SUPPLIES: Rifle (of course!), screwdriver, strapping tape, white tape (I prefer vinyl tape)

PROCESS:

1. Remove the rifle bolt, swivels, and strap.
2. Wrap the strapping tape in three places on the gun:
   • butt of the rifle…
   • area when the bolt rests on the rifle…
   • barrel of the rifle.
3. Cover all these areas with the white tape.
4. Replace the rifle bolt, swivels, and strap.

After this project is complete, your color guard members can spin to their “hearts delight” and you can relax your fears of the rifle breaking in two pieces. Remember, dropping is “part of the growth process” to helping them become “rifle divas” , but the investment from your budget will see longer dividends in the end by taking the time to tape your rifles.

John Sullivan has been the color guard instructor and winter guard director at Missouri State University since 1992. Since joining the staff, he has instructed the color guards that are a section of the PRIDE Marching Band and have performed in such national and international venues as the Tournament of Roses Parade, MACY'S Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bands of America Grand National Championships, and London New Year's Day Parade. John is a frequent color guard designer and adjudicator. He is a founding member and executive board member of the Mid-Continent Color Guard Association, and has a featured flag collection with American Band Accessories. John can be reached by email at JohnSullivan@MissouriState.edu.