The term “Joint Civic/Armed Forces Color Guard” sounds official. It sounds inclusive, cooperative, and appropriate for a major public event.
It is none of those things.
One Casket, One Flag: Do Not Combine Flags
I recently saw an image of a casket with the U.S. flag and the Texas flag folded in half and laid on top together. That is not a minor mistake. It’s a complete breakdown of ceremonial understanding.
Examination of the “Civil Peace Flag”
A DrillMaster Research Memorandum Date: April 21, 2026 I. Purpose This memorandum evaluates the claim that the United States maintains two distinct national flags: The objective is to determine whether any such “peace flag” is supported by statutory law, executive authority, military regulation, or historical precedent, and to identify the origin of the claim. If we have such a flag, …
Navy Protocol – What Side Boys Need to Know
You are preparing for a Navy Ceremony and need to know where to look for guidance. This article is for you.
Army and Marine Corps Mounted Ceremony Is Not Dismounted Doctrine on Horses
A recent post of the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard on Instagram showed something few may have seen before, and I received a question about it. The photo showed only the mounted color bearers carrying the national and the Marine Corps colors without guards.
The Flag Detail’s Job is at the Flagpole
There is a misunderstanding that keeps showing up in morning colors and evening colors ceremonies: people see a flag being raised or lowered and folded, and an immediately thought is that the Flag Detail is a color guard, the flag fold is exactly like a funeral honors team, or that the ceremony can take place at a better position for all to see.
Image Analysis: Indoor Navy Flag Displays
Yesterday’s article had two photos of incorrect Navy Flag displays. This article goes in-depth to explain what the issues are for both.
Affiliation Is Not Authority: Who Gets to Carry Service Colors?
I get this question fairly regularly. What flags should we carry in the upcoming parade?
When Not Displaying the Flag Is the Right Call
Every year, as motorcycle season ramps up and public events increase, more people display the American flag on vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. The intent is almost always honorable.
The execution, however, is often incorrect.
How Cadet Programs Should Interpret Drill and Ceremonies Regulations
This is an extension of yesterday’s article and is geared for cadets.