Formal Casket Watch

DrillMaster Honor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Instructional Leave a Comment

To many in the honor guard world the term casket watch, is unknown. That is unless you are on a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMS honor guard member. These members have known of and performed a casket watch for many years for their fallen.

Marine Corps Color Guard

Color Guard and Team Member Height

DrillMaster Ask DrillMaster, Color Guard/Color Team, Honor Guard Training, Instructional 4 Comments

For the picture above, the Mirror Present technique is not authorized for Marines in the Fleet not MCJROTC cadets. It is ONLY authorized for the members of Marine Barracks Washington. Some people try to force the members of a color team into tallest-to-shortest (viewer’s left-to-right) no matter the skill level. That can be a recipe for embarrassment. Especially when the …

Appropriate Flag Retirement

DrillMaster Color Guard/Color Team, Honor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Protocol and Flag 20 Comments

There is a flag fold technique for the first triangle fold called, Cutting the First Stripe. It’s used for an interment flag that has been used for practice and has been folded and refolded so much that it is a bit stretched out, but still good for practice. This technique “cuts” the stripe in half on that first fold, pictured …

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 …

The DrillMaster

Criticism

DrillMaster Commentary, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional Leave a Comment

Criticism There are different types of criticism: Negative (personal to one or more people)- criticism that has no real point except to tear a person down which only leads to defensiveness. Examples: “That was terrible.” “You really did a bad job on that.” 2. Constructive (professional)- the ability to point out that a performance (in our case) may have had …

All About the Color Guard

DrillMaster Ask DrillMaster, Color Guard, Color Guard/Color Team, Honor Guard, Instructional, Protocol and Flag 56 Comments

Please read this article very carefully. The following information is based in regulation drill. Much of the information directly relates to ceremonial unit color guards. Even though this is not about ceremonial drill (honor guard), color guards are ceremonial in nature and all must adhere to the standards. Written in 2018, updated in 2022 for clarity. Definitions Who is Represented? …

How to Blouse Your Boots

How to Blouse Your Boots

DrillMaster Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional, Uniform Tips 2 Comments

When I first began teaching as the DrillMaster, I wore the Army Combat Uniform (photos below) until I achieved my goal of wearing a generic solid blue Tactical Duty Uniform (above) when I teach. Many years ago while I was still active duty in the Air Force I bought blousing weights to give a “squared-off” look to my Battle Dress …

DrillMaster Offers Certifications

DrillMaster Announcements, Color Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional, Judging 5 Comments

The DrillMaster offers the only trainer, instructor, coach and adjudicator certification program for the Military Drill World. With each certification you then have the knowledge necessary to start creating a foundation of education for those you train. You can build on my knowledge and experience and go further! This is an overview, please contact me to find out complete details. …