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Color Guard

    Color Guard Editor's Picks

    • How to Do Color Guard

      Color guard is a way for students to show their school spirit and their physical skills. The color guard uses a drilling sequence similar to military marching as well as specific moves with a flag. The combination of these two aspects creates an interesting visual effect for spectators. To do color guard moves correctly requires a... more »

    • About Color Guard Routines

      As a part of celebration of respect, the color guard is often called upon for its services. A color guard mostly adds an element of pride to whomever the members represent, be it a university or a military-affiliated group. What makes a color guard stand out is the precision and performance of the routines. Here are the essentials. more »

    • About Color Guard Uniforms

      Along with flags and rifles, color guard uniforms are time-honored symbols of group pride and support, whether worn by high school students or a nation's troops. These official uniforms also signify a respect for tradition while honoring a country or organization through the use of institutional colors. For centuries, color guard... more »

    • How to Become a Color Guard Instructor

      Becoming an instructor is a great way to turn your love of color guard into a profession. Instructors are often former color guard performers who have demonstrated a talent for choreography, an understanding of all equipment, routines and body movement and an ability to pass that information onto others. Read on to learn how to become... more »

    • How to Do Flicks with a Color Guard Flag

      The color guard, sometimes called a flag squad, is a group that uses flags to add visual components to musical performances. A flick is a simple movement in which you toss your flag in a 180 degree angle, or half rotation. more »

    Wikipedia

    Color guard

    In the military of the United States and other militaries, the Color guard carries the National Color and other flags appropriate to its position in the chain of command. Typically these include a unit flag and a departmental flag (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard). In addition to the flag bearers, who are positioned in the center of the color guard, there are two individuals who carry rifles.

    History
    Since early history, flags and banners have been used by armies in battle. They served several purposes: to identify units, for signalling and to be a common point of reference for the movements of the soldiers in the unit, enabling them to keep formation. The flag was also a symbol of the unit. The loss of a units flag was not only shameful, but losing this central point of reference could make the unit break up. To protect the flag, a detachment of soldiers was assigned to guard it.

    Composition

    In the U.S., traditionally, the units sergeant major is responsible for the safeguarding, care, and display of the organizational colors. He is also responsible for the selection, training, and performance of the members. (United States Department of the Army) The Color guard consists of enlisted members and is commanded by the senior (Color) Sergeant, who carries the National Color and gives the necessary commands for movements and rendering honors during drill exercises or parade ceremonies. (United States Department of the Army)

    Being assigned to the Color guard is considered an honor due to the fact that these individuals present and carry the symbols of their unit and country. Depending on the circumstance and subject to the orders of their commander, members may wear full dress or less formal uniforms. It is mandatory for all members of the Color guard to wear headgear, for example, a garrison cap, beret, or service cap. On occasion, certain color guards can be horse-mounted.

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    The Color read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color+guard

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