The Cordon Comprised of two squads facing each other. Spacing between members of each squad is usually an arm’s distance. Spacing between each squad of the cordon is a safe enough distance for the VIP to pass in between the squads*. The number of members in each squad depends on the type of cordon. The commander positions centered, behind one …
Christian Flag over American Flag?
As a Christian, I get it. On church grounds, inside or out, the Christian flag should be flown above the American during services or really, all the time. After all, God is the One in control. However, Christians know that we are to follow the rules of those appointed to authority (Romans 13). Those rules state that no other flag …
Merry Christmas!
From my family to yours May this time of year give you new insight into the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Merry Christmas.
Christmas Gifts For the Driller
There is always the question of what to get someone who likes military drill (drill team or honor guard member) when Christmas or their birthday comes around. Here are some suggestions: Number one on the list is equipment for practicing. Ya’ just gotta have this stuff! The newest items for the military drill world are the Glendale DrillAmerica M1903 Replica …
Protocol for the Thin Line Flag on a Casket
The Thin Blue Line and the Thin Red Line. Hi there–I am a funeral director and have recently made funeral arrangements for a retired police officer. He is not a military veteran, but the family would like to drape his casket with the thin blue line flag (the black and white flag with the blue line representing police officers). I …
Why is Drill Necessary in the Armed Forces?
From India: why is drill necessary in the armed forces? Thanks for the question! Drill is life for some, but what about those trainees coming into the military through Basic Training and Boot Camp? Why do they have to drill unarmed and even armed? Drill instills discipline, timing, teamwork, confidence, followership, leadership, coordination, togetherness, esprit de corps (spirit of the …
Wearing the Mourning Band
First responders have a black band that is worn over or around their badge/shield like what is pictured. The band signifies the loss of a colleague usually through a Line of Duty Death (LODD); the military equivalent to this would be an Active Duty Death. Three questions arise: How long should the department wear the band? Thirty days is the …
The “Silver Brass” of the Silent Drill Platoon
In the late 1970’s, the number one rifle inspector with the Marine Corps Silent Drill platoon passed on his brass, or the buttons and emblems from his uniform, to his successor. The brass continued to be passed on, and over time, the cleaning and polishing turned the once gold-colored brass silver. “Being able to wear the silver brass and to …
How to Halt from Right/Left Step
With me spending 27 years associated with Air Force drill and ceremonies, the Marine Corps style of D&C has always been unusual to me. Having said that, I’ve studied the MCO several times and have worked with a couple of Marines who have been a great help for me. Not long ago, A Navy Master Chief NJROTC instructor had a …
Exhibition Color Guard? Consensus Says it’s OK!
I cannot even bring myself to insert a picture of a color guard performing exhibition moves. Instead, here is an awesome firefighter color guard, the members of which were trained by yours truly. Reference: Training Circular 3-21.5; Marine Corps Order P5060.20; AF Manual 36-2203; The Honor Guard Manual I have heard from several cadets that their color guard has performed …