Service members from the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard (JAFCG) and The U.S. Army Band conducted a clinic for U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) February 11, 2022. The JAFCG and drummers were in California to present the colors during the national anthem of Super Bowl LVI.
“We went over saber manual, teaching proper technique of holding a saber and going to present arms,” said Staff Sgt. Cody Royster of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). “We went over our joint armed forces manual with them with the staffs, the rifles, marching. They were like sponges today, just absorbing everything. We ended the day with them presenting the colors to us. It was awesome.”
The ROTC program consists of seven schools, including UCLA, in the Los Angeles County area.
“Today we were given the opportunity to do training with the joint color guard and our cadets,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Toms, professor of military science at UCLA. “This was a fantastic experience. The cadets had a great time learning the art from the best. The ability see how they do their drills, the precision, and the amount of practice that goes into it – they are definitely skills they will take to heart and impart in their training for the rest of their lives.”
One cadet said her main takeaway was, “how much respect the American flag bearer has for it, and how much it just encapsulates everything the U.S. Army stands for.”
“We appreciate the joint color guard coming out here to conduct the training to our young cadets,” said Master Sgt. Kaylum Martinez, UCLA Army ROTC senior military instructor. “This training gives them a new perspective how the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard operates, and the level and the time required for training. I think it will help them in the future as future Army leaders.”
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington (USAMDW) coordinated several outreach visits in conjunction with the Super Bowl mission.
“It’s been an amazing experience to watch our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen work with students during our school visits,” said Jeremy Kern, USAMDW community engagement officer. “Our service members are true professionals in everything they do.”
The service members of the JAFCG are from U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.; U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Navy District Washington, Washington, D.C.; U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard, Telecommunications Information Systems Command Center, Alexandria, Virginia; U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.; and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.
As the official ceremonial units for their respective services, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard Honor Guards routinely participate in ceremonies at the Pentagon, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, national memorials, throughout the National Capital Region and across the country.
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