ORDER GUIDON. At order guidon, the ferrule rests on the deck touching the

outside edge of the right shoe close to the little toe. The staff is grasped in

the "V" grip with the right elbow close to the side so that the forearm helps to

support the staff. The upper staff rests in the hollow of the right shoulder. The

staff is vertical with the flat side of the spearhead facing front. The rest of

the body is at attention.

CARRY GUIDON. This is the normal position of the guidon while marching at

quick time. It is carried using the strong grip with the ferrule 6 inches above

the deck and the flat side of the spearhead facing front. 
 

DOUBLE TIME WITH THE GUIDON. For marching at double time, on the

preparatory command, bring the staff across the body with the spearhead to the

left. The right hand grasps the same spot as at carry. The right forearm is level

with the deck and the elbow against the body. Grip the staff with the left hand in

front of the point where the neck and left shoulder join. The flat side of the

spearhead should face front. 
 

CARRY GUIDON FROM ORDER GUIDON. This movement is executed on the

preparatory command for any movement that will require the guidon bearer's feet to

be moved. Execution is begun on a preparatory command such as “Forward,” “About,”

etc.

1. On the preparatory command, reach across the body and grasp the staff with the

left hand 2 inches above the right.

2. Change the grasp to the strong grip, while raising the staff with the left hand

until the ferrule is 6 inches above the deck. Hold the staff vertical with the

right hand.

3. Move the left hand smartly back to the side.

ORDER GUIDON FROM CARRY GUIDON. This movement is executed without command

at the completion of any movement that required the guidon bearer to come to carry

guidon. If there are a series of movements, executed immediately one after the

other, order guidon will not be executed until after the final one. Order guidon

is executed in one count by allowing the staff to slip through the right hand until

the lower ferrule rests on the deck, and change the grasp to the “V” grip.

PRESENT GUIDON FROM ORDER OR CARRY GUIDON. From order or carry guidon, this

movement is executed on command. During officers center, the movement is executed

after halting, from the carry and without command. Since the right hand is 6

inches lower on the staff at carry than at order, the ferrule will extend farther

to the rear when at present guidon from order than it will at present guidon from

the carry.

1. From order guidon, the command is “Present, ARMS.” It is executed in one

count.

2. On “ARMS,” lower the guidon straight to the front. The right arm is extended

until the lower portion of the staff rests in the pit of the right arm and the

entire staff is horizontal to the deck. As the staff is lowered rotate the staff

to the right so that the sharp edge of the spearhead faces down. Hold the right

elbow firmly against the body. 
 

3. From carry guidon the command is “Eyes, RIGHT (LEFT).” It is executed in the

same manner as from order guidon except that the head and eyes are turned right

(left) 45 degrees as the guidon is lowered. 
 

ORDER GUIDON AND CARRY GUIDON FROM PRESENT GUIDON

1. To return to order guidon, the command is “Order, ARMS.”

2. On the preparatory command “Order,” grasp the staff smartly and audibly with

the left hand, palm up, at a point just forward of the right hand.  On “ARMS,” with the
left hand, pull the guidon staff up and back to the vertical position of carry guidon,
pivoting it on the right hand as it is lowered back to the right side. Then let the staff
slide straight downward through the right hand until the lower ferrule rests on the deck,
the left hand steadies the staff as it slides downward. Cut the left hand smartly back to its
normal position at the left side. The flat side of the spearhead is back facing to the front.

3. To return to carry guidon the command is “Ready, FRONT.”

4. On the preparatory command “Ready,” grasp the staff smartly and audibly with

the left hand, palm up, at a point just forward of the right hand. On “FRONT,” with

the left hand, pull the guidon staff up and back to the vertical position of carry

guidon, pivoting it on the right hand as it is lowered back to the right side. The

flat side of the spearhead facing to the front. Cut the left hand back to the left

side and turn the head and eyes smartly to the front.

PRESENT GUIDON FROM CARRY GUIDON AT OFFICERS CENTER. This movement is

executed without command, upon halting at officers center during a parade. It is

executed in one count. The movement will be executed on the fourth count after the
command “Officers, HALT.” 
 

CARRY GUIDON FROM PRESENT GUIDON AT OFFICERS CENTER

1. The command is “Carry, SWORD.” “Ready, TWO” if the officers are not armed with

swords.

2. On the preparatory command “Carry (Ready),” grasp the staff with the left hand

and on the command of execution “SWORDS (TWO)” bring the staff back to the carry

guidon position.