How to Start up a color guard and honor guard.

[Cms.sloane]

My squadron has had a major hike in new recruits. So we have decided to start up a color guard and in the near future a honor guard. Most of us NCOs have been on a color guard team in the past but we don't exactly know how to start one up.

Does anybody know how to start up a color guard. Are there any manuals or books do we need. Or how should we have try outs? 

[tsrup]

take a look at 52-8.  That is the CAP honor guard bible. 

There are some nuances in there that are strictly honor guard stuff, but a lot of the colors element things are the same. 

Also check the D&C manual for both the AF and for CAP.  And if you plan on doing competitions see if you can get your hands on the Rules of Engagement for National Cadet Competition.  There are some things in all of the drill manuals that aren't covered specifically that are covered in the ROE.

Otherwise, best of luck!  Color Guard takes a lot of work to do right, but it is extremely rewarding for all of those involved.

[cap235629]

Start with "Fall In" and go from there 

[Chief2009]

Rifle drill is in the FM 3-21.5 (FM 22-5) DRILL AND CEREMONIES posted in the Drill & Ceremonies Resources sticky.

Make sure that the cadets you have selected have a very solid hold on standard D&C before you try to teach them anything more.

DN

[Spaceman3750]

Is there still a national "Rules of Engagement" publication for CG competitions? I know there used to be WIWAC but I havn't seen reference to it in a long time.

[DC]

Is there still a national "Rules of Engagement" publication for CG competitions? I know there used to be WIWAC but I havn't seen reference to it in a long time.

It's now CAPM 52-4.

[GTCommando]

While we're on the subject, my squadron is considering starting a color guard, so I've been trying to find some good, cheap equipment that we can start up with. Anyone know where to find some replica Springfields that won't break the bank? 

[HGjunkie]

While we're on the subject, my squadron is considering starting a color guard, so I've been trying to find some good, cheap equipment that we can start up with. Anyone know where to find some replica Springfields that won't break the bank? 

Haven't seen any less than ~$90 bucks, but:

Glendale M1 replica

Glendale Springfield Replica

Generally, a wood grain/brown finish with a white sling is what's used.

[GTCommando]

Thanks. I think I've seen them on the Hock Shop for just under $80.

Check that. I just looked and they're $83:00 for a set of two. If anyone can find them cheaper, please let me know. Here's the link:
http://www.thehock.com/category/PARADE-EQUIP-13

[HGjunkie]

Thanks. I think I've seen them on the Hock Shop for just under $80.

Check that. I just looked and they're $83:00 for a set of two. If anyone can find them cheaper, please let me know. Here's the link:
http://www.thehock.com/category/PARADE-EQUIP-13

Huh. They must have updated their product line, I didn't see those before. That or I just missed it.

[Майор Хаткевич]

The Mark 1's that were issued at HGA are awesome and look way better than the cheap 1903 "replicas". If you're looking for something to train with, I'd see if a local member can make dummy wooden copies. Also, the Mark 1s are plastic, which is better than the wood 1903s

[GTCommando]

The Mark 1's that were issued at HGA are awesome and look way better than the cheap 1903 "replicas".

Anyone know where I can find some? 

[RADIOMAN015]

From my observations of an award winning team, personally start your team off to do local functions & parades, with the competition angle as a secondary goal.   A Color guard team DOES NOT have to enter any competitions    

The competition preparation is a lot of work for the cadets (as well as senior advisors) and likely will result in a practice session weekly and the last 1 month prior to the competitions, up to a couple of practice sessions each week.  I think even two weeks prior to the competition they were doing 3 times a week of practice, including almost all day on Saturdays & Sundays.

If you have the motivation to do this (with appropriate senior member motivation to support it also, which is very critical to success), than by all means go for it. :clap:

HOWEVER in my opinion, be sure you are having "fun" doing this, don't get too wrapped up into it as being your major goal to win a competition. Rather it should be to do a great job respresenting CAP in your community .
RM   

[HGjunkie]

The Mark 1's that were issued at HGA are awesome and look way better than the cheap 1903 "replicas".

Anyone know where I can find some? 

While we're on the subject, my squadron is considering starting a color guard, so I've been trying to find some good, cheap equipment that we can start up with. Anyone know where to find some replica Springfields that won't break the bank? 

Haven't seen any less than ~$90 bucks, but:

Glendale M1 replica

Glendale Springfield Replica

Generally, a wood grain/brown finish with a white sling is what's used.

[DC]

The Mark 1's that were issued at HGA are awesome and look way better than the cheap 1903 "replicas".

Anyone know where I can find some? 

http://tinyurl.com/3xnj5az

[HGjunkie]

The Mark 1's that were issued at HGA are awesome and look way better than the cheap 1903 "replicas".

Anyone know where I can find some? 

http://tinyurl.com/3xnj5az

I love that website... 

[Major Lord]

We had the awful "Davey Crockett" "sawn plank style rifles when I first came to the Squadron. Mostly used as beaters, and unsuitable for an actual Color Guard. We found that Big 5 had some very nice Moisin Nagant bolt action carbines, upon which, I carried out a bayonetectomy. We reblued the fittings and stained and lacquered the stocks. ( And of course rendered them incapable of chambering or firing actual ammo) The bolts got buffed on the buffing wheel, and for commmie weapons, they were kind of pretty. Very few people noticed; they looked like Cadet-sized Springfields! (with straight bolts unfortunately) when we came into a bit of money, we bought the chrome and plastic Garands......(How can you defend your Country's colors with a plastic rifle? You can't even give a good beating with it!) Very short cadets look silly with Garands-they should make a ceremonial M-1 Carbine!

Major Lord