I've noticed that the cadet in our squadron have become VERY bored with the drill only doing the standard drill. (column right, right flank). Since I advise my CC, I am I was thinking that because the air force uses sabers, our squadron could get PLASTIC practice sabers to use for color guard. is that OK to do?
When I said color guard, I meant honor guard.
No. Sabres are in no way, shape or form authorized. You can do rifle drill though, it's fun to do with the cadets.
^Second. Here's a quote from CAPR 52-16, Cadet Programs Management:
1-4. Safety Policies Related To The Cadet Program.
c. Weapons. There will be no firearms, air guns, paint guns or any device that could be used as a weapon at any cadet activity. The only exceptions to this policy are:
(1) Deactivated Firearms. Cadets may use facsimile or deactivated firearms only as part of an honor guard or color guard. A deactivated firearm is one that will prevent the insertion of ammunition or the firing of a weapon. A facsimile is a copy that is not capable of firing ammunition.
(2) Firearm Training. CAP cadets may participate in firearm training if the wing commander approves the training facility and sponsoring personnel or agency in advance and in writing. For additional guidance, see CAPR 900-3, Firearms: Assistance to Law Enforcement Officials. Training must be sponsored and supervised by one of the following:
(a) Qualified military small arms range personnel.
(b) Local law enforcement officers qualified as firearms instructors.
(c) Personnel of the National Rifle Association, National Skeet Shooting Association or Amateur Trap Shooting Association qualified as firearms instructors.
Even if they may be plastic, sabers are still considered a weapon.
CAPR 39-1
CHAPTER 3 – CIVIL AIR PATROL HONOR GUARD UNIFORM
3-1. General. This chapter prescribes the standardized uniform worn by Civil Air Patrol Honor Guards. This uniform is approved for wear during Honor Guard duties and performances only. National Cadet Competition Drill Teams, Color Guards or other CAP special teams will not wear this uniform. The Honor Guard Uniform consists of the service dress uniform coat with epaulets and slacks/trousers, male service cap with cadet officer cap device, white ascot with Honor Guard patch, metallic silver shoulder cord, white pistol belt, white gloves, and a brown non-operating parade rifle with white leather sling. Either the old or new style of service dress may be worn; however, all members of an Honor Guard should be in the same style. Bayonets, swords, or sabers will not be used under any circumstances. This uniform is authorized for year-round wear. The Colors Element flag bearers will wear white flag slings instead of white pistol belts. The guards will wear pistol belts. See Table 3-1 for specific uniform requirements.
Table 3-1. Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard Uniform
Parade Rifle
Brown with white leather sling, molded polystyrene, and non-operating. Wood rifles will break during the various rifle movements. BAYONETS WILL NOT BE USED.
Basically no sharp pointy objects that can poke somebody.