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A colour guard detachment during the opening ceremony for the North Atlantic Council and Military Committee SEA Day Exercise.

In military organizations, a colour guard (or color guard) is a detachment of soldiers assigned to the protection of regimental colours and the national flag. This duty is highly prestigious, and the military colour is generally carried by a young officer (ensign), while experienced non-commissioned officers (colour sergeants) are assigned to the protection of the national flag. These non-commissioned officers, accompanied in several countries by warrant officers, can be ceremonially armed with either sabres or rifles to protect the colour. Colour guards are generally dismounted, but there are also mounted colour guard formations as well.

History

[edit]
Fight for the flag between French line infantry and Russian Guard cuirassiers at the battle of Austerlitz (1805).
Main article: Military colours, standards and guidons

As long as armies existed there was a need for soldiers to know where their comrades were. A solution to this problem was the carrying of colourful banners or other insignia. Such flags or banners either showed a personal symbol of the leader of said units or a symbol for the "state" they represented.

Such banners or flags also came to represent a units identity and history. They were therefore treated with reverence as they represented the honour and traditions of the regiment. The loss of a unit's flag was shameful, and losing that central point of reference could also make the unit break up. Therefore, regiments tended to adopt colour guards, a detachment of experienced or élite soldiers, to protect their colours. As a result, the capture of an enemy's standard was considered as a great feat of arms.

Regimental flags were sometimes awarded to a regiment by a head of state during a ceremony, which was considered a high honour usually reserved for elite units, and colours may be inscribed with battle honours or other symbols representing former achievements.

Due to the advent of modern weapons, and subsequent changes in tactics, colours are no longer used in battle but continue to be carried by colour guards at events of formal character.

By country

[edit]

Argentina

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In the Argentinean Armed Forces, the Colour Guard is composed by a junior officer (normally the most junior in the unit) carrying the colours, accompanied by two senior NCOs with rifles, who provide the escort. The group is followed by a senior NCO carrying the regimental standard, with two junior NCOs (sometimes, privates) as escorts. In academies and schools, the colours are carried by the student of the senior class with the highest marks, escorted by the two who follow him.

People's Republic of China

[edit]
Colour guard of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

In the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the colour guards include one ensign holding the flag of the People's Liberation Army as the national colour domestically or the flag of China when abroad, and two officers or senior NCOs assisting the ensign holding rifles.

In the parades of the 1950s, this configuration was present in every unit of the PLA up to the parade of 1959, but with the ensign and escorts drawn from individual formations. Today, only honour guards are granted colour guard duty to represent the whole of the PLA. Being the senior-most branch of the PLA, the Ground Forces representative serves as the ensign in the service colour guard, with the officer to his/her right being from the Navy and the officer to their left being from the Air Force.[1] Since 1981, the PLA has continued a tradition of the colour guard detail with the PLA flag leading the Beijing Garrison Honor Guard Battalion in military parades. In December 2017, the Beijing Garrison Colour Guard Company of the People's Armed Police, which is present during flag ceremonies in Tienanmen Square in Beijing carrying the national flag, was officially attached to the honour guard battalion.[2] Its colour guard squad follows the same format as the guard of honor colour guard squad.

Taiwan (Republic of China)

[edit]

In Taiwan, the colour guard tradition of the Republic of China Armed Forces is modeled on the German, Russian and US practice. Until 1976, each military unit sported a singular stand of colours on parade, as opposed to the honour guard of the ROCAF, which is more aligned with the traditions of the US Joint Service Honour Guard of the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region. All colour bearers of formations above company level must be, following US tradition, holding the rank of sergeant or above as a non-commissioned officer, while the colour escorts are lower ranking enlisted personnel. All wear full dress, service dress or battle dress uniforms. Since the National Day parade of 1978, the format of unit colour guards in ROCAF formations of battalion size (and of equivalent formations) is:

  • Left escort
  • 1st 2 company guidon bearers
  • Unit colour
  • 2nd 2 company guidon bearers
  • Right escort

Brigade-level colours (and above) are guided by the left and right escorts only.

The joint service colour guard of the ROCAF General Headquarters, today as in the past, is similarly composed but is more larger, with its composition being

  • Left escort
  • Air Force Flag
  • Naval Jack
  • Army Flag
  • Flag of the Republic of China (National Colour)
  • Army Honour Guard Unit Colour
  • Navy Honour Guard Unit Colour
  • Air Force Honour Guard Unit Colour
  • Right escort

Commonwealth of Nations

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The old colours of the Royal Regiment of Canada are marched off by colour guards, during the presentation of new colours to the regiment.

Colour guards are used in the military throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, including Australia, Canada,[3] Jamaica, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. A colour guard unit typically consists of the standard-bearer, who is of the rank of second lieutenant or equivalent (pilot officer or sub-lieutenant), positioned in the centre of the colour guard, flanked by two or more individuals, typically armed with rifles or sabres. A colour sergeant major typically stands behind the colours carrying a pace stick. So, the formation (when the colours are combined on parade) is as follows:

  • Colour Sergeants carrying rifles
  • Ensigns
  • Sergeant of the Guard
  • Colour Sergeant Major behind the colour

Aside from presenting arms and sabres, colour guards of the Commonwealth of Nations are expected to lower their flags to the ground in full and regular salutes in ceremonies and parades. Civilians should stand during such times and soldiers are expected to salute them when not in formation.

United Kingdom

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As the British Army, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy have several types of colours, there are also colour guards for these colours and these colours and their colour guards are as follows:

British Army (infantry)
[edit]
Colour Sergeant of the Welsh Guards. Note the distinctive shoulder insignia on the upper arm.
  • King's Colour – Union Flag (Crimson with insignia and the honours for the Guards Division)
    Colour Sergeants and Ensign
  • State Colour – Crimson with insignia and the honours and the royal cypher at the corners, used only for the Guards Division in ceremonies in the presence of the monarch
    Colour Sergeants and Ensign
  • Regimental colour – Union Flag on the canton with the regimental arms and honours
    same as in the King's Colour
  • Combined Colour Guards (units)
    Colour Sergeants, Ensign, Guard Sergeant of the Colours, Colour Sergeant Major
Royal Air Force
[edit]
Colour guard for the Royal Air Force.
  • King's Colour – Royal Air Force Ensign with the sovereign's cypher and the RAF roundel
    Ensign and armed escorts
  • RAF Ensign
    Same as King's Colour
  • Squadron Colour – Air force blue with the unit insignia and honours
    same as King's Colour
  • Combined Colour Guards (units)
    Colour Sgts., Ensigns, Guard Sergeant of the Colours, CSM
British Army (cavalry)
[edit]

In the cavalry, the King's Standard or Guidon and the regimental/squadron standard or guidon (for the light cavalry only) are the equivalents to the King's and regimental colours.

