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Comments 59

  1. Good Afternoon,
    I am a School Chief in the USCG and attempting to figure out stage protocol for graduation ceremonies set in an auditorium. Stuff like which direction graduates should cross the stage, which side the podium should be on, and what the order of precedence is for the handshake line. I can piece mill answers to some of these through manuals, but putting it all together is resulting in some clunky positioning and movements. Can you provide direction to a manual that specifically addresses stage scenarios? Or any thoughts you might have? I appreciate your time.

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      Ma’am,

      US Navy Regulations Chapter 12 is going to be your manual. You can download that above. If you would like a detailed layout for a graduation ceremony, I can create a diagram for you if you think it would help. If so, please respond to this and put your email address in the required space. Only I will see it.

      The receiving line should be lowest to highest rank with the graduates crossing stage left to stage right, audience right-to-left.

      The podium can be stage right or left at the front. Colors would be preposted in the center and receipt of the certificate would take place center stage with the colors as a backdrop. The file for those who would shake the graduates’ hands would begin at stage left right next to the certificate presenter (out of frame of the official photographer).

      You could have a formal colors presentation, a “show-n-go” since the appropriate colors are already on display: national, (foreign nationals in alphabetical order, state, another service color if service present) USCG, that would entail the team entering, presenting, anthem, and departing.

      Let me know if you would like this written up a bit more formally.

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  4. Drill Master,
    I was under the impression you could only fly 2 flags on same flagpole, US and POW/MIA or US and State flag, but cannot find any information regarding that.
    At Pittsburgh VA, there is a “pride” flag flying, attached to the bottom clip of the POW/MIA flag. It looks completely unprofessional. Can I get your take on this matter

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      Hello sir,

      The “rainbow” flag and all it’s variations is a novelty flag. It’s not an official government flag.

      The US military and it’s members cannot fly or carry any flag or color that is not an official government flag. That being said, the VA is part of the government, but not the military. Interestingly, the government does not follow military standards for flag protocol. The VA serves us military veterans but has no obligation to follow military protocol.

      There is no rule limiting the number of flags on the same pole. It looks horrible sometimes and the pole may not hold up if the wind gets crazy.

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  5. Sgt.,

    What cadence would be used by the CAP for a colors posting or presentation? Is it 80 SPM? Also are the riflemen at the same cadence or are they quicker and more dramatic?
    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND HELP!
    -C/MSgt Anthony Jackson

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      AFPAM 34-1203 says cadence is between 100-120 beats per MINUTE (BPM). Presenting and posting thd colors is usually better at 90-100 BPM. That range seems to be best.

      “Dramatic” is never a goal. Guards execute movement at the same tempo as when marching.

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  7. The first and only Native American USA Flag Bearer in either the Summer Olympics or Winter Olympics was Taffy Abel on January 25, 1924. He won a Silver Medal in Hockey in the 1924 Winter Olympics. His motto: “I’m in the business of winning.” He joined the NHL in 1926 and kicked the ass of every Canadian NHL Team he played against on the way to 2 Stanley Cups.

    The Centennial is January 25, 2024

    See Photo at: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/07/1078270098/taffy-abel-medaled-in-the-1924-olympics-few-knew-of-his-indigenous-heritage

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  8. Drillmaster,

    This week Communist Dictator Xi came to SF to meet with President Biden.

    Besides the fact the streets of SF were lined with only Communist Chinese flags, a video from CSPAN of the two entering the building showed a US Army Soldier holding the Chinese flag. The US flag was on the left at the end.

    here is the link: https://x.com/robertdunlap947/status/1725273426342838360?s=20

    Can you look into this. I would like to know IF a US Military soldier is allowed to do this… I DO NOT fault the soldier….

    I can find no information on the topic, nor can I find any instance of US Soldiers doing this. Further, shouldn’t Marines be doing this….?

    Thanks in advance.

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  9. Drill Master, looking for some guidance. My program is called the California Cadet Corps. Not sure if you are familiar with us but we are a National Guard program that follows the Army TC 3-21.5. I will be participating in my first Color Guard Drill Comp this weekend. As a former Jarhead Drill Instructor, I am familiar with the Army differences, except with Color Guard. The TC does not explain exactly what is expected. Below are two sequences that I need clarification with.

    Question 1
    FALL IN
    At Close Interval, Dress Right, DRESS

    Who calls FALL IN?
    Why not just call At Close Interval, FALL IN?

