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How to Join a Service Honor Guard/DrillTeam

August 13, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Commentary, DrillCenter News, Honor Guard, Instructional

FYI: Service honor guards are made up of all kinds of different members from all kinds of different military specialties. While the honor guard may have a specialty code (MOS/AFSC), the member’s “real” job is what that Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman or Coastie will eventually go back to, unless he/she decides to retrain. If the individual went directly from Basic and was never assigned another job, they will go directly to training upon leaving the honor guard.

How to join the Army Honor Guard (Old Guard)

The Old Guard has a complete web site with information on how Active Duty Soldiers can join. For those wanting to join right out of Basic Training, here is a note from Regimental Recruiter SFC Hector Milian, “Soldiers going through Basic Training and AIT can volunteer by contacting myself or the AIT TOG Recruiter and filling out a volunteer statement requesting to come here if they meet the qualifications necessary. Once they are screened and they meet our criteria, the volunteer statement is approved and sent to the assignment manager requesting that they are placed on assignment instructions for here. Office: 703-696-3007 DSN:426.” TOG

How to join the Marine Corps Honor Guard

(The USMC 8th and I logo eluded me) The Marine Corps honor guard recruits Active Duty Marines in all Military Operational Specialties. Silent Drill Platoon Marines are individually selected from the Schools of Infantry located in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., based on interviews conducted by barracks personnel. Once selected, Marines are assigned to Marine Barracks Washington to serve a 2-year ceremonial tour. MBW

How to join the Navy Ceremonial Guard

(I could not find an image of the honor guard’s emblem anywhere.) The honor guard picks you up right out of boot camp (we have officers and petty officers that come here from the fleet, but they don’t perform the more honorable ceremonies, they are more of the supervisors and commanders calling the moves to the rest of the honor guard). In boot camp there is a briefing that happens usually around week 3 or 4. At that briefing they will talk about what you do at the guard along with the four different platoons (casket bearers, colors, firing party, and drill team). From there they will tell you about a briefing the next day that will be the interviews for anyone interested in what they heard at the briefing (giving you a night to really think about it). From there they will interview you, asking why you want to join, what your rating is, etc. The honor guard requires you to be at least 6 feet tall if you are a male and I think 5’9″ for females (I might be wrong on the females height though), any rating that requires secret or top secret security clearances usually will not be permitted to go to the guard, and no tattoos may be visible on the face along with any facial scars. Other than those major disqualifiers the guard pretty much accepts everyone to my knowledge.

The best way to approach getting into the honor guard is tricky, seeing as how every division that passes through basic training is not necessarily invited to the briefing. The only thing I can say about that is if they can get into a 900 division in boot camp (kind of a boot camp version of the honor guard), they usually get invited to the briefing, or if you talk to the RDC’s about the guard they should know what your talking about, though I’m not positive that they will be able to get an invite. SN Childs. A good article on this is here. Their page is here.

How to join the Air Force Honor Guard

For Basic Training Recruits: Talk with your recruiter from the first moment and make sure everyone in your Chain of command in Basic knows that you want to join the honor guard. The honor guard actively recruits from Basic with briefings there on a regular basis.

For Active Duty Airmen: Generate a special duty application that includes all the necessary documentation (See SPECAT or contact hgrecruiting@bolling.af.mil). Mail Package to:

USAF Honor Guard
Attn: RECRUITING
50 Duncan Ave. Ste 1
Joint Base Bolling-Anacostia, DC 20032

Once packages are received by the USAF Honor Guard the routing process begins. All packages are reviewed by the following offices: Unit Security, Recruiting & Admission, Operations, Chief Enlisted Manager, and the unit Commander.

Once the approval process is complete by the hiring authorities your information will be forwarded to AFPC for functional release from your primary AFSC. Upon approval from the USAF Honor Guard hiring authority, the members Functional Manager (FM) will be notified for release for the special duty assignment. Once the Career Field Manager approves your release from your current AFSC the USAF Honor Guard leadership is notified and the assignment process begins. Finally, the applicant will receive a letter from the USAF Honor Guard leadership on your selection for the special duty assignment. Member’s local MPF will receive assignment RIP and forward it to your Unit CSS. PCS orders should be generated shortly thereafter. From AFHG