  • King's Standard – Crimson with the royal coat of arms, the royal cypher and the regimental honours
    Colour Sergeant/Corporal of Horse, Warrant Officers
  • Regimental/squadron standard/guidon – Crimson or scarlet or other colours with the royal cypher, the Union Badge, regimental insignia and honours (only guidons are swallow tailed)
    same as in the King's Standard/Guidon
  • Combined Colour Guards (units)
    Colour Corporals/Sergeants, Warrant Officers, Guard Corporal/Sergeant of the Colours, Colours Corporal Major (Household Cavalry), Colours Sergeant Major (other cavalry and armour units)

Colour guards in the artillery units are technically the lead gun's crew and leader (except in the Honourable Artillery Company which uses both guns and colours) and there are no colour guards in the rifle regiments (nowadays The Rifles), the Royal Gurkha Rifles (which use the King's Truncheon) and in the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

Royal Navy
[edit]

All of the RN's King's Colours are identical. Within the RN a colour guard unit consists of:

  • King's Colour – White Ensign defaced with the sovereign's cypher and inscribed with honours
    Ensigns and escorts
  • White Ensign
    Same as King's Colour
  • Combined Colour Guards
    Escorts, Ensigns, Guard Sergeant of the Colours, CSM
Royal Marines
[edit]
  • King's Colour – Union Jack with the sovereign's cypher and the RM emblem and motto with the "Gibraltar" battle honour
    Ensigns and escorts
  • Regimental colour – Union Jack on the canton and dark blue with HM King George IV's cypher and the unit name, and the sovereign's cypher on the other corners
    Ensigns and escorts
  • Combined Colour Guards for the RM
    Escorts, Ensigns, Guard Sergeant of the Colours, CSM

France

[edit]
A mounted French colour guard

A French colour guards typically includes one ensign holding the flag of France as the national colour, two non-commissioned officers assisting the ensign, and three enlisted personnel behind to guard the colour.

The colour guards of France's military academies tend to wear swords; those of NCO schools, other educational institutions and active units carry rifles instead. This design is used in other countries with Francophone populations.

French colour guards render honours on the command of present arms (présentez arme). On command, the two NCOs and three enlisted will execute present arms, whether it be by presenting their sabre vertically or by putting the right hand over the handle of their weapon while the ensign lowers the national colour/unit colour somewhere close to their legs. On some occasions, the flag is not lowered unless the guard is in the presence of a dignitary (such as the President of the Republic) or a military leader (such as the Chief of the Defence Staff).

Germany

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Colour guards of the Bundeswehr follow the old German traditions of a three-man colour guard team.[4] A tradition stemming from the days of empire, the colour guard is made up of an ensign, usually a senior NCO (and historically a lieutenant), and two unarmed escorts.

Indonesia

[edit]
See also: Military colours, standards and guidons § Indonesia
Indonesian National Armed Forces colour guards

In Indonesia, the colour guard is known as "Pataka" an abbreviation from the Indonesian term Pasukan Tanda Kehormatan which is the term used in various uniformed institutions including the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Municipal Police units, etc. The Pataka consists of white-uniformed 9 to 12 guardsmen which are present during ceremonial events carrying and escorting the Colour of the institution. The Pataka are modeled from the former Dutch practice and is led by a colour sergeant positioned at the middle of the guard (rear of the ensign), while the ensign who carries the colour is usually a junior lieutenant (2nd Lieutenant or Ensign). For a battalion level, the colour is carried by a Sergeant/chief petty officer. In the case of a massed colour guard, the Ensign (1st Lieutenant/Lieutenant (junior grade) rank leads the formation. In the Army, the Horse Cavalry Detachment (Detasemen Kavaleri Berkuda) maintains a mounted colour guard unit.[5]

Composition

[edit]
  • Colour officer
  • Lead squad carrying the unit colour or national flag
    • One colour sergeant/ensign
    • Two non-commissioned officers escorting the colour
  • Relief squad
    • One replacement colour sergeant/ensign
    • Two non-commissioned officers
  • Rear guard squad of three enlisted personnel (two squads of 3–4 in the Indonesian Marine Corps)

The uniform of the colour guard in Indonesia is all-white, wearing a white ceremonial combat helmet similar to the M1 helmet, white full dress uniforms, white leather flag carrier worn by the ensign, and white parade boots. The colour guard from the military or police usually carries the Lee–Enfield or M1 Garand rifle, but sometimes the M16, FN FAL or Pindad SS1 rifle is used.[6]

Mexico

[edit]

In Mexico, an Escolta de la bandera or Escolta is used to describe colour guards and flag parties in the Spanish language. In Mexico these formations are made up of six individuals: the flag party commander and the escort proper of around 5, following the French practice. In the Mexican Armed Forces, National Guard and state police formations the colour escort squad is made up of:

  • Ensign carrying the Flag of Mexico as National Colour (Infantry and other units)/National Standard (Cavalry and Artillery (the latter in the Army only))
  • Two escorts
  • Rear section of two escorts

In Mexican schools, during flag ceremonies—or as known in Mexico juramentos a la bandera or honores a la bandera—the school's colour guard march around the schoolyard while the rest of the students and school staff sing the national anthem; once they finish, the pledge of allegiance is recited, even though it's not mandated by law to do so, and finally the colour guard march off.

Normally, the honour of being part of such colour guards—or as known in Mexico escoltas—is bestowed upon disciplined students with high grades in the latest school year (6th grade in elementary schools, 9th grade in middle schools, and 12th grade in high schools). Sometimes, though, students from lower years or with lower grades may be chosen. Some schools only employ female students.

The layout consists of the flag-bearer flanked by two escorts—the right and the left escort—on the rear there are two rearguards and finally to the right escort's right is the commander. Normally the shortest members happen to be the rearguards. They wear their school dress or athletic uniform.

Netherlands

[edit]

The Dutch armed forces have similar ranks corresponding to a colour guard, the vaandrig and kornet (aspirant officers who have not been sworn in yet). The colour guard practice mirrors that of the United Kingdom, with an ensign of second lieutenant rank (or equivalent), armed escorts, and a colour guard commander. All wear full dress uniform as a general rule.

Post-Soviet states

[edit]
Colour Guard of the 154th Preobrazhensky Independent Commandant's Regiment at the 2010 Victory Day Parade in St. Petersburg.

The practices of the colour guards for the armed forces of a number of post-Soviet states in the Commonwealth of Independent States are similar to one another, adopting the practice from the former Soviet Armed Forces. Colour guards from these states are typically composed of a colour officer, one ensign or senior NCO holding the flag of their respective country as the national colour or the unit colour, and two enlisted personnel assisting the ensign. Active units, military academies, and guards of honour carry sabers in the colour guard, if needed, rifles may be substituted. The guard wears full or combat dress uniform.

