Competitive Drill Team

The State Drill Competition includes both armed and unarmed squad drill events on a designated drill pad of at least 75’ x 250’. Squads are divided into Junior Division (grades 8 and below) and Senior Division (grades 6 and above), with team sizes ranging from 5 to 11 cadets plus a leader. There are no rank restrictions within squads.

If fewer than three armed squads compete at the state level, junior and senior divisions may be combined. Brigades can hold smaller competitions to select a winner for state-level competition.

The standard drill sequences for unarmed and armed squads are detailed in Appendices A and B of the regulation. Judging and procedural guidelines can be found in paragraph 1-4.

The State Drill Competition includes armed and unarmed platoon drill events conducted on a 100’ x 300’ drill pad. Each platoon consists of two squads with 5 to 12 cadets per squad, plus a platoon sergeant or leader, making the total platoon size 11 to 25 cadets. Divisions are split into Junior Division (grades 8 and below) and Senior Division (grades 6 and above), with no rank restrictions.

If fewer than three platoons compete in an armed division at the state level, junior and senior divisions may be combined. Brigades may conduct smaller competitions to determine state qualifiers.

The standard drill sequences for unarmed and armed platoons are detailed in Appendices C and D of the regulation, with both divisions following the same sequence. Judging and procedural guidelines are outlined in paragraphs 1-4 and 1-5.

The State Drill Competition includes a Color Guard event held on a 45’ x 50’ drill pad. Each team consists of four cadets—an American Flag Bearer (Commander), a California or Unit Flag Bearer, and two armed guards, with Junior (grades 8 and below) and Senior (grades 6 and above) divisions.

Policies & Competition Procedures

• Teams must stay within boundaries, with no designated start/end box.

• Commanders check in 15 minutes before their assigned start time.

• Cadets must wear Class A or B uniforms, following strict regulations on unauthorized items.

• Weapons must be demilitarized drill rifles (M1, M14, M-1903 Springfield, M4, M16, etc.), and any weapon security breach results in disqualification.

Judging & Scoring (230 points)

• Judge 1 (Precision & Execution) – 150 points

• Judge 2 (Cadence & Alignment) – 50 points

• Judge 3 (Sequence & Compliance) – 30 points

Penalties & Disqualifications

• Unauthorized uniform items = 10-point deduction

• Marching outside competition area = 5-point deduction

• Automatic disqualification:

  • Team has more or fewer than four cadets

  • Commander uses note cards

Tie-Breaking Process

1. Highest Judge 1 score

2. Highest Judge 2 score

3. Highest Judge 3 score

4. Commander’s Detailed Inspection (Drill & Ceremonies knowledge)

The Color Guard drill sequence is detailed in Appendix E, and judging score sheets can be found in Appendix F.

The State Drill Competition includes Exhibition Drill events held on a 75’ x 250’ drill pad. Each team consists of 4 to 13 cadets, including a leader, with Junior Division (grades 8 and below) and Senior Division (grades 6 and above) categories. There are no rank restrictions.

Policies & Competition Procedures

• Routines must last 3 to 5 minutes, including entry and exit.

• No designated starting or ending box like in other drill events.

• Team leaders report to the on-deck area 15 minutes before their start time and submit judging forms.

• Military bearing is judged, but CR 3-21.5 does not apply to routine design.

• All cadets must wear Class A or B uniforms, with strict regulations on unauthorized items.

• Weapons must be demilitarized drill rifles, and any weapon security breach results in disqualification.

Judging & Scoring

Exhibition Drill routines are evaluated holistically by up to three judges based on:

• Military bearing & precision – 60%

• Movement difficulty – 20%

• Creativity & originality – 20%

Tie-Breaking Process

Judges reach a consensus to break ties.

The Exhibition Drill sequence is detailed in Appendix F.

The Individual Drill Down event at the State Drill Competition challenges cadets to demonstrate precision and discipline in executing drill commands. Open to Grizzly (grades 4-5), Junior (grades 6-8), and Senior (grades 9 and above) divisions, cadets compete unarmed or armed depending on their category.

Competition Structure

• Unarmed Drill includes basic commands such as attention, facing movements, and marching steps.

• Armed Drill is available for Junior and Senior divisions, using demilitarized drill rifles with commands such as port arms, shoulder arms, and present arms.

• If fewer than 12 Grizzly competitors participate, they compete in Junior Division.

Judging & Procedures

• Judging is subjective, with precision and proper execution being the focus.

• Cadets form a rectangular formation and receive practice commands before official judging begins.

• Eliminations are determined by judges tapping cadets on the shoulder. Competitors must exit silently without questioning decisions.

• As the number of competitors decreases, the final 10 cadets are judged by one official to ensure fairness.

• No trick commands or deceptive sequences are allowed.

This competition emphasizes military bearing, discipline, and attention to detail, helping cadets refine their drill skills in a competitive yet structured environment.