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  • 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

    • 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.

  • Good Day Drill Master;

    I'm interesting in obtaining instructors on developing Exhibition routines.

    • Mr. Francis,

      Are you wanting to gain certification as an exhibition drill instructor or be put in contact with other exhibition drill instructors?

  • 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

  • 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.

    • Mr. Van Horn,

      Please see my article that just published this morning. It will explain everything- I hope to your satisfaction.

      DM

  • 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!

    • 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

      • 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.

        • 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

          • 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.

  • 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,

      • 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

        • Mr. Mizell,

          All national flags remain vertical at all times. They never dip. US is always on the right, foreign national to the left of the US.

          DM

  • Looking for some assistance in getting the materials for the duties and the manual. Doesn’t seem to download from the links provided. Would someone please reach out to offer some help?

  • 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!

  • 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.

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

    • 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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