Color Guards and GAF Awards.

[River City John]

I would like to offer some thoughts on the current trend to give a Star of Merit Award just for serving on a GAF Color Guard.

In a nutshell I am of the mind that being able to perform Color Guard service is a duty of Honor.


I would much rather see the Stars of Merit being reserved to their intended role of recognizing individual's efforts in the areas set forth, and not for serving on a Color Guard detail.
I do not wish to take anything away from fellow GAF'ers who have been awarded the Star of Merit for this duty, and I'm sure some will  take the opposite viewpoint from mine, but I will respectfully decline any future Stars of Merit for performing Color Guard service.
RCJ

[US Scout]

OCJ -

Some valid comments.  I've also been considering that we need to revise our award system.

In the beginning, the purpose of the Star of Merit (SoM) was to recognize those who did something in "period" uniform, outside of shooting a match.  The SoM was our only award at the time and it was given for just about anything and everything.  Consequently, it has become pretty easy for most people to earn multiple SoM without much effort.  I'm thinking that we need to redefine the qualification criteria for a SoM (but which would have no impact on those already awarded). 

Since then, the GAF has established a reputation for providing excellent color guards at various events and we've been doing quite a lot of them.  I'm all for it, but, like you, I'm not so sure that the SoM is the way to recognize that participation.

I would welcome any comments or ideas.  I can think of several options and would appreciate any suggestions the membership has.

Should we change the SoM award system, and if so, how?

Is there a better way to recognize those who particiapte in a color guard (or, is it honor enough to participate as a color guard and needs no additional recognition)?

Bear in mind that in keeping with the 19th century US military tradition, we don't want to create a lot of different awards and end up with our uniforms looking like that of a Soviet field marshal.  At present, the SoM and Commander's Citation are both worn on the GAF Medal and we don't want to clutter up that ribbon.  We also have our marksmanship award and permit medals (no more than one each of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place) won at the Grand Muster. 

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Pitspitr]

At present, the SoM and Commander's Citation are both worn on the GAF Medal and we don't want to clutter up that ribbon.  We also have our marksmanship award and permit medals (no more than one each of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place) won at the Grand Muster. 

We also have the Vetran's V device and the Brigade Champions medal.

I'm brainstorming here so bear with me....
In the Fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus we have the Color Corp which provides color guards and performs other ceremonies. If a member of the color corp wishes, he may purchase a "jewlel" to signify his membership in a color corp and his willingness to serve in that capacity. What if we were to come up with a single symbol to signify ones past performance of a color guard and his willingness to serve on future ones.(or colour guard for our brethern to the north. You're welcome Rattlesnake ) Maybe something like a single good conduct knot?

[US Scout]

Bvt Col Pitspitr -

Brainstorm away!  I appreciate the input. 

This is one of the things I've considered.  Some small device that can be worn to indicate the wearer has served on a color guard (or a certain specified number of color guards), or is a member of a standing color guard (for a particular shoot, District, or Department).

I would like to recognize those who serve on a color guard, but not necessarily with the SoM as we are currently doing. 

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Pony Soldier]

I think that either a brass or cloth badge similiar to a corp badge would do nicely.  Maybe crossed flags, one being the National Flag and the other a GAF Flag.  The national flag could be the national flag for the national military one is portraying (ie the Stars and Bars or Union Jack)

[Captain Barrett]

US Scout, et al.,

I understand the desire for changing the SoM criteria for performing in a Color Guard ceremony. However, perhaps the original poster may be right in the fact performing in a Color Guard should actually be something a GAFer actually WANTS to do? Those of us in the GAF already recognize that folks who wear a uniform to shoot in truly are a class to themselves. Some of those folks wish to further express their uniqueness by acting as a Color Guard, as such, perhaps an armband of red, yellow, and blue stripes would act as the signifier of said person acting as a Color Guard. I feel the intent is to stop the GAF Medal from becoming a smaller version of the "fruit salad" wore by today's military personnel. The armband would be unique and be in keeping with military styles of the Victorian era...

