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 …
The Pallbearer Deck
DrillMaster explains how to create a pallbearer deck to ensure safety of the pallbearers as they step up to place the casket on or retrieve it from the hose bed of an apparatus.
The “Why” of the Military Color Guard – Regulations
The first in the series! DrillMaster explains why there are certain requirements for military color guards.
The Military Hand Salute
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 …
Color Guard Performance “Factors”
As much as I am a “by-the-book” Airman, I know there are times when certain organizations must adapt and overcome and follow the spirit of the regulations rather than the letter. Speaking of letters. Below, is the text of an email from a friend of mine, MSgt Vincent Liddle of Warren Central High School MCJROTC. I was surprised to wake …