Become a Certified Drill Competition Judge

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams, Instructional, Judge Training Leave a Comment

When studying to be a judge, I was exposed to so many other forms of performance where precision plays a key role. If you want to judge performances in the Military Drill World, I suggest that you purchase my two World Drill Association books and then begin to watch not only military drill performances of all kinds, but other performances as …

Romeoville High School JROTC Drill Meet

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Commentary, Drill Teams, DrillMaster Performance Critiques, Judging Leave a Comment

Yes, I did. I drove from Melbourne, FL to Romeoville, IL to judge a drill meet. Seriously. I love to do what I do and Don Dunning asked me if I would come up and judge about a week and a half before the competition. My answer: “Sure!” And now it’s over with, but it was such a great day! …

Following the Army’s Drill Manual for all Services

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Instructional 14 Comments

FYI: this article is about JROTC colors in a competition only. Competitions don’t reflect “real life” colors presentations. But competitions do offer a great opportunity to hone some great skills. The JROTC units from the Marines, Navy Air Force, and Coast Guard all have something in common- they all have to follow the Army Drill and Ceremonies Manual, Training Circular …

“Team Canadia” and Eau Gallie High AFJROTC Compete!

DrillMasterCommentary, DrillCenter News, DrillMaster Performance Critiques, Judging 6 Comments

The Canadian team from Alberta, 2313 South Alberta Light Horse Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, or “Team Canadia” (at right) as they were affectionately referred to, competed at the second annual Florida Air Academy Drill Competition along with Eua Gallie High School’s Air Force JROTC drill team and color guards. Just two teams competing? Yes. We had six teams on …

Beating a Performance Plateau with New and Improved!

DrillMasterDrill 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

DrillMasterDrill 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 …

The DrillMaster JROTC Competition Study Sheet

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Drill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional Leave a Comment

This is a beginning for you, it is not the be-all and end-all of study sheets. Use it or take it and modify it and use that. Whatever you do, you need to be prepared for your inspection and have answers at the ready. Actually, your response and not just the answer itself, is more of your grade. Download the …

Cocoa Beach Drill Meet Color Team DrillMaster Performance Critiques

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, DrillMaster Performance Critiques, Instructional Leave a Comment

My first time being able to judge Color Team (Color Guard) and use my audio commentary technique for the teams! There was a big learning curve for the cadets and most were appreciative. In no particular order: (click to listen to or download the MP3 file) MIHS Female MIHS Male Cocoa Beach Female LET1 Cocoa Beach Female Cocoa Beach Male …

Drill Application Levels

Exhibition Drill Application Levels

DrillMasterCommentary, Drill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional Leave a Comment

Performance Measurements When a Driller or team performs, there are four aspects of a performance that should to be measured. The level of education, training and skill is evidenced in a performance. You need to ensure that your solo or your team’s performance has all of the following aspects locked in at your team’s level of performance. Performance Aspects Drill: the …

January: Drill Season is Here!

DrillMasterDrill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional Leave a Comment

While some JROTC units have a busy first semester that includes drill meets, for many across America January is when the competitions begin. Some states, like Florida, do not have any drill meets until the end of January, leaving the first semester to Raider meets. Maybe, like the school where I teach, Merritt Island High School, you have been having …