[Dr. Bob]

If the letter C of a similar size as the V is available, it could be worn on the GAF medal by any member who participates in a Color Guard.  One award only.  That would be a simple and inexpensive solution.

YMH&OS

Brvt. LtC. Dr. Bob

[Mustang Gregg]

I'm still undecided whether a Troop should only get one award if he does several Color Guards or matches.
Maybe he could get a bronze appliance for each act (up to 4), then get a silver one for the 5th act.  At that point, take off the 4 silver ones (?).
Hell, I dunno.  It's early morning & my brain ain't storming very well yet.

I recollect a "C" is available as a ribbon appliance. 
I will try to check at the BX this weekend. 

MG

[Pitspitr]

If the letter C of a similar size as the V is available, it could be worn on the GAF medal by any member who participates in a Color Guard. 

That was my first thought as well, but I checked a couple of the web sites that sells ribbon devices to our military and didn't find any.

[Zouave Officer]

I'd like to put in my two cents if folks don't mind. Please keep in mind that I'm coming from the field of Civil War reenacting so my understandings rank from the 1860's to 1880's timeperiod. I've served on several color guards for several different timeperiods, and was known in my old unit for being the one who was always first to safeguard our Banners from any harm, and I've always taken the duties that involved the Flags very seriously, considerig what they represent.

But in reference to the Color Guards, I know that the men selected as the Color Bearers and Color Guards, were proud of the fact that they were selected for the honor of forming a part of them. In a Regiment on paper that numbered 1,000 men, when only two are selected to carry the Colors and a dozen chosen as their guard it was quite an honor, as far as I know there were no badges worn by the members of the Color other than the chervrons of Corporal (the guard) & Sergeant (the bearers), and yet there were always Volunteers to keep the banners flying and protected.

Now that being said I know that this isn't the same theory behind this groups as we don't have 1,000 of men in each department to hand pick just 14 Men for the Color Guard, and we have to put them together with what we have on hand, and hope that it comes out well.

My suggestion would be to just define the specific things that a member could be awarded the S.O.M. for and remove the Color Guards from it. Or set it that you are awarded a SOM after participating in 20 Color Guards or something along those lines, instead of getting one for every color guard you take part in. As I heard mentioned here before one of the main duties of the GAF is to provide Color Details, why is their a reward for doing what it is we are supposed to be doing anyways? My personal opinion is that it is an honor to be part of a Color Guard, it is entrusting the members thereof with one of the most important symbols not only to the Nation, but to the Regiment you belong to, to have the Colors placed in your care should be the greatest honor that need be presented to any member, this is just my feeling on it though, pardon the rhetoric but I spend a great deal of time at our local Confederate Relic Room & Museum sitting and staring at the Flags that were carried by those who went before me, and the same goes for those banners borne by the U.S. Volunteers from the Revolution to the current conflicts.

This is just my thoughts on the matter, and I'll be the first to admit that I could be wrong.

[Dusty Tagalon]

How about a braided cord on the shoulder?

I did find an attachment that says HONOR GUARD, (not in the photo, but in the drop down is "COLOR GUARD" available in bronze, silver & gold). see the link below. This site has a lapel pin that says color guard also, or a flag with a reaf around it.

http://www.paradestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=276

Dusty

[Curley Cole]

As sort of an outsider looking in (I am just a Scout for Sgts Top, and Harbour) I had a question. I took pictures of Old Top serving in a Color Guard at a Veterans Day celebration at the Harvest Fair in San Bernardino (I talked Old Top in to going, and they requested his service..) Is he eligable for recognition for this or is this for only GAF Color Guard functions.

He was really proud to represent in the small parade and they even did a "3 gun salute"

and as a side question, would Curley Cole Scout be eligable to join the GAF.

Thank you in advance for your consideration to these questions.

curley

[Sam Perfye]

Would service stripes work? Say one stripe for the first color guard, and additional stripes for every 10th guard there after.

[Captain Bob Masterson]

I have served on the last 3 Hell On Wheels Color Guard details here in Cheyenne, sos here's my 2 cents worth: Awards?, we don't need no stinking awards.   Seriously, it was an honor and a privilege just to take part.

