CAMP MABRY, Texas – On Feb. 12, 2010, coming from all over Texas Wing, six highly trained teams of cadets gathered at Camp Mabry, Austin for the Color Guard Competition. Each team hoped that their hard work, dedication, and team work would pay off. The team that earned the title of Texas Wing Color Guard Champion would go to the Southwest Region competition to represent Texas Wing, against the other five wings in SWR.

Saturday morning, after breakfast at 6 am, the teams lined up for the first event, the Mile Run. Five members of each team lined up at the starting point for a race to the finish. The purpose for this event is to measure individual speed and stamina. This helps to promote maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a high level of physical fitness.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1]-[4] The Outdoor Practical Drill is a test of team work, precision, and showmanship. Once the flag has been re-folded, it must be presented to the chief judge.

After the teams caught their breath, they moved to the auditorium for the Written Examination where they would need to answer fifty multiple-choice questions. The exam covered leadership, CAP protocol, general CAP knowledge, uniform, and color guard knowledge. After a presentation, members of a Color Guard are often approached by spectators with questions, and the members will need to answer them promptly and accurately.

Next, the six teams showered and changed into their Air Force style blues uniform, as they got ready to begin the In-Ranks Inspection. For this event, the teams lined up at the starting point, then marched to the presentation area. Each cadet was then inspected by three judges. This is done to ensure that the Color Guards look sharp and professional. When cadets wear the Air Force style uniform, they need to honor it as members of United States Air Force would.

After the In-Ranks Inspection and chow at the dinning facility, the Color Guard Commanders lined up their teams at the Camp Mabry's flagpole for the Outdoor Practical Drill. Each team first received a folded American flag from the chief judge. The teams were required to unfold the flag, raise it to half staff, lower it, refold it, and return it to the chief judge. Since this ceremony is a regular part of daily activities on a military installation, every Color Guard needs to be competent and knowledgeable in this area.

5. 6. 7. 8.

[5]-[6] The Indoor Practical Drill is the most commonly required public detail, and the reason why the unit is invited to many events so that the colors will be posted as prescribed. [7] The Practical Drill, executed indoors. [8] The Pegasus Composite Squadron team was the overall winner of the Color Guard Competition. (Photos: Cadet 2nd Lt. Cody McComber)

Next came the Indoor Practical Drill at the auditorium. First, the team was given five minutes to assess the room and prepare how to best post and retrieve the colors. Next, they formed their Color Guard, posted the colors, and then retrieved them. This is the most common ceremony a Color Guard will be called upon to perform, as part of a promotion ceremony or other formal events.

Shortly afterwards, everyone went to the gym for the Practical Drill. One at a time, teams lined up at the ready line, waiting for the event marshaller's queue to enter the presentation area. At this time, the Color Guard Commander reported to the chief judge. The Color Guard then was required to perform a predetermined sequence of commands. The judges graded on how well the team worked together in order to execute the commands.

The Panel Quiz marks the conclusion of the competition. Two teams entered a room and sat on opposite sides. Each member of the team was given a buzzer. The moderator would ask an aerospace related question and the teams would have ten seconds to respond.

At the end of the day, all the scores were tallied. Everyone gathered in the auditorium for the awards ceremony. The winners were as follows:
      

Overall, the day provided great experience to all involved. Team members were exhausted from a long and busy day, as they left Camp Mabry in search of food and relaxation, eager to celebrate their major and minor victories.