If there are multiple colour guards marching in a parade at the same time, one guard is required to march directly behind the first guard. During the Soviet era, the Soviet flag was never allowed to be paraded by a military colour guard, with military and regimental flags only being paraded in colour guards. On occasion during the Soviet era, the Victory Banner was also used in colour guard teams, with the last known occasions being in 1975, 1977, 1985, 1987 and 1990.

However, several post-Soviet armed forces have deviated/modified the practices of the former Soviet colour guard; evident with the colour guards of the Turkmen Ground Forces, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose colour guards dip their flags as a form of salute.

The customs practiced by the colour guards of the former Soviet Armed Forces was also adopted by the Mongolian Armed Forces, given the historical relationship between the two countries. Other countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba (replacing the United States practice after 1959), North Korea and Vietnam have adopted this variant of the Soviet system.

Romania

[edit]

A standard template for a colour guard formation in the Romanian Armed Forces follows French precedent but with the addition of a colour officer leading the formation. The front of the guard is made up of the ensign, a junior officer, flanked by two armed or unarmed escorts, together with the colour officer, with three rear escorts behind the ensign.

From 1949 to 1986 the Army of the Socialist Republic of Romania and Securitate followed Soviet practice in colour guard training and protocols. Since that year the old tradition was restored in the uniformed organizations[7] and thus remains till today in the country.

Colours of battalions and brigades are not provided with a colour guard at all since they were introduced in the 2000s.

Serbia

[edit]

Given a shared heritage with Austria and Turkey plus its own traditions, the modern Serbian Armed Forces maintains a colour guard component. Every unit of the Armed Forces has a colour company that includes the colour company commander and the colour guards; which includes one ensign, usually a subaltern officer, two armed senior NCOs serving as colour escorts, and two honour guard platoons guarding the colour from the rear also armed. Unlike in other countries the colour guard company wears either full or combat dress. The Guard of the Serbian Armed Forces has its colour company wearing dress uniform.

Sweden

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Swedish ceremonial colour guard at the opening of the Riksdag in 2011.

In Sweden the colour guard can be composed in three distinct manners: Greater colour guard, smaller colour guard and an officers guard. Each regiment, or military unit that carries a colour, in Sweden sets up its own colour guard. The Swedish military rank of fänrik (and the corresponding cavalry rank of kornett) was originally intended for the holder of the company flag. This duty was considered so prestigious that an officer was necessary to carry it out. Today, it is a regular officer rank.

Composition

[edit]

A expanded colour guard composed of two commissioned officers, called fanförare (ensigns, literally carriers of the colour) and eight enlisted personnel behind the colour or colours. This stems from the time of king Gustavus Adolphus and the Thirty Years' War when all Swedish regiments had eight battalions. Each battalion contributed one soldier to the common colour guard. If one colour is carried the second officer serves as the colour officer.

A smaller colour guard is composed of one commissioned officer and four enlisted soldiers. An officers colour guard is composed of three commissioned officers, one ensign and two officer escorts carrying sabres.

United States

[edit]
United States Marine Corps colour guard during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner". Note that the national flag does not dip.

In the military of the United States, the colour guard carries the national colour 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, Space Force or Coast Guard, plus the National Guard Bureau (Army and/or Air Force)). In addition to the flag bearers, who are positioned in the center of the colour guard, there are two or more individuals who carry rifles and or sabres. This is a symbol that the flag (and its nation) will always be protected.

Composition of the US colour guard

[edit]

In the U.S., traditionally, the unit's sergeant major is responsible for the safeguarding, care, and display of the organizational colours. The sergeant major is also responsible for the selection, training, and performance of the members.[8] The colour guard consists of enlisted members and is commanded by the senior (colour) Sergeant, who carries the National Colors and gives the necessary commands for movements and rendering honours during drill exercises or parade ceremonies.[9]

Being assigned to the colour guard is considered an honour 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 colour guard to wear headgear, for example, a garrison cap, beret, or service cap. On occasion, certain colour guards can be horse-mounted.

A US colour guard is made up of a "Color Sergeant" carrying the National Colours and serves as the unit commander, a unit or command colour bearer, and two colour escorts carrying rifles and/or sabres. If multiple colours are carried, multiple colour bearers may be needed.

Rendering honours and Maneuvering

[edit]

The U.S. colour guard is formed and marched in one rank at close interval. Since the National Colors must always be in the position of honour on the right,[10] the colour guard must execute a special movement to reverse direction. It does not execute rear march, nor does it execute about face. Rather, it performs a maneuver derived from the standard counter-column command, generally known as counter march or colour reverse march, in order to keep the precedence of flags in order.

A colour guard detachment from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment in full dress. Color guards of the U.S. Armed Forces typically wear full-dress, or less formal attire.
Joint colour guard marching at Guam
WW II Color Guard of the 6th Infantry, 1945
See also: Similar image

Other drill movements performed by the colour guard include presenting arms, left and right wheel (turns) marches, eyes right (upon passing the reviewing stand during a parade), casing / uncasing the colour, and fixing/unfixing bayonets (by the arms bearers). Liberation Day parade.

The colour guard renders honours when the national anthem is played or sung, when passing in review during a parade, or in certain other circumstances. In these cases, the unit and departmental flags salute by dipping (leaning the flag forward). However, with the exception of a response to a naval salute, the United States national flag renders no salute. This is enshrined in the United States Flag Code and U.S. law.

In the U.S. military, individuals or units passing or being passed by uncased (unfurled) colours render honours when outdoors. Individuals who are not part of any formation begin the hand salute when the colours are six paces distant and hold it until they have passed six paces beyond the colours.[11]

Civilians are expected to stand at the position of attention with their right hand placed over their heart for the same period, and the hand salute applies to uniformed organizations as well (specifically the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA). Since recently, veterans are expected to hand salute the colours too, like their military counterparts including personnel not in uniform.

Vatican City

[edit]

In the Swiss Guard, the bearer of the colours is the sergeant major of the guard. On such occasions, he is protected by two guardsmen (one to either side, ranked at either corporal or vice-corporal) carrying flame-bladed swords in place of the Guard's nominal ceremonial weapon, the halberd.

In film and television

[edit]

"On Guard: A Story of American Youth" [12][13][14][15][16][17] is 2023 documentary film directed by Allen Otto and executive produced by Jim Czarnecki. The film premiered at the 2023 Philadelphia Latino Film Festival.[18] The film follows the journey of an all-female colour guard team at Bel Air High School whose goal is to qualify for the 2020 WGI World Championships, which were ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a performance dedicated to the victims of the 2019 El Paso Shooting.[19]

Contemporary Color is a 2016 documentary film directed by Turner Ross and Bill Ross IV. The film was produced as a collaboration between David Byrne, Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey and Josh Penn.

