step and Command Pronunciation). Page 16 of the Nov 2013 edition of AFMAN 36-2203 has an historic pictogram, Figure 2.2, that shows how the Air Force calls commands. After …
Do Pallbearers Remove Their Cover?
No. Yes. Well… When I received this question a few months ago on my Instagram account, I went right to work answering it as I went through a typical scenario in my head. At the same time, my friend, CN Alec White, a current US Navy Ceremonial Guardsman assigned to the Casket Team, gave a different answer from a different …
Taps: “America’s National Song of Remembrance,” Information and Origin
In The News That will be what the bugle call Taps is called when a proposal that is now in the House eventually passes. Read the complete story here. See also Taps 150 and TapsBugler. What to do – During a rendition of Taps at a military funeral, memorial service or wreath ceremony, -All present not in uniform should stand …
Formal Casket Watch
Casket Watch Procedures Read about the difference in Formal and Informal Casket Watch here. Here are some DrillMaster Casket Watch procedure videos to help you to get a better understanding. How an individual died should not reflect on the honors received (suicide). This is different from a Line of Duty Death vs. off-duty or retiree. From my book, The Honor …
To Pin or not to Pin, That is the Question
It’s all about Purposeful Movement “You must pin your free hand!” Not necessarily. In this picture below, a still from one of Adam Jeup’s (pronounced “jewp”) training videos, you can see that Adam has purposefully pinned his right arm while executing a rifle toss with his left. There is a reason he did this: “military flavor,” enhanced power to the …
Running Practice for a Competitive Drill Team
Training, Practice and Rehearsal, three different types of well, practice. Here is an article on the Difference Between Practice and Rehearsal and an article on the Difference Between Practice and Training. Whether you are on a first responder or military honor guard or a JROTC/ROTC drill team, your responsibilities are the same to a point: develop your skills, keep them …
Is it “Tall or Tap,” “Tall Tap” or What?
When first falling-in for a flight or platoon formation, after the dressing to the right, the leader of the formation (Drill or Training Instructor or even the Drill Team Commander) might use a term that some seem to be unfamiliar with, “If you are taller than the person in front of you, tap him on the shoulder and move up!” …
What is Articulation?
Articulation is to speak so that one is understood. It is not only about speaking clearly (enunciating words), but also about speaking clearly (using words that are easily understood for your audience). Got that? (photo courtesy of stripes.com) But what does this have to do with drill? Plenty. A Driller can step onto the performance floor and not be clear; …
Color Guard and Team Member Height
For the picture above, the Mirror Present technique is not authorized for Marines in the Fleet not MCJROTC cadets. It is ONLY authorized for the members of Marine Barracks Washington. Some people try to force the members of a color team into tallest-to-shortest (viewer’s left-to-right) no matter the skill level. That can be a recipe for embarrassment. Especially when the …