Rules for the Guidon Bearer

 

 Carrying the guidon at LDAC is a high-intensity, high-visibility task.  Photo: www.facebook.com.

The display of the unit's guidon is a time-honored tradition.  In the olden days, when troops marched in formation into combat, the guidon was used to alert the commanding general to the disposition of his subordinate units during a battle - which ones were under stress, which were still in reserve, which were moving, and which were stationery.  Couriers always knew that a unit's guidon accompanied its commander, and soldiers used them as rally points after engaging in an action.

Because of the nature of modern warfare, weaponry, and with ever more sophisticated communication techniques arising, highlighting the commander's position with a colorful flag is no longer safe or necessary.  Nevertheless, the guidon is used extensively during garrison operations as a way for commanders to mark and recognize the activities of their units, and as a source of morale for the troops.

The guidon bearer is the most visible person in the formation.  It is a high-intensity position and requires discipline and knowledge.  As a platoon leader or PSG, you must know the guidon bearer's job to make your platoon look good in front of your evaluator.  Here are some rules to remember.

1.  The Guidon always faces forward.  Wherever the formation faces, the guidon goes first and faces out.  Whenever Left Face or Right Face is called, the guidon bearer moves at a double-time to the new position at the head of the platoon.

2.  When moving, the Guidon always accompanies the PL.  You march to the right of the guidon at a one-arm-length interval.

3.  The guidon stays outside until the colors are retired.  This means all day, it never goes inside.  When the platoon goes inside, the guidon is posted at the building's main entrance.

4.  The guidon is as a weapon.  This means that the rules of drill and ceremony apply to it accordingly.  At Parade Rest, the guidon is held extended from the left hand, with the base to the right and parallel to the toe of the right foot.  At Attention, it is brought in one count toward the body and held straight up and down without moving the hand position.

At the command of Forward March, the guidon is shouldered.  At the preparatory command of Forward, it is thrust upward with the right hand, the base steadied with the left at chest level.  At the command of execution, MARCH, the right hand is brought down to the side, grasping the base with the palm facing inward and the thumb toward the ground.  On the first marching step, the left hand is then brought to the side and swings back and forth naturally as in a normal marching rhythm.  While marching, the guidon stays perpendicular with the marching surface and does not sway back and forth.

5.  The guidon accompanies the platoon during PT too.  This is why the best runner in the unit is generally given the honor of carrying the guidon on a run or a training foot march.  If the guidon bearer has to fall out to go puke, or pretend to "tie his shoe," or if he or she just can't make it, it will reflect poorly on the unit's leadership.  Nevertheless, if this happens, the guidon still must be handed off to another soldier so that it stays in the front of the formation.

The Army Birthday Run, held annually on June 14th at every major garrison, is an example of the guidon's use during a double-time march.  Photo: www.army.mil.