See also

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Colour guard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A colour guard is a detachment of soldiers responsible for carrying, protecting, and escorting regimental colours, national flags, and other standards during military parades, ceremonies, and historically in battle. The role traces its origins to formations where colours served as vital rallying points for troops, symbolizing unit identity and cohesion, with guards selected from the most courageous members to defend them against enemy capture. In modern armed forces, including those of the , Commonwealth nations, and the , colour guards perform ceremonial duties such as presenting flags at official events, trooping the colours, and participating in presentations where sovereigns or commanders bestow new standards upon units. These units exemplify precision, , and , often comprising armed or unarmed personnel in dress uniforms who execute synchronized marches and salutes to honor fallen service members, dignitaries, and national occasions. The practice underscores the enduring symbolic importance of colours as embodiments of regimental heritage and national sovereignty, with guards maintaining protocols that preserve historical protocols amid contemporary ceremonial contexts.

Fundamentals

Definition and Role

A is a specialized detachment tasked with safeguarding and presenting regimental colours, national , and organizational standards during official ceremonies and events. These units typically consist of a flag bearer for the national colour, a bearer for the unit or organizational colour, and armed escorts responsible for protection and precise movements. The composition ensures the colours are handled with utmost , reflecting the unit's heritage and operational history through affixed battle honors or streamers. In contemporary armed forces, the colour guard's primary role is ceremonial, involving the posting, parading, and retiring of colours to honor traditions, pay respects to fallen service members, and represent pride at parades, sporting events, and civic functions. This duty extends to rendering honors, such as during national anthems or salutes, where the guard maintains fixed postures to symbolize unwavering loyalty and readiness. Unlike combat roles, modern colour guards emphasize precision in movement and appearance to foster esprit de corps and public respect for the institution. The significance of the colour guard lies in its embodiment of unit identity and historical continuity, with colours serving as focal points for troop alignment and morale in both past battles and present rituals. By executing protocols outlined in drill manuals, such as those governing formation and escort procedures, colour guards uphold standards that distinguish official proceedings from informal gatherings. Their presence reinforces the causal link between ceremonial discipline and the broader ethos of service, ensuring that symbols of sovereignty and sacrifice are preserved with reverence.

Equipment and Standards

The primary equipment for a colour guard includes the colours (flags representing the unit or nation), flagstaffs, and associated fittings such as cords, tassels, slings, and protective cases. In the , the stand of colours comprises the Sovereign's Colour (typically a Union Flag variant with regimental battle honours and embroidered in the center) and the Regimental Colour (bearing the regimental device on a background matching the unit's facing color, such as blue for ). These are constructed from or durable synthetic equivalents, with dimensions historically standardized at approximately 90 cm by 115 cm for colours, trimmed with fringe and mounted via a brass socket to prevent wear. Flagstaffs, or pikes, are essential for bearing the colours and are typically crafted from seasoned wood for strength and balance, often in two sections for transport, with lengths around 2.7 meters (9 feet) to allow elevation above the bearer's head during marches. Accessories include crimson-and-gold cords and tassels extending about 1 meter, slings for carrying, and or wooden cases for storage and transit to preserve the from environmental damage. Standards mandate that these elements be inspected regularly for fraying or discoloration, with replacements embroidered by authorized manufacturers to ensure uniformity and heraldic accuracy. In the United States Army, equipment aligns with specifications in Army Regulation 840-10, where organizational colours measure 36 by 48 inches, identical in size to the national colour, and are affixed to 9-foot-6-inch ash wood staffs topped with a such as a spearhead or eagle. Guards are equipped with service rifles (e.g., M16 series, rendered inert for ceremonial use) or swords for escort duties, alongside white cotton gloves to maintain hygiene and grip during handling. Streamers denoting battle honours are attached to the staff, with precise dimensions (2.75 inches wide by 72 inches long) to ensure proportional display without obscuring the colour. International variations exist, such as in the French Army where regimental colours are 90 cm square silk flags with golden fringes, or in the Royal Marines where the ensemble includes specialized mounts for parade stability. Rigorous standards emphasize durability against weather—using weather-resistant coatings on staffs—and ceremonial protocols, including zero-tolerance for damage or misuse, as outlined in service drill manuals like the U.S. Marine Corps' MCO P5060.20, which specifies M16A2 rifles for joint colour guards. These regulations derive from historical precedents but are codified in modern policy to uphold unit identity and operational readiness.

Historical Development

Ancient and Medieval Origins

The use of military standards as symbols of unit identity and rallying points originated in ancient civilizations, including around 5000 years ago, where banners and emblems helped coordinate troops amid the chaos of battle. Similar practices appeared in Mesopotamian and Assyrian armies, employing ensigns such as divine symbols or animal figures to mark formations and inspire , with bearers positioned centrally to maintain . These early standards were not merely decorative but carried psychological weight, as their capture signified defeat and demoralization for the losing side. In the Roman Republic and Empire, the tradition evolved with formalized roles for standard-bearers, most notably the aquilifer, who carried the legion's sacred golden eagle (aquila), introduced as the primary emblem by the 1st century BCE under reforms attributed to Gaius Marius. The aquilifer ranked as a senior non-commissioned officer, often wearing a bearskin headdress for distinction, and bore responsibility for safeguarding the eagle during combat, serving as both quartermaster and a focal point for legionaries to regroup. Losing the aquila—as occurred infamously at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BCE—was viewed as an existential dishonor, prompting emperors like Augustus to prioritize its recovery, such as in the campaigns against Parthia. Other standards, like cohort signa carried by signiferi, supplemented the aquila, with bearers protected implicitly by surrounding troops due to the emblem's tactical and morale value. Medieval European forces inherited and adapted Roman precedents through Byzantine influences and feudal , where knights and lords bore personal banners or gonfalons—triangular or swallow-tailed flags—depicting heraldic devices to denote and command knights during tournaments or skirmishes from the onward. By the 12th-13th centuries, larger armies employed vexillarii or standard-bearers to carry rectangular standards signaling assaults, with retainers forming informal guards to defend them against targeting, as banners remained prime objectives for disrupting cohesion. This protective role, evident in chronicles of Crusader and engagements, marked an early precursor to organized color guards, emphasizing the causal link between standard security and battlefield control, though without the rigid formations of later eras.

