In 1777, Congress described the flag of the United States and declared that it shall be 13 stripes alternating red and white, with 13 stars on a field of blue. With the passage of this law the flag was established. However, it was used was controlled largely by the War Department (later the Department of Defense), since flags were used primarily by the military.
The Three “Joints”
There are essentially three types of joint arrangements for the uniformed organizations in the US government. While this is not officially official, it helps us all to peel back the layers of the language we use and the services in our government. Let’s take a look.
What Does “Order Arms” Really Mean For A Color Guard?
Order Arms for a color guard can be confusing. Let’s see how. TC 3-21.5 – Army While this is for the Army only, AFJROTC and SFJROTC cadet color guards are currently, more or less, forced to follow the TC. For a thought-out approach to the AF/SF regulation drill color guard, click here to read this article. The command “Order Colors” …
Carrying a Foreign National or All Service Flags
Restrictions for carrying a foreign national flag. This changes about 95% of the color guards overseas.
The Argument From AFPAM 34-1203
What argument would this be? It’s about using the other two service manuals. It gets a bit complicated, but bear with me as we go through why the AFPAM has so little information and what to do about it. We need to understand that all three drill and ceremonies manuals are lacking in certain aspects and using ones best judgment …
A Study of Mark Time
Marching in place, marking time. Many think they know how to do it. There are three different regulation drill techniques for the US military and two techniques for ceremonial drill.
Can Any Event Have a Colors Presentation?
Must an event be a formal military occasion to be eligible for a color guard to present the colors?
“Cutting the Colors”
There is a very strange story about a line of flags and members of the military and veterans not being authorized to walk in between them. Most of this is a load of fertilizer that is quite deep.
Folded Flag Salute Protocol
Yes, we want to honor our flag and we should, but…
The Chief Brief
You have an upcoming Line of Duty Death funeral and will be handing the flag to the Sheriff, Police Chief, or Fire Chief who will then hand the folded flag to the next of kin (NOK). What do you say to brief the Chief? Here is something to help you: “Chief, stand at the head of the casket. When I …