Tx-20023 CHS-AFJROTC

Color Guard Commander Continuity File

Tx-20023 CHS-AFJROTC Table of Contents:

1.0 Welcome 1.1 The job 2.0 Color Guard preparations 2.1 Approval 2.2 Scheduling 2.3 Training 2.4 Rewards system 2.5 Uniform 3.0 Color Guard execution 3.1 Positions 3.11 Flags 3.12 Guards 3.2 Drill 3.21 Sequence 3.3 Ceremonies 3.31 Posting/Presentation posting 3.32 Presentation 3.33 Raising 3.34 Flag Presentation 4.0 Closing 1.0 Welcome

Congratulations on receiving your new position as Tx-20023’s Color Guard Commander. This job requires a high level of organization, planning, self- discipline, and drill knowledge to execute correctly. Be prepared for a challenge, but the rewards of a successful ceremony outweigh the stresses.

1.1 The job

As Color Guard Commander, you are tasked with planning, organizing, and executing all requests for color guard ceremonies. Requests come from every organization you can imagine and range from simple presentations, to raisings, to complex flag presentation ceremonies.

2.0 Color Guard preparations

Notice that there is an upcoming event will usually be received around 2-3 weeks prior to the event’s actual date. The following are the steps that should be taking after notice has been given.

2.1 Approval

Staff approval is necessary to make sure that an event is worth sponsoring. Attend all Tuesday morning staff meetings within 2 weeks prior to the event and make sure that the staff agrees that the Group should sponsor such event. If it is agreed that the event is worth looking at, then schedule it on some form of calendar and prepare for the next task of scheduling a team.

2.2 Scheduling

After an event is approved, a team must be formed that is capable of executing the requested ceremony. The cadets selected for ceremonies should have at least a semester of Unarmed Drill Team on their résumé along with some formal color guard training. Inquire to cadets about who would like to do the event, then inform MSgt. Russ of their names so they may be announced at the event. 2.3 Training

Formal training sessions should be held at least once per 9 weeks. In these sessions the following should be covered:

1 All types of ceremony (mentioned later) 2 Basic and advanced drill 3 15 count manual of arms 4 Formation marching 5 Command training

Let each cadet take turns being the commander of a 4-cadet color guard unit so that they can get a feel for giving and receiving the specific color guard orders. During this practice, the cadence for marching should be around 60 bpm (beats per minute) if possible. There is also no arm swing involved in color guard.

2.4 Rewards system

In color guard, there is a specific system of recognition given to each cadet to complete the following:

5 Color guard events will earn the color guard ribbon with bar and white rope

10 Color guard events will earn the black beret that symbolizes the Tx- 20023 AFJROTC unit here at SVCHS

2.5 Uniform

The commander of the color guard unit chooses the uniform to wear for the event. The uniforms vary because of the variety of choices in items. Selections include:

 Berets, chrome helmets, flight caps, and officers caps (special occasions only)  Regular belts or white belts  Blues or dress uniform  Gloves or ascots Upon picking the uniform style for the event, the commander should report to you, the Color Guard Commander, and to their team so that no mistakes are made.

3.0 Color Guard execution

The perfect execution of a color guard by an experienced unit is a beautiful thing. If done correctly it brings great prestige upon the Group and its members.

3.1 Positions

In a unit, the order is as follows going from left to right (as if you are in the unit):

1 Texas flag guard 2 Texas flag bearer 3 American flag bearer (Unit Commander) 4 American flag guard

3.11 Flags

There are two flag bearers in every color guard unit. One is the commander of the unit, who should be carrying the American flag and should stand to the right of the other bearer. The other bearer is holding the Texas flag. The flags are to be carried using flag straps unless hindered by a low ceiling. If flag straps are not being used, keep the flags at “trail colors” while marching.

3.12 Guards

The flag guards are armed with Parade Rifles usually complete with straps. The guards will execute the sequence of moves in sync with one another, even though they cannot see each other physically. They must be able to listen for the clicking noises of the rifles and also must practice together before the event. 3.2 Drill

Drill in ceremonies is what shows off what our Group can do. It is a combination of self-discipline and honor that can impress crowds more than anything else can.

3.21 Sequence

The simplest sequence of events possible usually consists of the following:

1 Color guard, a-ten hut! 2 Forward march 3 (Not vocalized) mark time march 4 Colors turn 5 Color guard, halt 6 Present colors (National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, etc.) 7 Order colors 8 Colors face 9 Forward march

That is as simple of a color guard as possible, but we as a Group, usually execute ceremonies that are more complicated.

3.3 Ceremonies

3.31 Posting/Presentation posting

Consists of marching out, presenting the colors to an audience while the National Anthem is played, and then placing the flags into flag stands. Once placed, the Texas side of the detail will face the American side and present arms upon the command. Then the group will reform in the center of the audience, turn, and then march off.

3.32 Presentation

Consists of marching out, presenting the colors to an audience while the National Anthem is played, and then marching off. This type of ceremony is often used at football games and sporting events. 3.33 Raising

Flag raisings are usually done on National holidays (Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.). The ceremony starts out by marching to the flagpole, upon which the guards post at either side of the pole and the bearers stay centered. From here, the flags are unfolded and attached to the rope and raised at the order of present arms. Then the unit reforms and marches off.

3.34 Flag Presentation

The flag presentation is perhaps, the most advanced type of ceremony done so far by our unit. This ceremony consists of marching out with only an American flag (held by the commander). Once centered on the audience, the flag will be unfolded, presented, and then refolded. From there, the commander passes the flag onto a superior who is present, and the superior will then march the flag up to the recipient and present it as a token of our thanks and gratitude, render a salute, then return to their post. Then the team will march off.

4.0 Closing

In closing, the color guard team is one of the biggest public relations events that the Group and use. It spreads awareness about our unit and allows for future opportunities for more events. This is a big responsibility that involves a lot of time and effort along with skill that only comes from experience.