Why We Follow Manuals

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Color Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams 2 Comments

A Question from a cadet Hello sir, I need some advice. I am a [JROTC] deputy drill team Commander. I was trained both by my summer instructors and you that one should ALWAYS follow the manuals. However, my commander and my officer in charge refuse to take any ideas about following the manual. Do you have any advice? I greatly …

How to Write Drill

The Seven Parts of an Exhibition Drill Routine

DrillMasterCommentary, Drill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional 3 Comments

The Seven Parts of an Exhibition Drill Routine In the article, How to Keep a Drill Team Going, I briefly mentioned the seven parts of an exhibition drill (XD) routine. Here, I will expand on and explain those parts. These parts are a good way to break down the routine into digestible parts when programing (creating). The information provided below …

When Calling Commands, where does the commander face?

DrillMasterDrill Team Training, Drill Teams, Instructional Leave a Comment

When Calling Commands, where does the commander face? (ROTC, JROTC) Those of us who have worked with Army units have had it drilled into our heads that you MUST face your platoon when giving commands during regulation drill. This necessitates a face-in-march or even marching backwards at times. Here is the excerpt from T.C. 3-21.5: 3-1 “a. When at the …

JROTC Cadet Full Honors Funeral?

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Instructional, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

UPDATE: I know that the image can be a bit offensive, but so is the call for official Military Funeral Honors. The image is meant to denigrate the thought process behind the petition, NOT the cadet, or any cadet, for that matter. I’ve already received several private messages from first responders who have had similar situations with the death of …

#drillface

“As I was!”

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

“As I was”? Stop talking to yourself, talk to your platoon/flight. What does “as I was” mean? Nothing. The term is “As you were.” Here is some info for you from AFM 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies, which you can download here: Use the command AS YOU WERE to revoke a preparatory command. After the command of execution has been given …

DrillMaster Offers Certifications

DrillMasterAnnouncements, 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. …

Honor Guard Gloves

All About Uniform Gloves

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Honor Guard Training, Instructional 3 Comments

White Gloves I constantly see pictures of cadets, Active Duty, Reserve and Guard, and first responder teams wearing gloves that look terrible. Whether its the “Flag Bearer Gloves” (at right) or the dress gloves with a snap or no snap, they all are either (loose) or a bad idea (look almost “industrial”). The picture at right is a bit misleading …

All About the Shoulder Cord

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional 5 Comments

 How to Attach a Shoulder Cord or Aiguillette What’s a Shoulder Cord? Just a standard braided rope that fits onto the shoulder either underneath an epaulet (picture below, #452) or above the epaulet on the outside shoulder seam (picture below, #484SL). The cord above was specially made for the Modesto Fire Department Honor Guard by Shoulder Cords Unlimited. Glendale Paradestore …

The DrillMaster Reading List

DrillMasterAnnouncements, Ask DrillMaster, Color Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams, Honor Guard Leave a Comment

Over time, I will update this list as needed. For now, educate yourself. Many of the following manuals are the Resources page. Service Drill and Ceremonies Training Circular 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies Marine Corps Order 5060.2, Drill and Ceremonies Air Force Manual 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies Regulation Drill Training (portable lesson plans) DrillMaster’s Color Guard Coach’s Field Manual DrillMaster’s Platoon, …