SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-color-guard-commander

In a CAP color guard, who is the commander and gives all the commands?

The U.S. flagbearer.

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  1. The right guard
  2. The CAP flagbearer
  3. The U.S. flagbearer ✔

Why: The U.S. flag holds the place of honor, so the cadet carrying it commands the color guard. That cadet must know the color guard rules well.

Huh, didn't know that: A color guard has three or more cadets; with only three, it is the U.S. flagbearer and two guards.

The dad joke
Why does the flagbearer give the commands? They're the one carrying the most weight, flagwise.
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References

Answer: The U.S. flagbearer. The U.S. flag holds the place of honor, so the cadet carrying it commands the color guard. That cadet must know the color guard rules well.

  1. CAPP 60-33, Civil Air Patrol Drill and Ceremonies (Nov 2025), 7.1.2.1 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6033_2217FEEE8C89F.pdf
    The US flagbearer is the color guard commander and gives all commands.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

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