How to join the Coast Guard Honor Guard

The Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard represents the Commandant, the Military District of Washington and the United States Coast Guard through ceremonial operations held before world leaders and dignitaries. Ceremonies can include parades, funerals, White House dignitary arrivals, as well as presenting colors at local and official functions. Honor Guard members participate in joint service activities as well as Coast Guard functions. The Honor Guard performs in excess of 1,600 ceremonies annually. The Honor Guard is comprised of 73 members, with a Lieutenant (O-3) serving as the Honor Guard Company Commander, two Junior Officers (usually O-2) serving as Operations/Weapons Officer and Supply/Training Officer, a Chief Petty Officer (E-7) as the Honor Guard Chief, and four Petty Officers (ranging from E-4 to E-6). The remaining members of the Honor Guard are “first-tour” non-rated personnel (E-3) coming directly from Training Center Cape May. The officers and non-rates serve a two year tour of duty in the Honor Guard, while the Chief Petty Officer and Petty Officers serve four year tours. See also here.

Tags: air force, army, coast guard, honor guard, marines, navy 3 Comments »

by DrillMaster

JROTC, ROTC and More!

June 18, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Instructional

Claude Pepper Junior Leadership Pilot Program (CPJLPP)

Maritime and Science Technology Academy

Each of the military services has a high school JROTC program (in joint service order)

AJROTC
MCJROTC
NJROTC
AFJROTC
Coast Guard* (called the Junior Leadership Program)

The Coast Guard currently has two “JROTC” programs.

1) The Claude Pepper Junior Leadership Pilot Program (CPJLPP) was created at the Maritime and Science Technology Academy (MAST) located in Miami, Fl. The CPJLPP was created December 1989 with the passing of Pub. L. 101-225, title II, Sec. 204. This congressional mandate formed the CPJLPP which was modeled off of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) units of other Services. MAST has evolved from a Trade School to a “Top 100,” nationally recognized high school with over 95% of its student body college bound immediately after graduation. The huge minority base of the student population routinely receives scholarships to prestigious colleges and universities. The curriculum provides the students a challenging environment in which to learn. (MAST picture at right)

2) Camden County/CamTech High School (CCHS) Junior Leadership Program in Camden County, NC (just outside Elizabeth City, NC). The Junior Reserve Officer Training Pilot Program (JROTPP), now referred to as the Junior Leadership Program (JLP) was created at the Camden County High School (CCHS) on 19 April 2010 in following the legislation in Pub. L. 109-241, title IV, Sec. 401. This congressional mandate formed the JLP which was modeled off of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) units of other Services. The JLP is broken up into two semesters and each student takes JLP classes for one semester a school year. During their “off” semester, the students are expected to participate in calisthenics, drill and extra-curricular activities. CCHS has had the highest rate of graduation in the local Elizabeth City, N.C. area, but the purpose of the JLP is largely to keep students in school through graduation.

Both JROTC programs educate high school students on leadership, citizenship, nautical science, close order drill and general military knowledge.

From here

Kentucky National Guard’s “JROTC” program: Jr. Guard

From a KY Jr. Guard instructor: The JR. Guard program is a collaborative partnership between our Youth Service Center and the 1/623rd Kentucky Army National Guard. The program began in the 1995-96 school year with approximately 15 students. The idea was to target “at-risk” kids who were falling through the cracks of our educational system. Students are provided with a JR. ROTC-like opportunity that links our school and the military. Through this opportunity we hope to find a niche for those students who may not be able to find there way elsewhere in the school.

The students in the program are linked with National Guard members who serve as mentors. These mentors meet with the students on a regular basis.

They participate in experiential activities that demonstrate the value of classroom learning with adult guardsmen.

The students are taught things like self-discipline, rapelling, marching, drill and ceremony, use of night vision goggles, map reading, marksmanship, military etiquette, first aid, physical fitness, and the list goes on and on.

The culmination of the year brings the students to our annual FTX (Field Training Exercise). At the FTX, students put into play, what they have been practicing all year long.

During the 1998-99 school year, the Kentucky School Boards Association, through their Public Education Achieves in Kentucky (PEAK) Award, recognized this innovation design because it enhances student learning and promotes public education.

While the program initially targeted an “at-risk” population, the popularity of the program has grown so that there is a waiting list every year of the students and parents who want to participate in the program.

We have seen a reduction in disciplinary problems with these students and a dramatic improvement in student self-esteem and achievement.

Currently the program includes students in grades 6th-12th at participating schools. The schools that are participating are in 8 different school systems across the state of Kentucky.

