“Honor Guard - Not to set the standards, but to exceed them!”  
The Honor Guard Academy is an approved National Cadet Special Activity and is designed to train cadets to respectfully and properly perform the duties of a formal Honor Guard. Members of Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard are “Ambassadors for Civil Air Patrol.” It is their duty to assist in recruiting and retention, to assist in making this a drug-free universe by supporting Drug Reduction and Leadership Programs, to assist any ceremonies, to present the colors when the unit color guard is not available, and to assist in funerals when requested.

​To be part of the Unit Honor Guard, members must have high standards in appearance, education, conduct, professionalism, and an aptitude for ceremonial duty; they work to make a difference to future generations in America. High emphasis is placed on understanding honor, respecting oneself and one another, and working with an expectation of excellence at all times.  

Cadets who graduate from this Academy earn the privilege of  wearing the Honor Guard Ceremonial Uniform, Silver Cord, the Honor Guard Academy patch on their Airman’s Battle Dress Uniform and also a National Cadet Special Activities ribbon on their Blues Uniform.
HONOR GUARD CREED
I am a proud member of a Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard. My Standards of Conduct and high level of professionalism show the respect for and dedication to my craft and those with whom I serve. I have earned the right to wear the Ceremonial Uniform, which is steeped in rich tradition and history. I am superbly conditioned to perfect all movements in every drill or ceremony. Neither the type of ceremony, severity of temperature, nor size of the audience will ever dictate the level of quality of my performance. I am constantly driven to excel by a strong sense of dedication, patriotism, love for my fellow man, God, Country, and Civil Air Patrol. While performing, I stand sharp and crisp; motionless by choice, for I have voluntarily chosen to represent every member, past and present, of the United States Air Force Auxiliary – Civil Air Patrol.
​I am a Ceremonial Guardsman. ​
NOTE: The Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard does not deny membership as an Honor Guardsman in any way – race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, or disability. The reciting or knowing the Honor Guard Creed is not a criterion for membership in the Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard. 
Cadets attending this academy will receive comprehensive training focused in four key areas:
COLORS ELEMENT
  • Understand the significance of the Honor Guard Colors Element
  • Learn the protocol of the honors to the United States flag
  • Perform the staff and weapons movements
  • ​Insight into the history of the United States flag
  • Use proper commands for the colors element 

CEREMONIES & DRILLS

  • Learn basic Honor Guard movements and safety
  • Understand CAP protocol for ceremonies and functions
  • Design an Honor Guard performance
  • Learn commands used in an Honor Guard Cordon
  • ​Set up and perform and change of command ceremony​

FUNERAL ELEMENT

  • Plan a CAP or military funeral using appropriate procedures
  • ​Understand the purpose and requirements of a pallbearer
  • Learn how to correctly fold a US internment flag
  • ​Describe the proper set up at a cemetery and mausoleum
  • ​Memorize and recite the Bearers Creed​

DRUG REDUCTION & LEADERSHIP

  • Describe the importance of a Drug Free messages in the community
  • Understand how drug use impacts personal performance
  • Support of Red Ribbon Leadership Academies in schools
  • Participate in creative activities to understand the effects of drug use
  • Supporting Character Development Lessons in your Squadron
  • Public Speaking ​