Hosting a drill competition...could use some help.

[xray328]

So we've been asked to host our groups drill competition next year in January. . Having never done this before I could sure use some help/guidance.

Can anyone please point me in the right direction as far as how to setup and run this at the group level? Is there a standard list of commands?  I wasn't sure if we're supposed to model this after the national competition? What components should comprise the competition?

Thanks.

[Brad]

I'm sure others will chime in too, but here's my $.02 having helped run my high school's NJROTC drill meet way back when I was a Cadet, and also as a judge later on.

1.) Drill areas. Drill competitions are comprised of in-place and marching movements, ensure there is plenty of space for each event.

2.) Make sure each area is designated for only one particular event and no other. Make sure the judges are assigned to a specific area/event unless some exceptional circumstance requires them to go judge something else. This ensures the judges can keep focused on what to look for with their type of event.

3.) Schedule schedule schedule. Once you get your list of teams participating - set a hard deadline on this in advance - put them to a time schedule and keep them to it, this keeps the meet from getting bogged down in issues of who goes next, etc. In conjunction with that, if a team shows up early for an event and the scheduled team dropped out at the last minute or otherwise a no-show, go ahead and fit the early team in so they can get done and be that much closer to heading home for the day. The quicker the meet is over the quicker everyone can go home and relax.

4.) If available, work through your chain of command and see if you can get some local Air Force guys to assist with the judging as well, especially if the base that's nearby, if there is one, has a school attached to it. This is good learning opportunities for the enlisted students, plus it lets you show them what CAP can do, AND it lets the Cadets have the chance to talk with Air Force guys about possible future careers.

5.) Here's the link to the National High School Drill Team Championships drill cards:

Unarmed Flight Regulation: http://www.thenationals.net/nhsdtc/scoresheets/dt-ss-CHAL-unarmed-reg.pdf
Armed Color Guard: http://www.thenationals.net/nhsdtc/scoresheets/dt-ss-CHAL-armed-cg.pdf
Unarmed Exhibition, aka "Innovative" drill: http://www.thenationals.net/nhsdtc/scoresheets/dt-ss-CHAL-unarmed-ex.pdf
Uniform Inspection (if an event): http://www.thenationals.net/nhsdtc/scoresheets/dt-ss-CHAL-unarmed-ins.pdf

[kwe1009]

You can set up any type of drill competition you wish.  It does not have to follow any competition guidance from NHQ.  Don't try to reinvent the wheel.  Is this the first time your Group has held a competition?  If so, I'm sure your Wing has done this.  Ask your Group or Wing Cadet Programs person for anything they have on how events were run in the past. 

If you are looking to hold a competition that prepares cadets for the National Cadet Competition then that is not a drill competition but a color guard competition and you should follow the guidance in CAPP 52.4.

[xray328]

Thank you both, very much appreciated.

[abdsp51]

I recommend using the NCC curriculum and scoring.

[THRAWN]

I recommend using the NCC curriculum and scoring.

I agree. One standard, one set work flow. Been ages simce I have done one but that is what we used. Dont try to reinvent the wheel.

[kwe1009]

Attached is the OP Plan that MER is using for their competition this year.  Previous competitions at MER have been run very well and with minimal downtime for the competitors.