Posted on Jul 2, 2019
Is the “taco grip” the only authorized grip while marching with a company guidon?
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I’ve tried to do my own research on this but get conflicting answers. I’ve seen more than just the taco grip(holding the staff with thumb between you and the staff and other four fingers on the other side fully extended) used while marching on YouTube(yes, I know, probably the least reliable source) but the armystudyguide.com(more reliable) only shows the taco grip. Is this the only grip authorized? Could you also direct me to regulations or a manual on it? Thank you in advance.
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Drill and Ceremony
Drill and Ceremony
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 3
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Look for videos of “The Old Guard”, (aka 3rd US Infantry in at work, they are the epitome of Correct!
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CPL (Join to see)
Good point, CSM Charles Hayden. I will have to look at some of their videos. Thank you.
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The best location I have been able to find the Manual of the Guidon is here: https://www.usarmyband.com/pdf/FM_3_21_5.pdf
CPL (Join to see)
CPL (Join to see)
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CPL (Join to see)
Roger, SGT Javier Silva. This is the one I mentioned and it only references the taco grip. I’ve found that it’s pretty difficult to keep the guidon perpendicular to the ground and against the shoulder while marching with this grip. I’m getting the impression that this is the only grip authorized and I will just have to put some practice in.
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SGT Javier Silva
SFC Brian Johnston - True. I just couldn't remember if they had left it as a Field Manual, or changed it to a Training Circular. Still has the same information. Thank you for reminding me.
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SGT Javier Silva
CPL (Join to see) - This would be the only authorized grip. It takes a lot of practice, but it shouldn't that hard.
Here is a tip for you. You are not holding the guidon with the thumb and four fingers. While holding it against the pocket of your shoulder, the main grip and support come from your index, middle finger, and the thumb. You should not be gripping it like you're trying to choke it. The grip should be enough that when you lift it from the ground, the guidon doesn't move. While it is on the ground, the guidon should rest on the shoulder and your grip should be adjusted to prevent the guidon from moving.
Here is a tip for you. You are not holding the guidon with the thumb and four fingers. While holding it against the pocket of your shoulder, the main grip and support come from your index, middle finger, and the thumb. You should not be gripping it like you're trying to choke it. The grip should be enough that when you lift it from the ground, the guidon doesn't move. While it is on the ground, the guidon should rest on the shoulder and your grip should be adjusted to prevent the guidon from moving.
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CPL (Join to see)
Thank you, SGT Javier Silva. However, it is outlined in the Training Circular that the grip does change while going from Order Arms to a march.
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Hello. I have a 1SG who is a stickler for the regulations and he gave me an appendix (H) for the Drill and Ceremonies Training Circular (TC 3-21.5). Here is the link for that: https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=102532
Just scroll down to Appendix H and you will find the correct way to hold, salute in and out of formation, march, and stand with your Company's guidon. In short, though.
tl;dr When marching with the guidon, raise the guidon by reaching across the body with the left hand (forearm horizontal) and grasping the staff. Raise the staff vertically 6 inches allowing the staff to slide through the right hand. While the staff is sliding through the right hand, release the grasp and regrasp the staff with right thumb to the front, pointed downward and on line with the seam of the trousers. On the command of execution MARCH, return the left hand smartly to the left side and simultaneously step off.
Just scroll down to Appendix H and you will find the correct way to hold, salute in and out of formation, march, and stand with your Company's guidon. In short, though.
tl;dr When marching with the guidon, raise the guidon by reaching across the body with the left hand (forearm horizontal) and grasping the staff. Raise the staff vertically 6 inches allowing the staff to slide through the right hand. While the staff is sliding through the right hand, release the grasp and regrasp the staff with right thumb to the front, pointed downward and on line with the seam of the trousers. On the command of execution MARCH, return the left hand smartly to the left side and simultaneously step off.
Army DA administrative publications and forms by the Army Publishing Directorate APD. The latest technologies high quality electronic pubs and forms view U.S. Army Regulations and DA Forms.
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