Honor guard preserves customs, traditions in AOR

Published Nov. 7, 2008
By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Southwest Asia -- Through unwavering professionalism, the base honor guard here performs its duty as the quintessential example of Air Force pride and honor.

Air Force Honor Guardsmen have been the sentinels of Air Force customs and courtesies at funerals and various ceremonies dating back to the 1100th Air Police Squadron in 1948.

"Our primary focus is to bring honor and respect to the flag, to make sure customs and courtesies are upheld," said Staff Sgt. Darryl Lyles, 379 Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron trainer and base honor guard lead trainer.

The expeditionary honor guardsmen may not visually resemble their home station counterparts, but their presence here serves as a reminder of Air Force values.

"It's important to have an honor guard wherever (the Air Force) goes, because the honor guard serves as a constant reminder of why we are there," said the Chicago native. "Some people have jobs where they are reminded every day, depending the severity and the tempo. But there are some people who come over here and sometimes lose sight of why they are here. They get wrapped up in missing home and things of that nature and they sometimes don't understand.

"For some people, just watching the flag and watching us take the time to do those things reminds them of where we came from," said Sergeant Lyles, deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill. "Honor guard is the bridge between our heritage and the Air Force of the future."

On a routine basis, the base honor guard is tasked to perform their most often requested detail, posting the colors, at events such as promotion ceremonies and various base functions. Honor guard cordon teams are also requested for the arrival of distinguished visitors. The honor guard also performs the occasional retreat ceremony.

"They normally just post the colors for end of month promotion and change of command ceremonies," said Tech. Sgt. Latonga Jelks, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Readiness noncommissioned officer in charge. "Every once in a while there'll be a special event where we'll support retreat ceremonies and DV visits."

Since weddings and funerals don't take place in the area of responsibility, the base honor guard relishes the opportunity to expand their service. Recently, they added retirement ceremonies to their repertoire.

A retirement ceremony in the AOR is something out of the ordinary, said Sergeant Jelks, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

"It's exciting for me and for those who don't get to (be on retirement ceremony details) too often, especially for those who've just joined the honor guard because it gives them something different to look forward to," Sergeant Lyles said.

The honor guard is also looking to increase their numbers. Hopeful recruits must pass a series of informal tests before joining the team of elites.

"We look at a person's physical appearance and bearing," Sergeant Lyles said. "We make (the recruits) stand for a certain period of time and we get in front of them to try to throw their nerves off to see if they can handle the pressure."

Honor guard candidates must also have a clean disciplinary record, he said.
Once on the team, honor guard members practice precision drill and ceremony movements. Every conceivable movement is scrutinized by the trainers.

"Sometimes, a new recruit can come on their first day and all they do is basic facing movements 30 to 40 times in a row and then stand for 30 minutes or so going between at ease and attention," he said. "It may seem harsh or impractical to some, but realizing on the actual detail floor or stage that a person passes out after standing for only 15 minutes is the wrong time. If they're going to get light headed or weak, the training floor is where we will find out. If a person can bear standing without losing it and having the ability to not scratch, squint and sniffle then we proceed with the rest of training."

Honor guardsmen must master five facing movements, which differ from those taught in Basic Military Training. There are also two different types of about faces (two-count and three-count) as well as a slower march cadence and salute. They are also taught to march as if they are on a tight rope.

"All training is repeated over and over again because one command could initiate a seven- or 10-count movement that has to be perfectly executed by two or more individuals," Sergeant Lyles said. "Anyone can mimic the movements, but how well they execute and how effortless it looks and how long they can do it for is the key.

"We teach them not only how to do moves, but how to read their partners'," he said. "That way, when a guardsman is on a detail with any given team member they'll know what to expect, how to adapt to each other and how to be on the same page without having to talk on the stage."

The trainers will give a formal evaluation once the trainees are ready.

"Some practice twice or more a week, pick up quickly and are evaluated within a few weeks," Sergeant Lyles said. "We the trainers evaluate each person and take everything into account, from their authority over the weapon when executing moves, to their facial expressions and whether they look nervous or unsure of themselves. Members need to be ready for their evaluation.

"Once a recruit proves their abilities to the trainers and the NCOIC, they are no longer a recruit or trainee, but now an active member," he said.

As a symbol of Air Force pride and heritage, each movement performed during details exudes the professionalism earned from several hours of dedication.

"From the time we fall in, 15 minutes prior to the commander showing until we march off the stage, we are 'at work' and our job is to be statues, guarding the flag until it is posted on the stage," Sergeant Lyles said. "Every command is an opportunity for us to shine by being multiple individuals, moving as one, commanding the audience's attention together and being looked upon as a team."