The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) honor guard is a prestigious group of cadets who perform ceremonial duties for the ROTC program and their university. The honor guard represents the ROTC program and the military at ceremonies and events both on campus and in the local community.
Some of the main responsibilities of an ROTC honor guard include:
Color Guard
One of the most visible roles of the ROTC honor guard is serving on the color guard. The color guard is responsible for properly displaying, handling, and caring for the flags during various ceremonies.
Some typical color guard duties include:
- Carrying the national flag and other flags in parades and ceremonies
- Presenting the colors by marching the flags into position at the start of an event
- Posting the colors by standing at attention with flags during an event
- Retiring the colors by marching the flags out of the ceremony area at the end
- Folding the flag properly after use with precise, crisp movements
Proper flag etiquette and drill and ceremonies procedures must be followed precisely by the color guard. It is considered an honor to be entrusted with the American flag and other flags during events.
Funeral Honors
One of the most solemn responsibilities of the ROTC honor guard is rendering funeral honors for veterans and active duty service members. Elements of funeral honors provided by the honor guard may include:
- Folding and presenting the flag to the next of kin
- Playing Taps on a bugle or trumpet
- Forming an honor cordon around the casket
- Firing a rifle volley salute
- Serving as pallbearers
Funeral honors show the military’s deep respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the deceased veteran or service member. ROTC cadets must maintain strict professionalism and decorum during funeral details.
Parades
The ROTC honor guard often leads or marches as a unit in parades held on campus or in the community. Some examples include:
- University homecoming parades
- Veterans Day parades
- Fourth of July parades
- Memorial Day parades
- Community festival parades
For parades, the honor guard will march in formation in their crisp uniforms while carrying banners, flags, or even drill rifles. Serving on the honor guard is a source of pride for cadets as they represent ROTC in public events.
Retreat Ceremonies
Most ROTC programs perform a retreat ceremony on campus near the end of the day. This ceremony pays respect to the flag as it is lowered and “retired” for the night.
Elements of a typical retreat ceremony conducted by the honor guard include:
- Marching into position in formation
- Crisp facing movements and salutes
- Lowering the flag precisely as the national anthem plays
- Folding the flag correctly
- Marching the flag off the ceremony area
The honor guard leads this ceremony with great professionalism, as retreating the flag is considered a high honor. Family and friends will often attend retreats to see cadets perform.
Campus Events
In addition to formal ceremonies, the ROTC honor guard may post colors or perform drill demonstrations at various campus events. Examples include:
- ROTC open houses for potential cadets
- University sporting events
- Graduations
- Veterans Day or Memorial Day observances
- Dining ins or military balls
Performing drill or ceremonies helps showcase the ROTC program and allows cadets to hone their skills for more formal events.
Community Events
The ROTC honor guard is often invited to post or retire colors at events in the surrounding community. By representing ROTC and the military, the honor guard helps build connections with local residents and organizations. Some examples of community events include:
- Color guard at high school football games
- Parades on patriotic holidays
- Opening ceremonies at local races or festivals
- Retirement home visits to perform drills or taps
- Funeral honors for local veterans
These events help the ROTC program strengthen ties with the community and promote goodwill. Honor guard members serve as ambassadors for the program.
Selection Process
Selection for the ROTC honor guard is competitive at most programs. Cadets must go through an application and interview process, as honor guard requires discipline, professionalism, and top drill skills. Some of the selection criteria include:
- Military bearing and appearance
- Ability to follow orders precisely
- Excellent uniform wear and drill skills
- Attention to detail
- Maturity and professionalism
- Ability to work as a team
In addition to marching drills, cadets may have to pass tests on flag folding, colors procedures, funeral detail, and other skills. ROTC looks for its best cadets to represent the program as honor guard members.
Training
After selection, ROTC honor guard members undergo intensive training to perfect their skills. Training areas may include:
- Marching in formation
- Facing movements
- Rifle manual and spins
- Funeral procedures
- Flag folding techniques
- Colors posting and retrieving
Honor guard teams will train together extensively to ensure synchronization and precision in their movements. Training is often supervised by the ROTC cadre and led by the honor guard commander. Even after initial training, practices are held regularly to maintain skills.
Importance of Discipline
Discipline is paramount in the ROTC honor guard. Cadets must follow orders instantly and execute all movements uniformly as a team. Even small breaches of discipline like moving out of step or slouching during posting can disrupt ceremonies.
The honor guard often has a formal rank structure with cadet leaders responsible for enforcing standards. Detail-oriented cadets willing to follow rules thrive in the precision environment of the honor guard. Many cadets cite their honor guard service as instrumental in developing military discipline.
Uniform and Equipment
ROTC honor guards wear specialized uniforms, often more formal than the regular cadet uniform. Some elements may include:
- Ceremonial rifles
- White cotton gloves
- Sabers or swords
- Formal headgear like peaked caps
- Medals and aiguillettes
- Ceremonial belts or sashes
- Spit-shined low quarter shoes
Keeping uniforms and equipment impeccably maintained is a point of pride. The honor guard’s appearance reflects directly on the ROTC program and military.
Benefits of Honor Guard Service
Serving on the ROTC honor guard provides invaluable experience for cadets. Benefits include:
- Improving military bearing, discipline, attention to detail
- Gaining leadership opportunities in the guard
- Mastering drill, ceremonies, and protocol
- Understanding traditions and history of military customs
- Building teamwork and esprit de corps with fellow cadets
- Earning respect of community by representing ROTC and military
- Building confidence and pride as an aspiring military officer
Many cadets say honor guard service made them better prepared to lead troops after commissioning. The skills and maturity gained are lifelong.
Sample ROTC Honor Guard Training Schedule
To provide an example of how intensive honor guard training can be, here is a sample weekly training schedule:
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0800 – 1000 | Drill practice | Funeral procedures | Drill practice | Colors practice | Full dress rehearsal |
| 1300 – 1400 | Rifle manual | Flag folding | Saber manual | Uniform prep | Honor guard history class |
| 1500 – 1600 | Uniform inspection | Marchingpractice | Facing movements | Uniform inspection | Full Honor Guard parade |
As shown in the schedule, honor guard cadets train extensively in all aspects of drill, ceremonies, and duties. The training is rigorous but results in a crisp, professional honor guard.
Conclusion
The ROTC honor guard serves a vital role in representing the program and the military. Its members are elite cadets who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. Whether posting the colors at a football game, leading a parade, or performing funeral honors, the honor guard follows exacting standards.
The training, teamwork, and professionalism of honor guard service prepare cadets to lead. Many cadets achieve their proudest moments as part of an ROTC honor guard. The commitment and example set by the guard inspires all cadets in the program to uphold traditions and excellence as future military officers.