Early Modern and Colonial Eras

The role of the colour guard in European armies crystallized during the 16th and 17th centuries amid the transition to more disciplined infantry tactics, such as formations. Regimental colours served as vital rallying points for troops in battle, marking the unit's position and the commander's location while boosting morale; their capture by enemies was a profound , often leading to the regiment's dissolution or heavy losses as soldiers fought desperately to defend them. Typically, a junior officer known as the ensign—whose title originated around 1540 from the French "ensiegne" meaning —carried the colour, supported by a small detachment of or soldiers selected for their reliability and prowess to form the guard and repel assaults. This structure proved critical in major conflicts of the era, including the English Civil Wars (–1651) and the (1618–1648), where dense smoke and chaotic melee made visual markers indispensable for maintaining formation cohesion. Ensigns, often the youngest commissioned officers, were prime targets, necessitating robust guards composed of pikemen or early musketeers who prioritized the colour's safety over personal survival; historical accounts emphasize that regiments without their colours struggled to reform or advance effectively. By the late 17th century, with the rise of standing armies under monarchs like of and , colour guards became more formalized, incorporating ceremonial drills alongside battlefield duties to instill discipline and regimental pride. European colonial forces in the adapted these practices from the outset of permanent settlements in the , with British militias and regular regiments employing colour guards to assert authority and unity in against indigenous forces and rivals. In North American colonies, colours symbolized loyalty to and provided focal points during skirmishes, as seen in British provincial regiments during (1675–1676), where guards protected flags amid ambushes despite limited formal training. Regular troops, such as those of the 62nd Regiment of Foot deployed to the colonies by the mid-18th century, carried two colours—the King's (featuring the Union design) and the regimental—guarded by detachments in scarlet uniforms with facing colours denoting the unit, performing both protective roles in the (1754–1763) and ceremonial presentations in garrisons. These guards often integrated fifers and drummers for signaling orders and sustaining morale, mirroring metropolitan traditions while adapting to frontier conditions.

Modern Evolution and Standardization

In the , the colour guard's function shifted decisively from battlefield rallying to ceremonial symbolism, as rifled firearms and improved command structures reduced the need for visible standards amid combat formations. By , colours were rarely carried into active engagements, with guards instead focusing on escort duties during reviews and retreats; this trend solidified post-World War II, when colour guards emphasized morale-boosting displays in victory parades and commemorations, such as the 1945 Allied events in . Standardization advanced through codified military drill regulations, ensuring uniform execution across units. The U.S. Army formalized colour guard procedures in manuals like the 1862 Infantry Tactics by , which first explicitly described guard detachments, evolving into modern publications such as Training Circular 3-21.5 (May 2021), detailing precise commands, staff alignments, and weapon handling for national and organizational colours during ceremonies. The U.S. Marine Corps similarly outlined protocols in Marine Corps Order P5060.20 (updated 2018), specifying plural "colors" terminology rooted in historical usage and movements like eyes right for passing salutes. These documents prioritized elite personnel for roles, adapting 19th-century drills to contemporary equipment like M1 rifles or ceremonial sabres while maintaining four-to-six member teams for balance and security. Internationally, forces retained British-influenced standards, with post-1945 adaptations for joint exercises promoting interoperability in flag presentations; for instance, the U.S. Honor Guard standardized global training by the late to support allied events. This era also saw expanded use in civilian-military integrations, such as joint services colours at U.S. national memorials since the , reinforcing without combat utility.

Organization and Personnel

Composition and Formation

A colour guard, also referred to as a colour party in traditions, typically comprises flag bearers tasked with carrying the national and regimental or organizational colours, accompanied by armed escorts for protection and ceremonial support. The exact composition varies by and scale, but core elements include at least two bearers and two guards. In the United States Marine Corps, the standard colour guard consists of four members: a senior colour bearer carrying the , a junior bearer with the organizational colours, and two riflemen serving as guards. The colour bearers are unarmed, equipped with 9½-foot wooden flagstaffs, while guards carry rifles such as the M16A2 or swords. In the United States Army, the colour guard includes the national colour bearer, organizational colour bearer, and an appropriate number of guards, commonly 4 to 8 personnel depending on requirements, with guards positioned to flank and rear of bearers. Joint Armed Forces colour guards expand to eight members, comprising representatives from multiple branches: three from the , two from the , and one each from the , , and , ensuring balanced service participation in inter-service events. The formation is arranged in a single rank at close interval, with colour bearers centered and guards on the flanks; the national colour is positioned to the right of the organizational colour during order or carry positions. In line formations, the colour guard positions in front and centered on ; in column, it marches at the head preceding the or at the rear; in mass formations, it aligns at the front center or flank as specified. Guards march at right shoulder arms, maintaining alignment without free arm swing, and execute movements like wheels or present arms on command from the senior bearer.

Selection Criteria and Training

Selection for colour guard duties typically requires soldiers to meet specific physical, fitness, and professional standards, as these units demand uniformity, precision, and discipline to represent organizational symbols effectively. In the U.S. Army, personnel are drawn from ranks such as sergeants and specialists or privates, with selection viewed as a distinct honor due to the role's ceremonial responsibilities. Height minimums ensure visual consistency across formations; for elite units like the Continental Color Guard, candidates must stand at least 73 inches tall, while broader honor guard roles often specify 72 inches for males and 68-70 inches for females. Physical fitness is assessed via standardized tests, such as achieving at least 70% on the Army Physical Fitness Test with a cumulative score of 250 for specialized assignments. In the British Army, particularly for high-profile events like Trooping the Colour, colour party members are hand-picked from fully trained, operational personnel in units such as the Household Division, prioritizing those with proven drill proficiency and bearing. Training emphasizes mastery of and protocols to protect and present colours with exactitude, often governed by official manuals. U.S. personnel undergo instruction in formations, where the senior commands the guard and carries the , while juniors handle organizational standards, focusing on movements like casing, uncasing, and marching precision. Rigorous tryouts and cycles assess and refine skills in handling, maneuvers, and synchronized stepping, as seen in the Continental Color Guard's , which elevates participants through repetitive practice of historical and modern techniques. British training involves extensive rehearsals, such as those conducted by the at facilities like the , to achieve parade-ready for sovereign events. Overall, programs stress not only technical execution but also the symbolic gravity of the role, with ongoing evaluation to maintain standards amid operational demands.