And college ROTC programs (in joint service order)

AROTC
MCROTC/NROTC
AFROTC
Coast Guard: CSPI (College Student Pre-commissioning Initiative)

*A graduate of Navy ROTC can commission into the Coast Guard.

Service Academies

*A graduate of the MMA can commission into the Navy.

There are also non-school based programs (high school age and younger, in joint service order)

Did you know about middle school programs

The National Middle School Cadet Corps
Middle School Cadet Corps (Chicago, IL)
California Cadet Corps
Bedicheck Junior Marine Corps (Austin, TX)
Leadership Officer Training Corps (LOTC, Houston, TX)
Military Exploration and Leadership Program (Mulberry Middle School, Lakeland, FL)
A handful of middle schools also have a cadet program

There are also dozens of military schools, academies and institutes across the United States that offer boarding for young boys and girls through junior college. As an example, New Mexico Military Institute, the school I attended.

Updated 21 Jul 12

Tags: air force, army, cadet corps, coast guard, college, high school, Jr guard, jrotc, junior leadership program, leadership officer training program, lotc, marines, melp, merhant marines, middle school, Military Exploration and Leadership Program, navy, rotc 4 Comments »

by DrillMaster

Joint Service Order of the Colors

May 7, 2012 in Honor Guard, Instructional

Joint Service Order

The regulation that directs this order of precedence is Department of Defense Directive 1005.8; Order of Precedence of Members of Armed Forces of the United States When in Formations, dated 31 October 1977. The more interesting part of the story is the history behind why that precedence is observed by the Department of Defense.

Seniority of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps is obscured by the divergent elements of the intentions of the Continental Congress as compared to the realization of those intentions. Although the intention of the Congress to establish an Army is apparent in several resolutions of June 1775, the realization of those intentions was not effected until 01 January 1776 when General Washington stated in his orderly book, “This day giving commencement to the new Army which in every point of view is entirely Continental.” Likewise the Navy which the Congress created by resolution in October 1775 was not to be realized until several months later. The process of procuring and outfitting ships as well as enlisting and commissioning personnel was a time consuming one. The commander in chief of the Navy and other officers were not commissioned until 22 December 1775.

The Marine Corps, on the other hand, even though established by resolution on 10 November 1775, was actually a force in readiness before the Army or the Navy. Samuel Nicholas was commissioned a Captain of Marines on 28 November 1775, a month before the first officer of the Continental Navy was commissioned. In fact, the only facts that correspond to the present parade order of Army, Marine Corps, and Navy respectively are the dates when their first officers were commissioned, in June, November, and December of 1775. Indeed, the Marine Corps’ claim to being the oldest integral force in being results primarily from fortunate circumstances. The Corps was much smaller and more closely knit than either of the other services, and its origin was not complicated by the existence of provincial and local forces already in the field.

Thus, the Continental Marine force was all regular Marines from the beginning during the period when the Army was an amorphous mass of mixed Continentals and militia, and the Navy lacked ships. The Marine Corps, therefore, could be considered the first truly “federal” armed services branch of the United States of America. In any case, the present order of parade precedence has become one of our foremost military customs and as the foregoing has indicated, there is little evidence to support any change in that order. The present order of parade precedence is defined in DoD Directive 1005.8 as Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Therefore, by analogy, the order of display of colors in any fashion, to include service branch seals, should be in the same order.

There are other lines of reasoning for the precedence of Marine Corps colors before Navy colors, but these versions are less popularly accepted as the above. Here are two:

The foundation of the Continental Navy is recognized as being on 13 October 1775 when Congress authorized the outfitting of two vessels “of ten carriage guns.” This is the date we quote as the Navy’s birthday. The Marine Corps was established the following month, on 10 November 1775. Jump ahead to 03 June 1785 when Congress authorized the sale of the one remaining naval vessel, the frigate Alliance. This was the end of the Continental Navy. For the next several years, the nation had no Navy, until 27 March 1794 when Congress authorized the construction and purchase of six frigates. This is the foundation of the U.S. Navy as we know it today.
Although the Continental Navy was established by Congress on 13 October, 1775 – it disappeared when Congress had the Continental Navy’s ships absorbed into the War Department. The Department of the Navy, which today encompasses the Marine Corps, was not established until 30 April 1798 – well after the 10 November 1775 establishment of the Marine Corps.

