SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-color-guard-no-about-face

Why doesn't a color guard ever do About, FACE or To the Rear, MARCH?

To keep the U.S. flag to the right of, or in front of, all other flags.

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  1. Keep the U.S. flag right of or ahead of others ✔
  2. Because the rifles might bump the flags
  3. Because it takes too long

Why: If a color guard turned around in place, the U.S. flag would end up on the left. The U.S. flag must always hold the place of honor.

Huh, didn't know that: When the color guard must march single file, the right guard leads so the U.S. flag stays in front of other flags.

The dad joke
Why did the color guard never turn around? They didn't want to get their flags crossed.
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References

Answer: Keep the U.S. flag right of or ahead of others. If a color guard turned around in place, the U.S. flag would end up on the left. The U.S. flag must always hold the place of honor.

  1. CAPP 60-33, Civil Air Patrol Drill and Ceremonies (Nov 2025), 7.2.3 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6033_2217FEEE8C89F.pdf
    This ensures the US flag remains to the right of all other flags or in front of all other flags.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

Leadership & CadetsIn a CAP color guard, who is the commander and gives all the commands?Leadership & CadetsIn drill, what does Column Right, MARCH do to a flight marching in column?Leadership & CadetsHow far does Column Half Right, MARCH turn a column?

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