The Old Guard - United States Army Drill Team

The Old Guard is looking to fill open enlisted billets in the United States Army Drill Team, one of the 3rd U.S. Infantry's renowned specialty platoons. These billets are MOS immaterial and are open to female soldiers. Non-commissioned Officers and enlisted Soldiers wanting to join the Drill Team should contact SFC Sauder at commercial (703) 696-3149 or DSN 426-3149. Download application here!

The U.S. Army Drill Team has earned international acclaim through its breathtaking routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. Organized to support The Old Guard's ceremonial commitments, the Drill Team has thrilled millions of youngsters and proud Americans for more than 50 years with their daring and complex performances. When not performing for the President or visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the Drill Team travels extensively supporting Army recruitment, acting as "good-will ambassadors" for the Army, and participating in major military and civic functions.

The Soldiers are selected for this elite unit after six months of rigorous and competitive drill practice. Trim military bearing, strength and dexterity are mandatory for qualification to the Drill Team. For those selected for the team, the rigors of training never stop. To execute their complicated routines as close to perfection as possible, the team practices constantly.

The U.S. Army Drill Team performs a variety of intricate maneuvers that have extremely high risk factors. One such maneuver is dubbed the "daring front-to-rear overhead rifle toss” and is deserving of such a glorified title. During this dangerous routine, four members of the Drill Team alternately toss their spinning, 10-pound rifles from the front rank to the back, often as high as 15 feet into the air and 15 feet to the rear. Then four Soldiers in the back rank catch the revolving weapons one-handed in a true demonstration of courage and concentration. In most cases, revolution of the rifle ends as the bayonet arcs just past the Soldier's right ear, and the weapon is caught directly over the Soldiers head with his/her arm fully extended.

Marching cadence of the U.S. Army Drill team is 60 steps per minute, considerably slower than regulations march tempo. Timing must be letter perfect, as all routines are performed without vocal cadence or musical cues. Only the team's superb discipline enables its members to continuously challenge fate, and win.

Commander USADT: CPT Robert Baird
Drill Master: Sergeant First Class Jose Trevino

You may request a performance at a function, but must begin the scheduling process through our headquarters command, The U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW).

Please be as detailed as possible when making your request. If possible, state what size group you are requesting and provide a sequence of events. Mail or fax your requests on official letterhead to the appropriate office below:

Military/Government Requests

Military District of Washington
Ceremonial Activities Division, Special Events Fort Leslie J. McNair Washington, DC 20319-5058
(202) 685-2994 Office
(202) 685-3379 Fax

Civilian Requests

Military District of Washington
Public Affairs Office, Special Events
Fort Leslie J. McNair
Washington, DC 20319-5058
(202) 685-4990 Office
(202) 685-1999 Fax

For More information on the Drill Team call (703) 696-0800 or (703) 696-4962 or Email: USADT Commander

ARMY.MIL/THEOLDGUARD, The Official Homepage of The Old Guard