Fourth in the series: DrillMaster explains the reasoning behind color guard standards for the Air Force.
The “Why” of the Military Color Guard – US Army
Second in the series: DrillMaster explains the standards for the US Army color guard.
Outside Flag Display Protocol
Update for May 2022! To download a 2-sided PDF handout of this article, click here. Please help educate as many people as possible by emailing or printing it out and handing it to those who need the information. For years people have verbally attacked each other over what they thought they know to be true, especially where flag display is …
Color Guard Flag Protocol
There is so much information to learn when it comes to flag protocol. A flag is called a color when posted in a stand and carried by a color guard.
All About the Color Guard
Please read this article very carefully. The following information is based in regulation drill. Much of the information directly relates to ceremonial unit color guards. Even though this is not about ceremonial drill (honor guard), color guards are ceremonial in nature and all must adhere to the standards. Written in 2018, updated in 2022 for clarity. Definitions Who is Represented? …
The Logical Separation of Colors
While I’m sure that you are completely mesmerized at my drawing abilities, I hope the illustrations help get the idea across. First: know the difference between posting and presenting the colors. Posting the colors is when the colors guard/team enters, renders honors and then places the colors in the stands. Presenting is when the colors team enters, renders honors and …
The Honor Guard Equipment Checklist
These are suggestions for your team. Ceremonial Equipment 9.5′ flagstaffs with spade finial 4′ x 5.5′ (4′ x 6′) Indoor/Parade fringed flags US (0216) State Military Service Law enforcement Fire (7784) EMS (7625) POW/MIA (7724) Colors harnesses (the best for training) Colors harnesses (the best for performance) Flag Stands These are beautiful These are economical (AMG) Floor Stand Adapters for …
The Flagpole with Two Halyards and the Intended Direction of Display
DrillMaster explains his helpful term, Intended Direction of Display, when raising flags on a stationary flagpole with two halyards.
Generation “Lack of Respect”
Many people have been asking me for my opinion regarding the following. Here it is: I am disgusted at the reprehensible and intolerable actions of some of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms who are also fellow ceremonial guardsmen. Have I ever done stupid things? Yes, and all actions have some sort of consequence of which I had to endure as part …
Raising and Lowering the American Flag
JROTC units are tasked with raising and lowering the flag(s) at their school. Honor guard units perform the same tasks from time-to-time. Many create their formation out of what has been handed down by word-of-mouth which can be unfortunate. Each service’s drill and ceremonies manual is not meant to describe the teeniest details of what is listed there, but we …