    Question 2
    Carry, COLORS
    Present, ARMS (Commander of the Color Guard asks for permission to be dismissed)
    Carry, COLORS

    With Present, ARMS, what does each person do? I would assume the rifles go to present, I would also assume the state/unit flag dips, but what does the Commander do?

    Question 3
    The TC does not state whether or not the Color Guard swings their arms. There are so many videos online but there is no manual that states exactly what Army/National Guard performs in regard to their arm swings.

    Guidance please.

    Rah!

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      Cadet Cervantes,

      I usually answer questions within a couple of hours but these two weeks have had me running. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be there for you. My answers are below.

      1. You answered your question
      “At Close Interval, Fall In!” is exactly the command. Good job.

      2. The commander, national bearer, stands fast at Carry for Salutes.

      3. Army is the only service required to swing arms because the guards are both at Right Shoulder and left hands are free. The other services have the guards at the outside/outboard shoulder and then there’s the requirement for the AF to follow Army technique because they are forced to for competitions.

      DM

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      1. DM,

        Do not apologize for the tardiness, we all have families, jobs, commitments…I appreciate the response. This is the reason for the questions. Below is a the beginning sequence to the Cadet Corps Color Guard Competition Sequence. Our Regulations are all based on Army Regulations and it is a Copy/Paste of TC 3-21.5.

        FALL IN
        At Close Interval, Dress Right, DRESS
        Ready, FRONT
        Carry, COLORS

        What is the purpose of calling “FALL IN” and then calling “At Close Interval, Dress Right, DRESS?” Why not just have the commander call, “At Close Interval, FALL IN?” This just seems like a wasted movement. These are the Commands that must be given, does this seem like it needs to be changed or should I at least recommend the change?

        Also, as a retired GySgt and former Drill Instructor, I am just used to the MCO 5060 and how it explains every single detail. The TC is about 290 pages and the MCO is darn near 600 pages. So I have tried to read every single manual on Color Guard drill and there is not exact description of how to Carry Colors or Order Colors. What is your opinion on this? I know that every branch has their own way and I know that each competition is different, I just want to ensure I am reading everything correctly. I have always followed one simple rule, “You can do whatever you want in drill, as long as you don’t break the rules of drill.” In other words, we conduct drill to fit the ceremony or competition, as long as it is not a direct negligence of the basics.

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          Hi Gunny,

          I am constantly harping on the requirements of Fall In and that command taking care of dress, cover, interval, and dustance.

          It seems that everyone is a D&C expert and can write whatever is necessary (the sequence you speak of) until a true D&C expert (you) comes across it and has nothing but questions.

          There’s no reason to for the dressing commands after Fall In but let me tell you my theory. I’m willing to bet that many commands are included just to give more opportunity to judge the movements of the team. The same goes for the immediate dip of the colors for reporting in and out and during the uncasing and casing sequences when any military flag (departmental/organizational) should not dip in any of those situations.

          What we gain in opportunity to judge, we significantly lose in proper procedures and protocol because what the cadets practice for competitions is what they perform every other time. We need to rework the sequences.

          DM

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          1. DM,

            Thank you for your time. As my time in this position increases, I am sure I will have more questions/discussions for you. I figured your answer would be exactly that. At the same time, the judges that are selected for these events have experience as far as, being in the military. If they have any Drill Instruction experience, great, but if not, they are grading extra movements that they probably do not remember doing or do not know every single detail. Either way, I needed another perspective. Thank you.

  10. To whom it may concern,

    I am the Chief of the Distribution Division at Joint Munitions Command and am trying to correct some information that is distributed on your website concerning the Ceremonial Blank Ammunition that we provide for honors or for ceremonies for your organizations. The fact sheet that you have posted on your website lists the POC as Dawn Folland and has her email address. Ms. Folland has retired and our preference for any contact to be made to the following email address: usarmy.RIA.jmc.mbx.ceremonial-requests@army.mil and the phone number is 877-233-2515.

    Please contact me with any further questions that you might have.

    Thanks,

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      1. Our veterans group Color Guard has been asked to present colors at an internationally covered golf tournament. South African flag is to be carried in formation and SA national anthem will be played. What is proper protocol to follow and in what order

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  12. Hello!
    I have a question regarding AFMAN36-2203 (Drill & Ceremonies), is there a reason why on the references portion on the AFMAN they referenced the other service manuals (Army Field Manual 22-5, Drill and Ceremonies, and SECNAV 5060.22, Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual).

    Would that mean we could reference the other manuals regarding anything about drill?

    Thank you!

