Calvary Guidon Flag | 3’X5′ Nylon

Description

In all United States Military branches, a Guidon is a standard that company or platoon carry to signify their unit designation and corps affiliation or the ranking title of the individual who carries it. A basic guidon can be rectangular, but sometimes has a triangular portion removed from the fly commonly referred to as “Swallow Tailed”. The significance of the guidon is that it represents the unit and its commanding officer. When the commander is in, his or her guidon is displayed for everyone to see. When he leaves for the day, the guidon is taken down. It is an honor, although sometimes a dubious one, to be the guidon carrier for a unit, known as a “guidon bearer” or “guide”. He or she stands in front of the unit alongside of the commander (or the commander’s representative), and is the rallying point for troops to fall into formation when the order is given. In drill and ceremonies, the guidon and commander are always in front of the formation. The guidon is a great source of pride for the unit, and several military traditions have developed around it, stemming back from ancient times. Any sort of disgrace toward the guidon is considered a dishonor of the unit as a whole, and punishment is typical. For example, should the guidon bearer drop the guidon, he must fall with it and perform punishment, often in the form of push-ups. Other units may attempt to steal the guidon to demoralize or antagonize the unit. Veteran soldiers know not to give up the guidon to anyone outside their unit, but new recruits may be tempted into relinquishing it by a superior, especially during a unit run.