Introducing the Updated Training Framework For years, I have provided guidance, manuals, and critiques to help Honor Guard programs improve their performance. Departments across the country—and internationally—have used these resources to build teams, correct procedures, and elevate their ceremonial standards. However, one consistent issue has remained: Most programs do not struggle because they lack information.They struggle because they lack structure. …
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.
How not to Faint or “DoN’t lOcK YeR kNeEs!”
Most cadets and many adults know only this phrase about fainting (flaking) in formation. You definitely need to expand your knowledge to educate those for of whom you are responsible.
Mistakes that Pallbearers Deal With
Funeral directors and and cemetery caretakers have a big responsibility to ensure funeral honors can happen without a hitch. That being said, there’s usually something that the pallbearers must deal with. In this article, we will deal with travel to the gravesite and gravesite setup.
Consideration of Color Bearer Height and Waist Level is Mandatory
It boggles my mind that harness socket height is rarely considered. It’s time members of a color guard were made aware of the requirement. MCO 5060.20 states that colors are carried at the same level. If that is not possible, the national colors can be minimally higher but NEVER lower. TC 3-21.5 states colors are carried at the same level/height.
The Flag Draping the Casket
The only way to ensure a flag doesn’t move when draped on a casket is to put a casket band on it or underneath it and then tuck the flag into it.
Why a Color Guard Does Not Fix Bayonets
Fixed bayonets are not authorized for military color guards, so why would anyone else do it? We can speculate as to why color guards chose to do it, but that’s not necessary. What is necessary is to educate everyone as to why it’s not the right thing to do. We will explore the reasons why a color guard fixing bayonets is not appropriate.
Carrying a Foreign National or All Service Colors
This is huge. This changes 95% of color guards overseas as to make up (what flags are carried and when) and also affects some of the stateside teams as well. The protocol behind carrying foreign national flags was just assumed for many years. We can’t just assume anymore.
A DrillMaster 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?