Uniforms and Discipline

Colour guard personnel wear the full ceremonial uniform prescribed by their , which serves to distinguish the unit's role in upholding regimental or national symbols during formal events. In the United States , this uniform aligns with that of the participating troops and includes additional items such as white polyester gloves, uniform neck scarves, and flag staff slings in , , or drab to facilitate handling and presentation of colours. These elements ensure a standardized appearance that emphasizes formality and precision, with often carried at the order arms position without in certain indoor settings. In Commonwealth forces, such as the , colour parties similarly adopt No. 1 ceremonial dress, featuring tunics, peaked caps or bearskins for guard units, and accoutrements like cross-belts or sashes, regulated by the Army Dress Committee to maintain historical and operational uniformity. Polished boots, white gloves, and on for escort personnel are common, reinforcing the visual and symbolic gravity of the formation. These uniforms prioritize visibility, tradition, and ease of movement during static and marching evolutions. Discipline in colour guard units demands exceptional military bearing, with members selected for their , attention to detail, and ability to execute synchronized under scrutiny. Training focuses on repetitive practice of handling, salutes, and formations to avoid errors like dropping colours, which historically signified unit disgrace. In the Air Force, incoming guardsmen undergo an eight-week program emphasizing precision, posture maintenance, and adherence to standards without verbal communication during performances. Army protocols require colour guards to assume parade rest during unit at-ease periods, underscoring constant vigilance and decorum. This rigorous ethos extends to and conduct, reflecting broader values of cohesion and for symbols.

Ceremonial Protocols

Flag Protection and Presentation

The colour guard's core historical function has been the defense of regimental colours and national flags during battle, where these standards served as vital unit identifiers and rallying points for troops amid the chaos of . Losing the colours was considered a profound dishonor, often leading to severe disciplinary measures, as they symbolized the regiment's honor and cohesion. Colour bearers, typically the most experienced or bravest soldiers, advanced at the forefront, flanked by guards who repelled attempts to capture the standards, resulting in exceptionally high casualty rates for guard members. In modern ceremonial contexts, flag protection manifests as rigorous protocols to safeguard colours from damage or disrespect, including armed escorts for heightened security during processions and strict handling rules to prevent the colours from touching the ground. of colours involves precise movements, such as posting indoors where the maintains the position of honor—on the marching right in line formations or ahead in columns—and is uncased only for formal honors. During outdoor ceremonies, guards execute facing movements and halts to ensure dignified display, with spectators rising and uniformed personnel saluting as the colours approach within six paces. The Presentation of Colours ceremony, particularly in Commonwealth traditions, entails trooping new standards before a unit while laying up the old ones, often conducted by a or to instill and . These protocols extend to of colours at event conclusions, reversing posting sequences to maintain symbolic continuity and reverence. Breaches in protection or presentation, such as dropping the , trigger immediate corrective actions to uphold standards of precision and respect.

Parades, Escorts, and Formations

In military parades, colour guards are typically positioned at the center of the formation during pass-in-review sequences to ensure the prominence and security of the colours. This placement allows the flags to be clearly visible to reviewing officers and spectators while maintaining tactical cohesion with escorting troops. Escorts for the colours consist of personnel detailed to protect and accompany the flag bearers, often numbering two to four individuals per side depending on the ceremony's scale and branch protocols. During escort duties, the colour guard advances in close formation alongside honour escorts, executing commands such as "Parade, REST" to synchronize movements with bands, dignitaries, and other units. The primary mission of these escorts is to safeguard the colours from potential threats, a role rooted in historical practices where loss of the standard signified unit defeat. Standard formations for colour guards in parades involve the national or sovereign's colour carried on the right and the regimental colour on the left, flanked by rifle-bearing escorts who maintain a vigilant posture with weapons at the shoulder or present arms. In ceremonies like , the escort—drawn from the regiment's lead company—marches the colour through the ranks in review order, halting for salutes and inspections before returning to position. Formations emphasize precision drilling, with guards maintaining alignment during advances, wheels, and halts to project discipline and unit pride.

Rendering Honours and Salutes

In ceremonial practice, colour guards render honours and through coordinated movements that emphasize discipline and respect for national or regimental standards. These actions typically involve the colour bearers maintaining an upright posture while escorts execute "present arms" with or perform hand salutes, ensuring the colours remain protected and prominent. The national colour, representing , is never dipped or lowered in salute, whereas organizational or regimental colours may be inclined forward at approximately 45 degrees during specific honors, such as to high-ranking officers or during anthems. Salutes by colour guards are initiated on command, often aligning with the sounding of or musical cues like "To the Colors." For instance, in U.S. protocols, the team assumes with flags grounded to the right, then advances to present arms upon approach of dignitaries, holding the position until ordered to order arms. Individuals or units passing uncased colours outdoors render a hand from six paces distant, maintaining it until six paces beyond, unless in formation where the entire unit presents arms. The organizational colour dips only during formal ceremonies like the , distinguishing it from the stationary national ensign. In British and traditions, honours involve lowering standards, guidons, or colours during a Royal to the sovereign or a General to field officers, with the regimental colour specifically inclined for the latter. The colour party executes these by presenting arms collectively, recovering on command after the salute base passes, as seen in trooping ceremonies where eyes are brought front post-recovery. extend to compliments paid to commissioned officers, with non-commissioned ranks acknowledging the King's Commission through formal drill, though colours in cases receive salutes only if uncased. These procedures underscore causal links between visual symbolism and , where precise execution reinforces hierarchical respect and historical continuity, though variations arise from national doctrines prioritizing uncased colours' immutability to avoid perceived subordination.

Symbolic and Cultural Significance

Role in Military Morale and Cohesion

In historical military contexts, regimental colours served as critical rallying points during battles, enabling troops to maintain formation and cohesion amid the chaos of combat, where smoke and disorder obscured visibility. The colour guard's duty to protect these standards at all costs fostered a sense of unit identity and determination, as soldiers rallied around them to prevent capture, which signified defeat and severely damaged morale. For instance, Frederick the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding colours, viewing their loss as a profound dishonor that could demoralize entire regiments. This protective role extended to boosting troop morale by symbolizing the regiment's heritage and battle honors, with colours often embroidered with campaign names that reinforced collective pride and resolve. Historical accounts indicate that grasping fallen colours to advance them forward inspired acts of heroism, binding soldiers through shared loyalty and preventing fragmentation under fire. In the , for example, the colours' presentation in the field acted as a visual anchor for commanding officers' positions, directly aiding in the preservation of command structure and fighting spirit. In modern militaries, the colour guard's ceremonial functions continue to cultivate esprit de corps by parading unit colours during formations, which instills discipline and a sense of continuity with past victories. U.S. Army drill and ceremony practices, including colour guard duties, explicitly build comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion among personnel, as evidenced by their role in uncasing colours upon deployment to signal . Similarly, the U.S. Marine Corps' Battle Color Detachment exemplifies how precise handling of colours demonstrates professionalism, reinforcing internal cohesion and pride in institutional history through public and internal displays.

