Q. Rifle Legion Drill Team

Founded in 1990, The Citadel Rifle Legion Drill Team is the competition drill team comprised of all classes. The Rifle Legion uses demilitarized M-1 Garand rifles, which are supplied by the NROTC unit on campus. The rifle weighs 9.5 lbs., has a fiberglass stock, and was first manufactured in 1933 and used in World War II.

The Exhibition team is nicknamed “The Praetorians,” after the elite Roman Imperial Guards. The Praetorians are comprised of 12 men who form a platoon who perform under an everchanging drill sequence.

The Rifle Legion is not only a drill team but they also are involved in the community. They judge JROTC Drill Meets, ROTC Drill Meets, and perform Color Guards at local events.

The mission of the nationally-ranked Rifle Legion Drill Team is to provide precision drill expertise to the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, the State of South Carolina and surrounding communities, while representing the college through participation in exhibition and regulation drill in parades and at sporting events.

The Regulation and Color Guard teams drill using United States Navy and Marine Corps drill manuals, while the Exhibition team performs using a modified drill manual.

The Rifle Legion has judged Junior ROTC drill meets across North and South Carolina, and has performed as a Color Guard on many occasions. The team competes regularly, and attends the prestigious national ROTC drill competition at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA annually. Community service is an integral part of membership.

Throughout the year, Rifle Legion members work with schools as competition judges and mentors. Cadets participate in a wide variety of tours, exhibitions and training opportunities, thus broadening public consciousness of The Citadel and consistently displaying the proud, professional character of The Military College of South Carolina.

The Rifle Legion Mission Statement

The mission of the nationally ranked The Citadel Rifle Legion Drill Team is to provide the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, the State of South Carolina, and surrounding communities with precision drill expertise while representing the college through esprit de corps among cadets, exhibition and regulation drill, parades and sporting events.

The Symbolism of the Rifle Legion Crest

Crossed Rifles- M-1 Garand Rifles are used by the team for practice and performances and are the rifles used by the Regulation and Exhibition teams.

Sword- The sword is the symbol of the military officer and leadership.

Eagle- The outspread wings of the eagle indicate freedom and also symbolize strength and intelligence. The eagle is the symbol of the nation, which the team honors through its Color Guard activities. Also the eagle pictured was the symbol of the Roman Empire and touches base with the unofficial name of the Exhibition team, The Praetorians.

The ribbon spiraling down displays the unity and cohesion of every team member, both past and present.

(Chris Biggerstaff, Class of 2012)