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Ceremonial Confusion...

Dr. Drill

You can submit your questions to Dr. Drill via e-mail to : DrDrill@CadetStuff.org.

Hello Dr. Drill,

A quick question. I am the Cadet Commander for my unit, and there is some confusion about opening ceremonies. Can you go over this real quick?

Christian Chung

Dr Drill responds

Hi Christian,

Can I go over opening ceremonies? I'm not sure, since I'm not one hundred percent sure what you mean, but I'll take a stab at it and figure you mean opening up a meeting indoors? Just to clarify: if you're doing it outside, it's an opening formation. So, I'll assume you're talking about indoor stuff.

(But, just so we're clear, you can find step-by-step information on formations in AFMAN 36-220, Section B (Formations), Part 5.3. Forming the Squadron in Line.)

Okay, so, browsing the AFMAN 36-2203 (which I assume you've already done), points us at Chapter 7 "Ceremonies". Okay, so a quick scroll to Chapter 7 and we find by reading that

This chapter explains procedures for reviews and parades, changes of command, honors to individuals and groups, the US Flag, To the Color, and the national anthem. A parade may be used to formalize each ceremony.

Hmm... That doesn't sound right. Where are Opening Ceremonies?

You're not going to find them, boss. What good is this Drill Manual thing anyway? Doesn't it have everything?

As it turns out, nope. Check it, peeps:

1.1. Scope:
1.1.1. This manual includes most Air Force needs in drill and ceremonies, but it does not cover every situation that may arise. For unusual situations, using good judgment and taking into account the purpose of the movement or procedure can often provide the solution.

There you have it: you'll have to use "good judgement" to solve this dilemma. Of course, if you'd had "good judgement", you'd have never written to Dr. Drill in the first place. Ha ha!

My suggestion is to borrow the ceremony from a Dining In and streamline it a little for your squadron. Just keep in mind one thing:

7.38. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
7.38.1. In military formations and ceremonies, the Pledge of Allegiance is not recited.

Dr. Drill has seen lots o'pledgin' in his visits here and there - some with saluting, even! And, according to our Drill Bible, it ain't cricket.

I hope this helps,

Dr. Drill

Caution: Dr. Drill isn't always one hundred percent serious. Please activate your Joke Detectors. And don't call us when you find yourself explaining to a membership termination board why you used a staple gun to keep a cadet's hands at his sides during "To The Rear, March". All we're going to say on your behalf is "Duh!"

And if you find yourself on the bad end of a serious counseling because you decided to go toe-to-toe with your squadron commander over the position of the guide during a squadron-in-mass formation or something similarly trivial, well, we're just going to point, laugh and call you names!

Dr. Drill welcomes comments and corrections. Nothing herein is to be construed as official policy unless quoted from an up-to-date regulation or manual and Dr. Drill is not to be used as a blunt instrument to reshape the pointy heads of your superiors. Dr. Drill has made an extensive study of the drill and knows some people who know some things, but he's not the Final Authority on what happens at your unit. That Final Authority is? That's right, kids! Your UNIT COMMANDER.