National Patriotism and Tradition Preservation

Colour guards preserve military traditions originating from their historical duty to protect regimental and as rallying symbols during , where the colours marked the unit's position and inspired troops to maintain formation under fire. This role, dating to at least the in formations like those of the , emphasized the colours' centrality to brigade cohesion, with their capture signifying profound dishonor. Modern ceremonial practices replicate these battlefield functions in non-combat settings, ensuring the transmission of precision and symbolic reverence across generations. In contemporary militaries, colour guards participate in national patriotic events such as victory parades and remembrance ceremonies, where they present colours to evoke collective pride in historical sacrifices and national endurance. For instance, U.S. Army colour guards execute these duties with rigorous training in and movements to honor past and present service members, thereby reinforcing institutional and public appreciation of military heritage. Similarly, mounted colour guards in units like the U.S. Marines symbolize by linking current personnel to foundational roots through equestrian and flag-bearing traditions. These protocols foster by visually embodying and martial valor, as evidenced in their deployment at events commemorating wartime victories, which historically boosted morale and continue to cultivate unit esprit de . Preservation efforts extend to auxiliary and organizations that maintain colour guard units to sustain these amid evolving societal norms, preventing erosion of ceremonial standards tied to national defense narratives.

Criticisms and Debates on Relevance

Criticisms of colour guards often center on the allocation of personnel and resources, with detractors arguing that assigning elite or trained soldiers to ceremonial roles diverts them from operational duties and combat preparation. In the U.S. Army, for example, line company soldiers have been temporarily pulled for international colour guard assignments, such as marching in Estonia's Day , raising concerns about opportunity costs in an era of stretched deployments and readiness demands. Broader fiscal scrutiny extends to ceremonial military functions, including colour guards, amid budget pressures to prioritize warfighting over tradition. The U.S. Army's July 2025 announcement to disband most ceremonial units—responsible for parades and flag-related honors—and adopt out 141 horses reflects a doctrinal realignment toward enhancing capabilities, signaling that non-essential pageantry may strain limited funds better directed to modernization efforts like advanced weaponry and . Similar debates have targeted bands and historic guard units, with proposals to sever them from defense budgets to avoid subsidizing low-priority activities; in , state ceremonial horse guards opposed 2025 legislation that would reclassify them under oversight, highlighting tensions between heritage preservation and military efficiency. Debates on relevance question the enduring utility of colour guards in contemporary militaries, where their historical role as rallying points—making bearers prime targets in pre-modern warfare—has diminished with instantaneous communications, drones, and networked operations that render physical flags tactically obsolete. Advocates maintain that these units instill discipline, preserve , and bolster public engagement, indirectly supporting and by symbolizing national commitment; U.S. officials have emphasized colour guards' role in honoring traditions that underpin soldier pride and cohesion. Opponents counter that such emphasis risks fostering a of display over substance, potentially eroding focus on asymmetric threats and technological , as evidenced by recurring calls to trim ceremonial expenditures during defense reviews without empirical proof of their marginal contributions to operational effectiveness. Empirical data on costs remains sparse for colour guards specifically, given their small scale compared to larger elements, but the pattern in budget reallocations underscores a causal tension: ceremonial investments yield intangible benefits amid quantifiable demands for lethality in peer conflicts.

International Variations

United States

In the Armed Forces, the color guard is a ceremonial detachment tasked with protecting, escorting, posting, and retiring the national colors—the U.S. —and organizational or colors during military reviews, parades, honors ceremonies, and official events. This role upholds traditions originating from the Continental , where colors functioned as rally points in battle to maintain under fire, a practice inherited from European military customs and formalized in early American regulations. The standard color guard comprises four members: two armed guards with rifles on the flanks, the national color bearer positioned on the right (to the marching observer's left), and the organizational color bearer on the left, with white gloves worn by bearers and flagstaff carriers used for transport. Formations align in line or column at close or double intervals, centered within larger unit arrangements such as lines, masses, or columns, with the guard executing wheels, halts, and countermarches to maneuver. The U.S. always takes precedence, carried or posted to the right of all other colors, and a minimum detail requires the with two guards. During ceremonies, the guard posts colors by marching to position, halting, and executing "Post the Colors" to place them in stands, reversing for retirement with "Retire the Colors." Honors include presenting arms or hand s six paces from the colors, with organizational colors dipping forward in salute during the , "To the Colors," or passes by reviewing officers, while the national colors remain stationary and uncased. Service manuals such as TC 3-21.5 and Marine Corps Order 5060.20 prescribe these procedures, with analogous standards in the and for , , funerals, activations, and civic parades, emphasizing precision to render respect to the nation and fallen service members.

United Kingdom and Commonwealth

In the , the colour party consists of personnel responsible for carrying and protecting the regimental colours during parades and ceremonies, comprising typically the ensign who bears the colour, supported by non-commissioned officers acting as markers and escorts. Each battalion maintains two colours: the King's Colour, a field emblazoned with the royal cypher and battle honours under the Union Flag design, symbolizing allegiance to , and the Regimental Colour, featuring the regiment's badge and honours on a field of the unit's traditional hue. These standards trace their formalized use to 1743, when King George II decreed two colours per to serve as rallying points in battle, a practice evolving from earlier ad hoc banners. The presentation of new colours occurs through a consecration conducted by a , involving prayers and blessings, often presided over by the or a representative, after which the old colours are laid up in regimental chapels or museums. For instance, on June 13, 2025, King Charles III presented new colours to the at , marking their 375th anniversary, with one colour subsequently trooped in the King's Birthday Parade. Similarly, in June 2024, the King presented colours to companies of the for use in . , an annual event since at least 1760 commemorating the Sovereign's official birthday, features the colour party parading a selected colour through the ranks of assembled regiments on , involving over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians. Commonwealth nations, inheriting British military customs, employ analogous colour parties in their forces, adapting designs to national symbols while retaining core protocols. In , the King's Colour incorporates the flag with the royal and battle honours, carried by a colour party of cadet officers or designated personnel during ceremonial , often escorted by a . Australian Army units, such as the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, undergo presentation ceremonies by the , as in June 2019, where new colours were marched off in a mirroring British rites. These practices underscore continuity in and honour rendering, with colour parties executing salutes, escorts, and formations to preserve regimental identity and loyalty oaths.

European Nations

In France, each infantry carries a drapeau (colour), while mounted units use an étendard (standard), both escorted by a guard of soldiers during parades and ceremonies to symbolize regimental honor and serve as rallying points. These colours, typically the national tricolour with unit battle honors inscribed, are presented by the in the parade on July 14, where the escort maintains strict formation to protect the standard. In , units present Truppenfahnen (troop colours), square black-red-gold tricolours with a bordered fringe, guarded by ceremonial details often drawn from the stationed in . This 1,000-strong honour guard battalion handles flag-bearing duties in official events, including pledge ceremonies and parades, where the colour escort executes precise maneuvers to honor military tradition. Streamers on the staff denote branch affiliation: red for , blue for , and white for . Italy's army regiments bear bandiera di guerra (war flags), square silk tricolours measuring 99 cm per side for non-cavalry units, protected by a colour party during presentations that emphasize national and unit heritage. These standards, fringed and emblazoned with honors, are trooped in ceremonies akin to European norms, underscoring continuity from historical practices. Other continental European nations, such as those in and , adapt similar protocols, with honour guards escorting national or regimental colours in state functions, though specifics vary by post-World War II military reforms prioritizing functionality over elaborate historical pageantry.

