Q & A with CHW


July 2008

I f you got a question or comment, I want to hear it!

Mr. Constantine,

I appreciate the time it took to attain your level of proficiency in drill. My question is that since it [is] such an integral military function (drill and ceremony) why is it that none of you have ever served?

Just curious.

Brett

That is a very good question. First up I would like to say thank you for your appreciation.

You are very correct, Drill and Ceremony is an integral part of military training, but Rifle Exhibition Drill (an animal of a completely different nature) is most certainly not. Of the millions who proudly serve our military, only a handful actually performs RXD. Each branch has a senior service drill team, and their primary mission is to represent the finest from their respective branch of service for recruiting, service awareness, and to promote good will. Aside from that however, it is an undeniable fact that they are also entertainers; rifle exhibition drill is a performing art, and actually began long before military exhibition drill (Click here for further info).

New Guard America exists strictly for the passion of that art. Though we are a civilian unit, we do have current (and former) members who have served or currently serving (served), but our sole mission is to advance RXD as an art form.

Mr. Constantine,

First of all let me tell you that NGA is amazing and I feel it is the greatest drill team in the world. You have done an amazing thing...

My question is would you ever allow someone who happens to retire from the military who shares a passion for XD to join NGA? Would you say there is an age limit for example?

Sincerely,

J. Salvaggio

Thank you for your kind words, we greatly appreciate them.

Anyone who has exceptional talent and passion may join NGA if they desire. There is one thing that needs to be understood however: even top gun drillers have a tough time learning our routine. For someone to join after a long drill hiatus, even a talented one, would be fantastically difficult and would require about one to two years of XD rehab and training to be able to march a performance.

As far as the age limit: no. I am currently 43 and have no intentions of retiring anytime soon.

Mr. Constantine,

My name is Steven Moss. I'm the drill team commander for the Charles B. Aycock High School Golden Falcons Army JROTC Battalion. My A.I. showed me your videos and I was amazed! I'm trying to get my team to do the stuff that [you] do, but they're too afraid. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that you are an inspiration to all drill members across the US.

Keep it up, and thanks for the little clips.

Cadet First Sgt. Moss

We certainly will, and you are certainly welcome.

Cheers to all,

Constantine