Service flag order by date:

ARMY	11 July 1775	*The Navy officially changed to this date, prior to that they were a younger service than the Marine Corps.
MARINES	10 November 1775
NAVY	13 October 1775*
AIR FORCE	18 September 1947
COAST GUARD	4 August 1790

Joint Service Order information is courtesy of www.veteransinfo.net.

Members (in Joint Service Order)

A color team may consist of more than two flag bearers. The color team is formed in a single-file rank (abreast) from the right to left with the right rifle guard in the first position, followed by the US, State, Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Police, Fire, EMS and the left rifle guard.

NOTES

The CTC must not assume Attention when calling commands. The CTC must perform all of the movements with the rest of the team.
Ceremonial cords are for static display on flags only.
Call the supplementary command of Colors, for all commands whenever performing in funerals or with other elements (ex. Colors, Present, ARMS).
Never use bayonets or swords on a color team!

All information is from The Honor Guard Manual and except where noted, is (c) John K. Marshall

Tags: air force, army, coast guard, color guard, color team, colors order, joint service, marines, navy, static display No Comments »

by DrillMaster

The POW/MIA Ceremony

April 26, 2012 in Honor Guard, Instructional

Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Remembrance Ceremony Information

Use this article as a training guide for an indoor POW/MIA Ceremony.

NOTE: The POW/MIA Ceremony setup and ceremony proper are NOT different for any service or organization, what you read below is it. There is no such thing as “POW/MIA USMC Regulations” or POW/MIA Army Ceremony”. There is only one POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony and only one way to set up the 5-Service Hat Table or Single Setting Table. Please do not try to add your own “special touch” to it. The same goes for the table. Do not remove or add items. This article explains the standards developed by the League of Families. Please maintain that standard at all times.

This blog is not about politics, but there is a reason why the “POW” is still in the phrase. There could still be prisoners of war in other countries from our previous conflicts and, as far as I know, there is a POW in Afghanistan.

We are reminded of those who were missing in action every time remains are recovered in the jungles of Asia and even parts of the countryside in certain places in Europe.

We remember our fallen, missing and prisoners at several occasions each year. Evey year each military installation across the globe has some sort of ceremony where the colors are presented, a firing party fires three volleys (this is NOT the 21-Gun Salute) and taps is played. When indoors, there are two types of standard ceremonies for the POW/MIA Table. The basic table has one place setting and the 5-service Hat Table has five settings. See the official script below for a complete description.

This GSA bulletin is the most recent information that I could find on the POW/MIA flag

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION BULLETIN [Bulletin FMR 2008–B6] POW/MIA Flag Display

AGENCY: General Services Administration

ACTION: Notice

SUMMARY: This bulletin cancels GSA Bulletin FPMR D–248, POW/MIA Flag Display, published in the Federal Register on March 26, 1998, notifying Federal agencies of the implementation guidelines of section 1082, Display of POW/MIA Flag, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Pub. L. 105–85, Nov. 18, 1997), now codified at 36 U.S.C. § 902. This bulletin clarifies that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is designated annually by Presidential Proclamation and provides guidance on the protocol for flying the POW/MIA flag and information on how to obtain POW/MIA flags.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 10, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT For further clarification of content, contact Stanley C. Langfeld, Director, Regulations Management Division (MPR), General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20405,Dated: May 27, 2008.

Kevin Messner,
Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Government wide Policy. General Services Administration

TO: Heads of Federal Agencies

SUBJECT: POW/MIA Flag Display

1. Purpose: This bulletin cancels GSA Bulletin FPMR D–248, POW/MIA Flag Display, and notifies Federal agencies of revised implementation guidelines of section 1082, Display of POW/MIA Flag, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Pub. L. 105–85, Nov. 18, 1997), now codified at 36 U.S.C. § 902 (the Act).

2. Expiration Date: This bulletin does not expire unless the Act is amended, superseded or cancelled.

3. Applicability: Federal establishments with responsibility for the following locations:

a) The Capitol;
b) The White House;
c) The World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial;
d) Each national cemetery;
e) The buildings containing the official offices of:

1) the Secretary of State;

2) the Secretary of Defense;

3) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and

4) the Director of Selective Service System;

f) Each major military installation, as designated by the Secretary of Defense;
g) Each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
h) Each United States Postal Service post office.

