Pike Poles

General Uses-

1. Color Guards
2. Ceremony
The purpose of the pike pole in a Color Guard is to protect the Flag.

Pike Poles-

1. The ideal length is 5 feet.
2. Tips should be chromed.
3. Wood should be sanded and varnished.
4. A felt pad or rubber pad mounted to the base to reduce noise.
5. Gloves with rubber on the palm and inside of fingers help with keeping the pike pole in position.

Pike Pole Maneuvers-

1. Funerals and Memorial services: Only basic military drill movements should be used during these events.
2. Parades and Ceremony: Advanced movements can be used.  This can include spinning of the pike pole.
    Spinning of the pike pole can be dangerous and make a unit look bad if there is not a lot of practice
    before and event.  Pike poles should never be spun with Ceremonial Braids on them.

Pike Pole positions during commands-

At the position of attention:

While standing at the position of attention, the pike pole is positioned on the outer side of the right foot,
resting on the ground.  The pole is held in place with the right hand with the arm at the side.  The pole
should be in a vertical position with the hook facing outward.

At the position of Parade Rest:

Feet shoulder width apart, left hand behind back with fingers together.  Pole is positioned outside the
right foot resting on the ground.  The right arm is bent at the elbow and pole is extended outward. 
Hooks facing outward.
    Note: The command "parade rest" can only be given when units are at attention.

At the position of Present Arms:

From the position of Right Shoulder Arms.  On the preparatory command, "Present" the left arm
moves across the chest and places the hand approximately 12 inches above the right hand, fingers
extended over the pole.  On the command "Arms" grasp the pole and move the pole mid line in
front of the body in a vertical position.  The pole should be 6-8 inches from the body with the hook
facing out.

At the position of Right Shoulder Arms:

From the position of attention.  On the command "Right Shoulder Arms" move your left arm across
the body and grasp the pole above the right hand.  With the left hand, adjust the pole off the ground
and grip the pole with the right hand.  The left arm resumes the position of attention.  The pole is cradled
between the thumb and the fingers.  Hook should be facing outward.  Used when marching.