Mrs. DrillMaster and I were stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base from 2009-2011. Her last base before retiring while I was already retired for three years. I joined the Base Honor Guard as an AP3 member and became the trainer for a while. During my tenure there, we fielded one of many color guards, this one for a change of command ceremony in a hangar on the flightline.
Recommended Equipment for a Color Guard
I received such a great question that it spurred me into creating a new tag #DrillMasterRecommends, and writing this article. Thank you, Jari Villanueva, The Taps Bugler! Question: I’m looking at updating our organization’s flags. Our new Honor Guard would like to purchase an American flag a state flag, poles for each and bases. What do you recommend? For a …
Do Honor Guards Have the Same Rules?
Honor guard units do have the same rules. They are made up of different ceremonial elements.
“Every Honor Guard Invents Their Own Standards”
Quoted from an AFROTC cadet. A cadet who is going to commission into the USAF/USSF. The quote was relayed to me. If the above statement is true, then writing AFMAN 34-515 (the USAF Honor Guard manual) culminated in several years of wasted of time and abuse of resources. Standards are written and applied to uphold laws and regulations and avoid …
Modifying a Harness Socket
Some of my Certified US Ceremonial Guardsmen in Pennsylvania decided to get to work and modify their sockets. This modification is necessary, in my view, if you cannot obtain a better (metal cup) socket.
Wreath Laying Ceremony Protocols eBook
It took a couple of months of writing and editing and my colleagues gave some great feedback during that time (thank you, Jari, Mike, and DeVaughn!) and now it’s finally here. An eBook that covers every possible (well, as much as I can conceive) wreath laying ceremony and how to accomplish it. You can purchase the eBook here.
The Chief Brief
You have an upcoming Line of Duty Death funeral and will be handing the flag to the Sheriff, Police Chief, or Fire Chief who will then hand the folded flag to the next of kin (NOK). What do you say to brief the Chief? Here is something to help you: “Chief, stand at the head of the casket. When I …
Manual of the Ceremonial Fire Axe
DrillMaster gives an example of the national standard for the ceremonial fire axe manual of arms.
“Detail” and its Connotation
DrillMaster shares his view of keeping the professionalism in an honor guard unit
The Flagstaff Ban
I’m from Arizona and I’m not talking about the wonderful college town in the northern part of my home state. I’m talking about the color guard flagstaff. Tyranny, again I do not want this article to get political but this has to do with politics; the convoluted, oppressive world of politics. As you read on, please use the picture above …