4. What action must I take? If this bulletin applies to your Federal establishment, the Act required the head of your department, agency or other establishment to prescribe such regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of section 1082 no later than May 17, 1998. If you are responsible for the Capitol, then this action is not needed. The implementation regulations must be consistent with the general guidelines established by the Act as outlined in this bulletin. The Federal establishments affected by the Act may prescribe additional implementation regulations, as necessary.

a) When do we display the POW/MIA flag? You fly the flag on the following six days:

1) Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May;

2) Memorial Day, the last Monday in May;

3) Flag Day, June 14;

4) Independence Day, July 4;

5) National POW/MIA Recognition Day (designated by Presidential Proclamation; historically, the third Friday of September); and

6) Veterans Day, November 11.

b) What other days do we display the flag? In addition to the days enumerated in the immediately preceding paragraph, POW/MIA flag display days include the following:

1) In the case of display at medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, any day on which the flag of the United States is displayed;

2) In the case of display at United States Postal Service post offices that are not open for business on any of the six days listed in the previous paragraph, the last business day before any days specified in the immediately preceding paragraph; and 3) In the case of display at the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, any day on which the flag of the United States is displayed.

c) How do I display the POW/MIA flag? The flag is to be displayed in a manner designed to be visible to the public. The Act shall not be construed or applied so as to require any employee to report to work solely for the purpose of providing for the display of the POW/MIA flag. If you are responsible for the Capitol building, the display of the POW/MIA flag pursuant to the Act is in addition to the display of the POW/MIA flag in the Rotunda of the Capitol as required by Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 of the 101 st Congress, agreed to on February 22, 1989 (103 Stat. 2533).

d) Why display the POW/MIA flag? Display of the POW/MIA flag serves as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans who still remain, or in the future may become, unaccounted for as prisoners of war, missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for as a result of hostile action.

e) What flag is the official POW/MIA flag? The official POW/MIA flag is the National League of Families POW/MIA flag, as designated by 36 U.S.C. § 902.
f) What is the official protocol for displaying the POW/MIA flag? When displayed from a single flag pole, the POW/MIA flag should fly directly below, and be no larger than, the flag of the United States. If on separate poles, the flag of the United States always should be placed to the right of other flags. On the six national observances for which Congress has ordered display of the POW/MIA flag, it is generally flown immediately below or adjacent to the flag of the United States as second in order of precedence.

5. Who distributes official POW/MIA flags? GSA distributes the official POW/MIA flag. You can obtain flags through GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service by your usual ordering procedures.

POW/MIA Hat Table Ceremony

There is the 5-service hat table ceremony and the small table, single-setting as well. The single-setting table does not require any honor guard members, just someone to read the script. The 5-service hat table ceremony does not necessarily require honor guard members, but they can add something very special.

Official Script with Optional Honor Guard Information

If used with some or all of the optional ideas, the ceremony should always be dignified, but does not need to be dragged out.

A note for setting up the table: Do not place salt and pepper on the table. Also, there is not need to dump a pile of salt on the small plate either.

A: small plate for lemon wedge/slice and pinch of salt.
B: Clear or white single rose vase
C: Candle stick and base
D: Napkins (cutlery as well)- not placed on top of the plate(s)
E: Wine glasses

Script
Download the following script here. Download the large table and the small table setup diagrams here.

The lemon slice and pinch of salt are on a small plate- not on each plate. No salt shaker or other condiments. Each place setting should have a dinner plate, folded napkin beside it and silverware on top of the napkin.

(Optional) Two Honor Guard members (Color Commander and POW/MIA flag Bearer) can enter, one carrying the cased POW/MIA flag at Port. Both stop at center, Bearer lowers cased flag to parallel with ground, ferule under right arm pit- right arm at a 45-degree angle. Commander moves to flag and uncases it by sliding cover off and draping it over his left arm (left arm remains at a 45-degree angle holding flag case). At this point Bearer unfurls flag until completed with spade parallel to floor. Bearer raises flag back to Port Arms, posts flag (complete posting sequence) in its own stand (with other colors or on its own next to POW/MIA Table) and Bearer and Commander depart.

(Optional) Five Honor Guard members (then) enter with the five service covers in joint service order (USA, USMC, USN, USAF & USCG) and place them on the plates on the table and (depart or), depart to retrieve table items, remain to overturn glasses and then depart. (If using only a single place setting table, do not use any covers.)

(Optional) As the Hat Table Hat Bearers enter, light the candle and begin reading:

As you entered the dining area, you may have noticed a table – raised to call your attention to its purpose – it is reserved to honor our missing loved ones.