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  13. I’m trying to locate and buy replacement wooden bayonet grips for US Model 1919 that belonged to my father, the grips you show appear to be the correct ones, but I have a couple questions when you have time thank you.
    phone # is 281-339-0508.

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  14. Question about gloves.
    When are black Honor Guard gloves used or authorized?
    I can find some suggestions but that does not mean much.
    Thanks.

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      Mr. Breed,

      The only black gloves authorized for US military honor guard teams are black leather cold weather lined. All other times, members must wear white gloves. I hope that’s helpful for you.

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  15. I am part of a group called Honoring America’s Warriors. Among other services we will provide Honor Guard and Color Guard. We have Army, USAF, Navy, and Marine personnel. My question concerns the USAF uniform for color guard. We wear the normal service uniform, not the ceremonial uniform, as we are not a Base Honor Guard. The question concerns the wearing of the ceremonial belt with the service uniform while performing duties as Color Guard. Acceptable or not acceptable according to regulation?

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      Mr. Watts,

      Great question. I very much appreciate that you are aware of USAF uniform requirements.
      The answer is no, the ceremonial belt is worn with the full set of Ceremonials for all Airmen: Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, and veterans. Only AFJROTC cadets can wear the ceremonial belt and cap as a special activities uniform.
      I recommend that you and the other Airmen who are on the team wear a white web belt, you can add the silver waist plate buckle.
      Please let me know if you have any other questions.

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  16. Absolutely, the best drill instruction I have ever received. DrillMaster Marshall knows his stuff!!. Would recommend him to any JROTC who is struggling with instruction of Drill commands.

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  17. DrillMaster,
    Do you have six 9’poles with ferrule & spade? I’m doing living history for 55,000 youth up at Oshkosh, WI and want my display to look right.
    Dwight

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    3. I believe I can get by with four 9′ poles w/ ferrule&spades and two metal sets to put on existing poles. 505-269-2904 is the number you can text me. I do need them soon for an event with 55,000 youth I’m doing in August.

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  19. Drillmaster I am in an all women color guard here in NM. I need a question answered by you as soon as possible. Could you please contact me as soon as you can.

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  20. Yours is the ONLY website I have found that has a diagram for creating the stand for the Fallen Warrior Display (Boots/Rifle/Helmet). Thank you!!!

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  24. I am a former Marine and a member of the American Legion Post 81 in Melbourne Florida. I am interested in finding a manual on Color Guard commands and drill execution. I have recently taken the lead on establishing the Color Guard for our Post, after the original members no longer where able to do it. We want to do it right and need references. We are all from different branches and need to get on the same sheet of music. Do you have any guidance that we could us for the new color gaurd that is going to come in to place? Thank you for your time

    Best Regards
    Roy Lombard, SGT,
    USMC Veteran.

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      SGT Lambert,

      First, thank you for your service to our country. I appreciate it.

      Now on to the good news: I live in Melbourne! Right now I am in Kentucky training cadets for the summer, but will return in August.

      The Honor Guard manual is the book to fit your needs exactly, you can find it here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/john-marshall/the-honor-guard-manual/paperback/product-18929420.html. Work using the manual and when I return I can help work with your team.

      Sincerely,
      John K. Marshall
      The DrillMaster

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  25. does the u s military have written protocall for proper display and presentation regarding the display and contents for the POW setting and if so can you forward it to m e. there seems to be to many chiefs and not enough indians to get it right, we don’t want to dishonor none.

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  26. Hello, I host a 10 month internship every year and I would like to begin teaching and instructing drill with my students to instill, discipline, camaraderie, etc… Being that we are not a military organization such as a JROTC unit, is there any possibility of me entering these students in any type of RD or XD competitions?

    Thank you!

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      Thank you very much for the note!

      Yes, actually, there are a small hand full of competitions around the country. John Jay High School (TX) just announced their first annual independent competition, Melbourne High School (FL) will soon announce theirs and each summer there is a competition in Florida called FLDC (Florida Drill Competition) and NYDC (New York Drill Competition).

      Here at The DrillMaster, I am working to generate and promote more competitions for indie Drillers like your students. I’ll send you an email so we can talk more.

      DrillMaster

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      Thank you, Mr. Lollar.

      Thank you very much for the kind words. I post articles every M-W-F at 0800, EST. I also write special articles ever couple of weeks. I’m going to work out a subscription system eventually so that people can be informed of new articles/information.

      Thank you for your service to our country; God bless America!

      JKM
      “The DrillMaster”

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