Captain Bob Masterson

[MUD MARINE]

 :-)

I enlisted in the US Marine Corps over one-half century ago. My MOS (cryptologic analyst) sure precluded any marching let alone serving as a member of a colour guard. My TO weapon was either a 1911 or a .38 revolver. Being a part of a few recent colour guards was quite an honour and a great way for me to serve my Corps and SASS. Gee, I had not carried a rifle since boot camp in 1956!   :-)

Personally, I had no idea that there was an award for doing something so worthwhile and so much fun so it would make absolutely no difference to me if there was no award for such an honorific bit of duty!  :-)

[US Scout]

As sort of an outsider looking in (I am just a Scout for Sgts Top, and Harbour) I had a question. I took pictures of Old Top serving in a Color Guard at a Veterans Day celebration at the Harvest Fair in San Bernardino (I talked Old Top in to going, and they requested his service..) Is he eligable for recognition for this or is this for only GAF Color Guard functions.

and as a side question, would Curley Cole Scout be eligable to join the GAF.

curley

Curley,

In response to your questions - yes on both.

Old Top participated in a color guard in period uniform, so under our present regulations he qualifies for an award.

Second, the GAF includes scouts, so head over to GAF HQ at www.grandarmyofthefrontier.org and sign up.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[US Scout]

How about a braided cord on the shoulder?

I did find an attachment that says HONOR GUARD...

Dusty

Dusty,

I like the Honor Guard device.  That may be what were looking for as it would fit on the ribbon.  I'm short on time at the moment (family in town for a wedding) but will look at the other devices you mentioned.

I'm not in favor of shoulder cord, primarily because we are trying to keep our uniforms looking as close to 19th century regulations and customs of the time. Shoulder cords, shoulder patches, etc, don't meet that criteria.

Thanks for the suggestions.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Dusty Tagalon]

I hve ordered a silver "COLOR GAURD" form http://www.paradestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=276 along with color gaurd lapel pin, & flag with a werath around it. Color Guard isn't pcitured, but is in the drop down menu.

I will bring all 3 to the national muster for consideration.

Dusty

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Good Day, fellow Troopers!

This seems to have generated quite a bit of interest.  I wish I could rustle up more interest in my own District to answer a simple online Muster, but that's another topic ... (And thanks very much to those few of you who HAVE answered.)

I've been either a participant or "ramrod" on several of these Color Guards.  Like the rest who have answered, I don't care one way or another about a star.  It was an honor to provide such a service.

Lt.Col. Zouave Officer, the Color/Honor Guards are NOT something that we are supposed to do - per say - but it IS something that many of us feel strongly about and wish to provide.  Nothing was ever outlined in the formation of GAF; it simply has evolved to where we do this.  However, like you said, no award is needed to commemorate a service we are happy and honored to do.

Having said all that, if there is anything added to recognize the special Troopers who DO a special service, I think that one simple device - no matter how many times - like the Honor or Color Guard device Dusty found would be fine.  Face it ... the number of people this effects is pretty small.  MANY of our fellow Troopers never have an opportunity to do this service.  Unfortunately, the majority of our members seem to be "list" members only ... which is why some of us, like Dusty, US Scout and LTC Zouave Officer have gone "above and beyond" trying to get some new life breathed into our wonderful organization.  Personally, I'm on a recruiting spree (if 2 or 3 in the last month can be called a "spree"  ) to get some "new blood" involved.


We have a great organization here: lets keep it going and fresh.

[Zouave Officer]

Thanks for clearing that up Bailey, I know that I just assumed it was one of our standard services to provide a Color Guard since that's what it appears we do most of the time.

Don't worry about the online muster, all we can do is keep sending folks emails and hope one day they respond, I know that newsletter i just mailed out went to alot of people (84) and of that number only 12 ever responded back to me to begin with, so I'm hoping that maybe if folks see us out and doing things it will spark some interest and get folks back involved. All we can do is try, fail, try again until it works.