| We have an armed drill team, unarmed drill team, and a color guard that are part of the lab instruction system, and as such are as much about learning as they are about having fun. They provide a practical, hands on method of learning and strengthing character traits and skill sets associated with superior performance in any activity. Commitment, mental discipline, loyalty, work ethic, and responsibility are only a few of the traits required for superior performance that are taught in JROTC. Older students practice their leadership skills as they must teach the newer students the skill sets required, then supervise and lead them in competition. Issues of winning and losing are placed into perspective as a result of mental, emotional, and physical preparation. Winning is a result of superior preparation, commitment to excellence, and learning how to perform at one's best in competition. All activities are co-ed.
The drill teams and color guard all make extensive use of and are evaluated heavily in the areas of uniform wear/curriculum knowledge, regulation drill & ceremonies, and exhibition drill. These activities provide additional opportunities for practical application of subjects taught in class. These groups comprise the largest block of JROTC students who participate in integrated activities. They are also the most visible to the public. Generally, what the public sees of JROTC entails either drill & ceremonies, uniform wear, or both. The mission of the drill teams is to prepare for competition, compete, and entertain the public. The color guard handles the national and state flags at various official ceremonies such as Veterans Day, football games, and other events. The drill teams and color guard also perform duties as an honor guard, presenting the arc of steel to honor an individual or a group. They present themselves at the military ball and at halftime activities at the homecoming game.
New drill team and the color guard members participate in a two week basic course which teaches them the basics of their chosen activities. The armed and unarmed drill team members go on to form junior varisty drill teams to learn team specific skills and the color guard members go on to more specific training and form into junior varsity color guards. Both cross train in the skills of the other team. All junior varsity teams are eligible for competition as soon as they learn the skills required. They move up to the varsity teams as the need arises and on a best qualified basis.
Members of the armed drill team, unarmed drill team, and color guard are more likely to be selected to leadership positions in JROTC. Because of their mastery of JROTC basic skills that they will be responsible for teaching the new students.
Opportunities are provided for middle school students attending Broadmoor Middle Lab and who are interested in either drill team or the color guard to join the Broadmoor Leadership Academy and begin to learn the leadership skills associated with these activities.
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