054AXV Honor Guard Drill Team (Alfa) - SEP 2011

[AlexandriaDIVUSNSCC]

All good points, and we thank you for the input. This was one of the first "practice" sessions we had while we were developing the routine. It has evolved some and we are endeavoring to improve with time. Our biggest obstacle is that as we only drill once a month for two days and we only have around two hours each drill day to work on Honor Guard stuff (as a special team) it only gives us about four hours a month to practice. I'm planning on organizing some "off drill" practice sessions.

[DrillMasterTraining]

I have a suggestion or 10: Why go to Trail Arms? Especially when each team member then bends over (this looks bad!) just to butt slam and go to Port. Starting of with a nice loud and slow, "HONOR (slight pause) GUARD! (pause) A-Ten-Shun!" on the prep command of HG, the team goes from Ceremonial to Parade Rest. On execution, team goers to Attention and then simultaneously butt slams all going to to Trail. The team then steps off with a slow cadence of around 90. As the first Driller steps with

[DrillMasterTraining]

2. his left, he brings his right forearm parallel to the ground (rifle perpendicular), takes his right step and lets the rifle down for a butt slam (do not bend over, let the rifle slide through the right hand a bit. On the next left step, the rifle goes to Port on the next right step, the right hand goes to its port position. Each Driller then follows on the next left steps executing the same sequence. When the last Driller is at Port, the team picks up a faster cadence and move into place.

[DrillMasterTraining]

3. Rounding corners to move into place does not look as good as if you were to have the first two Mark Time when they are in line with the team commander while the other two Drillers move next to them, all turn to their left in four counts and step off toward the commander. Drillers: don't swing you arms; keep them at your side.

Commander: you are bending your arms when you march and your facing movements need some work as well.

The Mark Time up to 1:47 when the team moves from the block into

[DrillMasterTraining]

4. the line, is too long. Get to your spot and all stop, no need to continue. Look at the ripple line and watch for secondary movement. The Drillers display a lack of precision: unnecessary arm, torso and head movements. Ripple line is too long, at the same tempo and repetitive, changing the tempo and shortening it will be more effective for your audience. Why isn't the commander in the block at some point?

Let me know if I can be of further assistance,

DrillMaster

TheDrillMaster (dot) org

[AlexandriaDIVUSNSCC]

@DrillMasterTraining Re: last question; Unlike JROTC, the commander is not a Cadet and is not part of the "formation". Our model was that of the US Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team.

[DrillMasterTraining]

@AlexandriaDIVUSNSCC He never looked like a cadet, but it would be nice to have him integrated. I saw the resemblance to the Navy's team. I know their routines well. Thanks!