Other Countries

In Indonesia, the Indonesian National Armed Forces employ color guards during official ceremonies and military exercises, such as the presentation of flags at events like the Pacific Armies Management Seminar in 2015, where the Indonesian National Army color guard marched the participating nations' flag off stage following the closing ceremony on September 17. These units, drawn from army, navy, and air force elements, emphasize disciplined formations and flag-bearing to symbolize national unity and military tradition. In , the Honor Guard Battalion functions as the primary ceremonial unit responsible for color guard duties, including the protection and presentation of national and military flags at state events and parades. Established in June 1953, the battalion comprises specialized detachments from the , , and , having executed over 4,000 ceremonial missions by 2016, with rigorous training focused on synchronized marching and rifle drill to project discipline and national pride during occasions like military anniversary commemorations. In , military color guards participate in joint international ceremonies and national observances, often presenting flags alongside allied forces, as seen in wreath-laying events honoring historical ties, such as the U.S.-Brazil commemoration at the in 2019, where Brazilian colors were carried in tandem with American ones. honor guards also maintain vigilant flag posts at memorials, like the at the to the Dead in in Rio de Janeiro, underscoring the role of colors in perpetuating martial heritage and solemn tributes.

Modern Usage

Military and Official Ceremonies

In modern organizations, the colour guard functions as a ceremonial unit tasked with safeguarding and presenting regimental, unit, or during official proceedings, symbolizing unit heritage and operational readiness. These detachments typically comprise 4 to 8 personnel, including flag bearers for the national ensign and organizational colours, flanked by armed escorts wielding rifles at to evoke historical defense roles. Protocols dictate that the maintains precedence, positioned to the right of other flags during marches and displays, with movements executed in precise formation to honor traditions while adapting to contemporary events. Colour guards participate in a range of ceremonies, including troop reviews, change-of-command rituals, and victory parades, where they case or uncase colours to mark transitions such as deployments or returns from operations. For instance, in U.S. Army procedure, uncasing the colours signals combat preparedness, a practice retained from 18th-century field standards now ritualized for morale and discipline. During honors for dignitaries, the guard renders presents arms upon commands like "To the Colors" or national anthems, remaining vigilant except for specified salutes. In Marine Corps events, such as those by the Battle Color Detachment, the guard integrates with drill platoons for synchronized performances emphasizing precision and unit pride. Official protocols emphasize uniformity in , with escorts maintaining fixed distances—typically 40 inches from bearers—and executing facings or halts without disrupting colour alignment. This ceremonial role extends to funerals and memorials, where guards post colours at half-staff or retire them solemnly, reinforcing esprit de corps amid evolving military structures. While rooted in symbolism, contemporary usage prioritizes representational duties, with focused on faultless execution to uphold institutional standards across joint and international contexts.

Civic and Public Events

Colour guards extend their ceremonial role beyond military contexts to civic and events, where they present national or organizational flags to symbolize respect, unity, and historical continuity during parades, commemorations, and community gatherings. These appearances underscore the transition of colour-bearing traditions from battlefield identifiers to symbols of , often involving precise movements to engage civilian audiences. In the United States, Marine Corps League detachments supply colour guards for thousands of parades and ceremonies each year, including local holiday observances and veteran memorials, thereby bridging military heritage with civilian life. Similarly, ROTC units participate in parades and university addresses, posting colours to honor service while promoting recruitment and civic education. Navy outreach programs deploy colour guards at civic events to add dignity through flag presentations, often alongside bands for enhanced formality. Sporting events routinely feature colour guards for pre-game rituals, such as advancing colours to the field for the , a practice rooted in post-World War II traditions to evoke shared among diverse crowds. Auxiliary teams support similar roles at public funerals, changes of watch, and parades, emphasizing volunteer contributions to community ceremonies. Historical societies, such as the , utilize colour guards at school assemblies, civic club meetings, churches, and public commemorations to demonstrate 18th-century drill, providing tangible links to foundational events like the . These engagements, while ceremonial, maintain doctrinal standards derived from military manuals to ensure authenticity and avoid dilution of original protocols. ![Guam Liberation Day parade with color guard](./assets/Guam_Liberation_Day_2019_(190721-F-XT896-1013) Public parades, such as those marking liberation anniversaries or national holidays, showcase colour guards marching in formation to rally communal participation, as seen in events like on July 21, where U.S. forces present colours amid civilian festivities. In broader civic contexts, these units foster military-civilian bonds by appearing at non-combat-related functions, countering perceptions of isolation through visible tradition.

Adaptations and Recent Practices

In the mid-20th century, traditional colour guard techniques, rooted in precise drill for protection and unit cohesion, adapted to civilian and drum corps contexts, where performers incorporated spinning, tossing, and work to enhance musical performances visually. This shift began in the with drum corps groups blending marching with stage , as seen in innovations by ensembles like the Berkeley Scouts, which drew from Busby Berkeley's film styles to introduce fluid movements over rigid formations. By the and , choreographers such as Stanley Knaub advanced "legit " integration, allowing simultaneous equipment manipulation and expressive bodywork, while groups like the Cadets in 1989 used colour guard to narrate thematic shows such as . Winter guard emerged as a key adaptation in the late , relocating outdoor routines indoors to gymnasiums during off-seasons, necessitating scaled-down formations, amplified music, and emphasis on close-range visual effects over large-field precision. This format, formalized through organizations like Winter Guard International (founded 1977), prioritized artistic with props beyond flags and rifles, including fabrics, hoops, and narrative sets, evolving from military utility to competitive . Modern ensembles now employ diverse equipment like double sabres and custom synced to electronic scores, with recognizing colour guard as a scored caption since 2000, rewarding innovations in body characterization and weapon synchronization. In military settings, recent practices maintain ceremonial precedence but incorporate joint-service teams for multinational events, such as parades, and standardized protocols for funerals and retirements, where synthetic materials replace historical fabrics for durability without altering fundamentals. High school and collegiate programs extend these traditions to shows and civic parades, participants in both ceremonial posting and performative tosses, though core emphasis remains on discipline over spectacle.

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  46. https://www.drillpad.net/DPpostingcolor%28A%29.htm
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