(Optional) two of the five Hat Bearers depart after placing covers to retrieve the Bible and the rose. Or everything can be placed on the table, with glasses already turned over and all departing (this is cuts the time of the ceremony a little).

Set for six (one), the empty places represent Americans who were or are missing from each of the five services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and military service civilians*, all with us in spirit.

*This means only the civilians who served with the military.

Some here were very young when the Vietnam War began; however, all Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call and served the cause of freedom in a special way. Please be seated while I explain the meaning of this special table, and join me for a moment of silent prayer at the end. The table is round – to show our everlasting concern. The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.

(Optional) Honor Guard member enters with vase containing red rose and adorned with a red ribbon and places it on the table.

The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these men….and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers. The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for them.

(Optional) pause here until Honor Guard member places vase and remains at the table.

A slice of lemon reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.

(Optional) Honor Guard member enters with Bible and places it on the table.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith in our country, founded as one nation under God, to sustain those lost from our midst.

(Optional) pause here until Honor Guard member places Bible and remains at the table.

The glasses are inverted – to symbolize their inability to share this evening’s toast.

(Optional) Honor Guard members raise glasses as if to toast, turn them over, place them back on the table upside down and depart

Pause until Honor Guard members have departed.

The chairs are empty – they are missing…………….. (silent moment)

Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor America’s POW/MIA’s and to the success of our efforts to account for them.

(Optional) Taps can be sounded here after the silent toast.

Also see the National League of Families web site.

Tags: air force, army, coast guard, honor guard, marines, merchant marines, navy, pow/mia, pow/mia table setting, pow/mia training guide, rotc 5 Comments »

by DrillMaster

JSDC12

April 17, 2012 in Commentary, DrillCenter News

Yes, it is another Joint Service Drill Competition that is now in the history books! This year’s competition also included a performance from the Tulane University Mardis Gras Drill Meet champions, the Merchant Marine Academy Drill Team.

I judged each team on the World Drill Association Adjudication System’s Overall Effect caption. The scores I gave each team are in the parenthesis next to the team’s name. The score is out of 100/100.; the “what/”how.”

Merchant Marine Academy (50/45)
The cadets wowed the audience with their ability to have lift two cadets in the air and have them drill! This performance was a fist for the JSDC and also for the MMA. Congratulations to them for this ground-breaking performance with the service drill teams!

Coast Guard (55/54)
The Coasties put on a fine performance departing from their standard performance from previous years. I must say that I really appreciate the new program, it contained some very effective moments and was programmed much better than before. I talked with the Coast Guard judge before the competition and let him know that I understood the issue that the CG Honor Guard has: The Coast Guard is the smallest service, the Honor Guard is the smallest unit of the service honor guards and is the drill team is made up of volunteers who practice when they can. All of the members are trained on every aspect of honor guard ceremonies (pall bearer, firing party, colors) and perform each of the duties constantly. Drill team is not high on the priority list which is very understandable. Still, I really enjoyed this new routine!

Marines (60/71)
These guys had a bad day, or at least some of the guys who were constantly hit by bayonets, had a bad day. Unfortunately, problems were an unfortunate addition to the Silent Drill Platoon’s routine. The Marines have completely mastered their basic manual and can execute these rifle movements in their sleep. This was the standard SDP routine with the crowd favorite rifle inspection.

Navy (70/72)
A good performance. I didn’t notice much if any change from previous years’ routines. However, the Sailor performing the solo did a super job- until his bayonet met his aiguillette. He still kept going not allowing the “wardrobe malfunction” to interfere with the rest of his solo.

Air Force (80/80)
Wow. I was so impressed with their newer routine: much better programming and some excellent rifle work from all members of the 12-man team. The AF never had a reason to create a 12-man team/routine until now. The JSDC time limit is 15 mins and the AF’s 15-man routine is about 21 mins. What to do? Start on 9 April with a new routine! Yes, a week of training went into this performance!

The crowd loved the moment during the tetrad (pictured below) when the four Drillers poked the commander with their bayonets trying to make him move- he was rock-solid, of course! The Air Force team was this year’s winner!

Army (82/81)
The defending champions marched an SPC Andres Ryan-written drill. This routine had it all: great transitions, eye-catching movements, four soloists and then SPC Ryan as the featured soloist!

