Three-Man Color Team for former President Ronald Reagan

Civil Air Patrol, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, or Coast Guard Auxiliary Member Funeral

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Honor Guard Leave a Comment

I received a message a short time ago regarding cadets taking part in the funeral of a civilian adult who was a member of Civil Air Patrol. This applies not only to CAP but also NSCC, and CGA (CGA has some interaction with the Sea Scout program). Military Funeral Honors Public Law 106-65 amended Title 10 U.S. Code § 1491 …

Folded American Flag

How Should Multiple Flags be Folded When Taken Down? State Flag Folding

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Honor Guard Training, Instructional 4 Comments

This is for outside flags (attached to a halyard and flown from a pole), not indoor/outdoor flags that are only for color guard flagstaffs for carrying and indoor display. The American Flag The American flag must always be folded into a triangle (ref: Flag Code). If it is wet from rain or snow, it is taken down, folded, and brought …

The ridiculous and ceremonialer flag tilt

Making Things More “Ceremonialer”

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Commentary, Honor Guard 2 Comments

“Ceremonialer” is the term I created as I’ve watched members of the military, first responders (many who are veterans), and cadets perform movements that do not bring any more reverence or honor to what they are doing at ceremonies becuase these movements or techniques are based on ego. When it comes to the American flag and rendering honors, never should …

Tuck Your Gloves! But, In Your Epaulet?

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Honor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Instructional, Uniform Tips Leave a Comment

Some may find this innocuous, but (first responder) ceremonial guardsmen need to maintain a professional image when in uniform before, during and after a ceremony. Any other time that we are out of uniform, dress is most likely not an issue. For us in the military, it’s a big no-no to tuck gloves into an epaulet. That’s not where they belong …

The DrillMaster Practice Ceremonial Fire Axe

DrillMasterHonor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Instructional Leave a Comment

I thought the name, DrillMaster iAxe or iAx, (like the DrillMaster iDrill Rifle, because you, “I” make it) might just look weird, so I went with the longer name. Still, it works. The ceremonial fire axe is the usual weapon of choice for firefighter colors teams. However, firefighters are paramilitary and some teams do use the traditional rifle. Other units …

Firing Party: Stop Taking Aim!

DrillMasterHonor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Instructional 2 Comments

A Firing Party fires a ceremonial Three-Volley salute using modern or traditional rifles (military), shotguns, or pistols (law enforcement). It is not the 21-Gun Salute, that is fired by guns (canons) and only in the Army and Navy. The Numbers: Anywhere from three to seven members firing with a commander. The smaller amount of members on the team does not …