Section 3

Honor Cordon Ceremonies

12-3. In addition to a scheduled honor guard ceremony, an honor cordon—a line of Soldiers to honor a dignitary upon entering or exiting from a given place or vehicle—may be used when welcoming or bidding farewell to distinguished visitors. The ceremony consists of a select group of Soldiers with characteristics associated with honor guards, designated to honor and provide security at the immediate arrival or departure site:  

• The honor cordon normally consists of two squads, a senior sergeant, a cordon commander, and a host. When deemed appropriate, the commander may elect to use a band, Colors, and distinguishing flags: 

  • Arrival. Upon arrival of the craft or vehicle, the cordon is marched to a position near the exit (ramp) in two columns, centered on the exit, faced to the center, and dressed with about three steps distance between the ranks. As the honored guest(s) and greeting party depart the immediate vicinity of the exit, and approach within three steps of the host, the cordon commander commands Present, ARMS, and the entire cordon salutes simultaneously. After the honored guest(s) and all greeting party members have cleared the formation, the cordon commander commands Order, ARMS, and the cordon members come to Order Arms simultaneously (see figure 12-1 on page 12-4).  

  • Departure. The formation for the honor cordon upon departure is basically the same as that for arrival, except the cordon commander and the senior sergeant position themselves on the flank of the formation away from the departure site. At the approach (about three steps) of the honored guest(s) and host, the cordon commander commands Present, ARMS, and the cordon salutes simultaneously. After the honored guest has entered the conveyance, the cordon commander commands Order, ARMS and remains in place until the conveyance has departed. If the conveyance is an aircraft, the cordon commander commands Order, ARMS; Guards, FACE, and the guards face toward the cordon commander. The honor cordon departs the area.

• When a band and Colors are a part of the arrival or departure ceremonies, they are positioned as shown in figure 12-1 on page 12-4. The band plays appropriate music during the ceremony. The organizational Color is dipped in salute when the honored guest(s) approaches to within six steps. After they pass, it is returned to the carry position. As soon as the guest(s) has entered the conveyance during a departure ceremony, the Colors and distinguishing flags depart the area with the honor cordon.