Posting Colors

Posting Colors-  Posting colors for different events presents various entry and exit problems for the
honor guard.  The U.S. Flag must always be to the right of the formation, but must be to the right of the
podium, riser, or casket upon posting.  Just remember that the National Colors must pass all other
colors first when crossing a room or area.  Because of this, posting of the colors after reaching the flag
stands will be covered.

Posting is a four-step operation.  It begins with the flags in the Right Shoulder Arms Stance-

Step 1-The first command is "Prepare to post the colors."  Upon this command, the left hand moves
over and grasps the flag staff above the right hand.  The hand may already be in this position if the left
hand has been used to steady the flag during marching at "Right Shoulder Arms."

Step 2- The command for this step is "Ready."  Upon this command, the right hand extends the flag
staff out at an angle and the butt of the staff is placed at the edge of the hole in the flag stand. 
Simultaneously, the left foot is brought forward.  The left hand is kept on the upper part of the flag
staff, close to the body, in order to steady the staff.

Step 3- The command for this step is "Post."  Upon this command, the flag is stood upright
in the flag stand.  The hands then move to rotate the flag topper to face the audience and dress
the flag so it drapes in a proper fashion.  Simultaneously, the right foot is brought up even with
the left.

Step 4- After the flag is dressed, the hands remain on the flag but stationary.  The command
of "RE-COVER" is given.  Upon the command of execution "COVER," one step back
is taken with the left foot.  A present arms will then follow.  After the salute is brought back
to order arms, facing movements and marches will be called to clear the color guard from
the area.

At the Order or Attention- Position of attention, flag staff is resting on the ground and
touching the outside of the right foot.  Hold the staff in the right hand with the back of the
hand facing outward and the fingers wrapped around the staff.  Rest the staff against the
hollow of the shoulder.

Right Shoulder Arms-  The command for this movement is "Right Shoulder-Arms." 
Upon the command of execution "Arms," the left hand moves across the body and
grasps the flag staff.  The flag staff is lifted one to two inches off the ground, allowing
the staff to slide through the right hand.  The right hand then grasps the staff at this
position and the left hand is returned to the side of the body.

Parade Rest- Same as without a flag, only the right hand remains on the flag staff.  Right
arm allows flag to fall slightly out and to the right.

Raise the Colors- The command for this movement is "Prepare to Raise The Colors-Ready
Raise."  Upon the command of execution staff is grasped with the right hand (even with the level
of the mouth) and inclined slightly (except for the U.S. Flag) with the left hand lower than the right,
securing the butt into the socket.  The hand positions may be switched by command.  The command
is "Change Hands-Ready-Change."