Yes, that’s right, I had the Army winning for the third year in a row! But, it was not by much…

I was so fortunate to meet onlookers who were curious about the competition and about my uniform, students, parents, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and my fellow judges from each service. What a day, what a blessing!

See you next year!

Tags: academy, air force, army, coast guard, drill competition, drill meet, joint service, judging, marines, merchant marine, navy No Comments »

by DrillMaster

The Left Flank and The Column Left

April 12, 2012 in Ask DrillMaster, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional

Span of Control

CT asks:

Hello DrillMaster,

I would like to know if after giving left flank can the commander march backwards while the platoon marches forward towards the commander during Regulation Drill. I have looked everywhere and no where can I find it.

Answer:
It’s good to hear from you; thanks for the question.

The answer is: no, it’s not necessary and here is why: The commander executes flanking movements with the team and, when a Left Flank is called, the commander then calls the next command over his/her right shoulder and executes that command with the team. I hope this answer helps!

Good luck to you and your team!

The Column Left
The best thing to do for the commander during the Regulation sequence is to have the commander begin marking time on the same foot as the command of execution, “MARCH.” This enables the commander to maintain the six-step distance from the team during the movement. The commander would then flank when he/she is centered on the team and pick up half step.

The Column Right

I thought I needed to add something about this as well. In the image above, The Span of Control, you can see that the commander should not move toward the front of the formation since he would ‘lose control.’ To deal with this situation during a column right the commander would execute a right flank immediately after the command of execution, “MARCH.” This movement places the commander to the right of the formation (having begun from the left). To move back to the left, execute a left flank for the column left.

Tags: air force, army, coast guard, column left, drill, driller, left flank, marching, marines, navy No Comments »

by DrillMaster

Sword Maintenace and Care

February 27, 2012 in DrillCenter News, Instructional

While stationed in Germany from ’07-’10, I had the chance to visit WKC sword makers in Solingen, Germany. I never could coordinate a good time to stop by to say hello and meet some sword makers. They don’t give factory tours anymore since their processes were being stolen and (unsuccessfully) copied by other companies.

This is their info for caring for swords, sabers and accessories:

Ceremonial Use and Safety:

- WKC swords and sabers are intended for ceremonial use only.

- Blade tips are relatively sharp; exercise care during use.

- The blades are not designed for impact and “fighting.” While forged, tempered, and designed for flexibility and durability, ceremonial blades lack the toughness to withstand the heavy impact of “blade-to-blade” contact.

- Do not use ceremonial swords for re-enactment fighting.

- Horseplay may result in damage to the sword or, worse yet, personal injury.

- Sword and saber manual of arms is a developed and practiced skill. Do not be flamboyant when handling a drawn sword.

- Children tend to have a natural fascination with swords and often mistake a ceremonial sword for a weapon. Supervise children closely and know that the misuse of a sword is dangerous.

General – Metal Components:
-Acids from fingerprints can react with metals and discolor metal components over time.

- Salts and other air contaminants (e.g., formaldehydes form carpets, etc.) can collect on metal surfaces over time and can also cause discoloration.

- Water or humidity can affect all parts of the swords and accessories. They should be kept away from wet or humid conditions. In case the swords or accessories get wet please dry them properly by using soft dry cloth.

- Periodically, wipe your sword or accessories with a soft, dry cloth. We recommend monthly for harsh environments (e.g., high humidity, proximity to sea air, cities with heavy smog, etc.) and every few months for less harsh environments. Do not use any chemical based or other cleaners for belts or sword knots.

- Remove fingerprints and other oil marks with a soft, dry cloth.

Gold-Colored Components:

- Gold is very soft metal. Rubbing or polishing gold-plated materials will take off the gold-plating.

- Do not use abrasive metal polishes or metal wool on any gold-colored part. All gold-colored parts on WKC swords are gold-plated. All gold-colored parts on WKC swords and accessories are gold-plated.

- Use a soft dry cloth and common glass cleaner to remove any discolorations. Use abrasive “jeweler” cloths sparingly to remove any discolorations to avoid rubbing off the gold plating.

Blades:

- All WKC blades are stainless steel.

- Discolorations or minor scratches can be removed with a “jeweler” cloth or a mild metal polish, such as a silver polish.

- Remove all polish residue with a final wipe of a soft, dry cloth.

- Never use heavy abrasive polishes, scouring pads, or metal wool as they will the polished finish of the blade.

- Avoid contact with acidic or alkaline substances as either may chemically react with metals in the stainless steel.

