The Argument From AFPAM 34-1203

DrillMaster Color Guard/Color Team, Commentary, Instructional, Judge Training, Regulation Drill 2 Comments

What argument would this be? It’s about using the other two service manuals. It gets a bit complicated, but bear with me as we go through why the AFPAM has so little information and what to do about it. We need to understand that all three drill and ceremonies manuals are lacking in certain aspects and using ones best judgment …

The Military Hand Salute

DrillMaster Ask DrillMaster, Drill Team Training, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Instructional 10 Comments

This article originally published on Dec 30, 2014 under the title, When in Doubt, Salute! This is the second update and rearrangement of information to help everyone understand this subject better. How to Salute The services have slightly different techniques. One technique is followed by the Army and Air Force. The middle finger is placed on the corner of the …

The Honor and Sword/Saber Cordons

DrillMaster DrillCenter News 3 Comments

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 …

JROTC

JROTC, ROTC and More!

DrillMaster Ask DrillMaster, Instructional 5 Comments

This page is the culmination of hours of research to bring information on all of the cadet programs available American youth. If youknow of yet another program, please let me know and I will add their information. JROTC Programs (in joint service order) JROTC stand for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and is a high school program sponsored by each …

The Air Force Base Honor Guard Badge

DrillMaster Commentary, Drill Teams Leave a Comment

The Base Honor Guard (BHG) Badge, known as the “Cookie” is a device that only Active Duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen wear when they are assigned to a BHG. Not even retirees can wear it unless they are actively working with a BHG. I went through two weeks of honor guard training many years ago (1990) …

Beating a Performance Plateau with New and Improved!

DrillMaster Drill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional 1 Comment

Do you know why products are constantly puting new labels on them with words like: “NEW!” or “NEW and IMPROVED!” Comfort. We become comfortable with the things we have or use and we may be happy with using XYZ dish washing liquid for the rest of our lives, but the advertisers want to make sure you can’t live without it! …

Astronaut War Eagle Drill Meet Performance Critiques

DrillMaster Drill Team Training, Drill Teams, DrillMaster Performance Critiques, Instructional, Judging Leave a Comment

Astronaut High School’s Army JROTC hosted the 2015 War Eagle Drill Meet at their school in Titusville, FL on the 21st of February. I judged Unarmed Squad, used a new score sheet as a trial and recorded my usual commentary as the performances progressed. These recordings are standard in pageantry arts with music and visual judges giving feedback. My recordings …