Over the years, I have centered on educating about the color guard because there is so much myth surrounding presenting the colors.
All About the Shoulder Cord
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 …
Firefighter Uniform for the Funeral Procession
I constantly receive questions on here my website and on my social media accounts. I also belong to a couple of Facebook first responder groups where drill and ceremonies and honor guard questions are posted from time-to-time. For some questions, I just read the responses and learn; for others, I am able to share my knowledge. This one was a …
The First Responder Ceremonial Uniform
A short time ago, I was sent a uniform question by an Assistant Fire Chief regarding creating the unit’s new ceremonials for the honor guard members. I thought it would be a relatively quick answer. It turned into three days of research and ten pages of text and images. I didn’t mind it a bit, thanks Chief! My uniform, in …
New AFJROTC Drill Team Uniform Policy
HQ USAF JROTC decided that the nondescript uniforms that some drill teams developed over the years are no longer authorized. As the DrillMaster, do I agree with the decision? Yes. No. Well, yes. I do agree that the Air Force needs to be better represented across the nation and around the world at high school drill competitions. But I also disagree …
Do Standards even Matter?
The picture at right was sent to me by a Facebook friend who is an Army JROTC instructor in Texas. He sent it with the note that, at this particular drill meet, the SOP stated that only authorized service uniforms were to be worn. He told me the reason for the strict uniform requirements: One year I saw a color guard …
Lighthouse Uniform Company
The Lighthouse Uniform Company, uniform outfitters of the Merchant Marines, Coast Guard Auxiliary, EMS, Federation of Fire Chaplains, Se Scouts, US Public Health Service, Passenger Vessel Association Power Squadron, Yacht Clubs and The DrillMaster, are having a year-end sale. Check this out: The Lighthouse is running a year end Special Items 50% Internet Sale starting today (12-19-12) and will run …
Ask DrillMaster- About WDA Adjudication System
Question: From Zachary: Random question about your score system- I know one section of it is labeled “equipment,” does that involve just the weapon or the uniform as well? Answer: “Equipment” is the catch-all term for flag, rifle, sword/saber and guidon. There is at least one unarmed team that used their hats during their performance as a piece of equipment. …