Scabbards:

- Leather scabbards should only require an occasional wipe with a cloth moistened with a clear household silicon spray polish.

- Scuff marks in the leather can usually be repaired or hidden with ordinary shoe polish. Pay attention of that the color of the polish is the same than the leather.

- Maintain nickel-plated scabbards as a general metal component.

- Maintain the stainless-steel Marine officer scabbards as described for blades above.

Accessories:

- Periodically, wipe your accessories with a soft dry cloth. We recommend monthly for harsh environments (e.g. high humidity, proximity to sea air, cities with heavy smog etc.) and every few months for less harsh environments. Do not use any chemical or other cleaners for belts or sword knots.

On-Going Care and Maintenance:

- After each use, completely wipe the sword with a clean, dry cloth to remove fingerprints, perspiration, and any residue.

-All ferrous materials, including “stainless” steel will rust in varying degrees if not maintained and with prolonged exposure to the elements.

-Whether displaying or storing your sword, periodically clean and wipe your sword and metal scabbards with a lightly oiled cloth to protect your sword.

-Please do not store the swords and accessories in the vacuum plastic bag in wet, humid or hot surroundings.

- We recommend storing the sword unsheathed from the scabbard if storing for prolonged periods of time.

- If shipping or transporting your sword by air, securely wrap the sword in plastic to minimize condensation on the cool sword surfaces after the sword returns from the cooler high altitudes.

www.wkc-solingen.de

Tags: air force, army, coast guard, honor guard, marines, navy, saber, sword No Comments »

by DrillMaster

Tulane 2012 Solo Commentaries

February 21, 2012 in Commentary, Drill Teams, Instructional

The Mardis Gras Drill Meet at Tulane University 2012 was a great success! I was there judging solos. There were 12 competitors and all did a great job. The cadets from West Point, University of South Carolina NROTC and Norwich all pulled away from the others with great routines. I forgot my digital voice recorder, but used my Android phone’s voice recorder and it worked extremely well! However, there was one issue: dead battery by the last routine. No problem, a young lady from Norwich University was able to step up with her Android phone and let me use her voice recorder for Preston Huntington’s routine. That’s why you only see 11 of the commentaries.

It was great to see not only the solos, but with the big breaks in between the performances, some platoon XD performances as well. Some of the schools displayed variations in timing and step style and showed a concerted effort in programing and orientation (nicely done USAFA!!).

The great thing about Tulane this year was the introduction of the World Drill Association Adjudication System as a parallel to the standard judging system used. Solos were given the opportunity to hear professional adjudication feedback

I also enjoyed speaking with the teams, soloists, parents and instructors as well as some of the great Marine judges from Paris Island.

The day was also a good learning experience. Right Mr. Waddington?

Below are the links to the commentaries (automatic download).

Tulane: http://www.mediafire.com/?lua9e9vf8ecq120

Citidel 2: http://www.mediafire.com/?6qa9m3vm9c72x89

USMMA: http://www.mediafire.com/?qr3bd5dcxq5cbaq

TAMU: http://www.mediafire.com/?e5eucaapndscc7k

UT Austin 2: http://www.mediafire.com/?lejm7e4kgmgede4

UT Austin 1: http://www.mediafire.com/?uy08jqjhbjqjxgc

West Point: http://www.mediafire.com/?tc4d342v922ijtf

University of Florida: http://www.mediafire.com/?dvimvvujbrj9ry3

University of South Carolina: http://www.mediafire.com/?7yt574wco0ox2zw

Citidel 1: http://www.mediafire.com/?t38b1tqhcbhyce2

Tags: air force, army, coast guard, commentary, daisy, drill, drill rifle, drill team, drillamerica, driller, drillmaster, exhibition drill, explorer post, fancy drill, freestyle drill, judging, marines, navy, precision drill, WDA No Comments »

by DrillMaster

The DrillMaster Product Review: The CTA M14

January 15, 2012 in Announcements, Commentary, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional, Review

The CTA M14

Combat Training Aids created one solid piece of urethane and metal, the perfect choice for Drillers! Check out the video here at the DrillMaster Training YouTube Channel:

Tags: air force, army, coast guard, color guard, drill, drill rifle, drill team, driller, drillmaster, exhibition drill, fancy drill, freestyle drill, honor guard, m1 garand, m14, m1903, marines, navy, precision drill No Comments »

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