Members of the 343rd Training Squadron Black Rope program prepare for and compete at the 37th Training Group Drill Down

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Military awards worn by a District of Columbia Army National Guard Soldier in Washington, D.C., March 10, 2021, include the D.C. National Guard Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon on the bottom right. The ribbon is authorized for award to National Guard members from any state, territory or the District of Columbia who supported the 59th presidential inauguration on Title 32 orders.

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U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carl Mattonen stands with his daughter, Spc. Carlie Mattonen, both with Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, Michigan National Guard, near the U.S. Capitol in Washington Feb. 26, 2021.

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Soldiers from the Michigan National Guard’s Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, based in Marquette, and the 177th Military Police Brigade, based in Taylor, join other Soldiers in food distribution at the U.S. Capitol Feb. 7, 2021. The National Guard is supporting law enforcement in the nation's capital through mid-March.

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1st Lt. Darren Tanis, executive officer of the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1433rd Engineer Company, based in Fort Custer, Michigan, stands near the U.S. Capitol in Washington Feb. 3, 2021. The National Guard is supporting federal law enforcement in the nation's capital through mid-March.

Australian Army captain continues to serve with DC National Guard
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Australian Army Capt. Dustin Gold, a reserve officer from the Royal Australian Artillery 9th Regiment, participates in a Reserve Forces Foreign Exchange Program with D.C. National Guard in Washington D.C., Jan. 23, 2021.

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Video by Daniel Cruz

Members of the 343rd Training Squadron Black Rope program prepare for and compete at the 37th Training Group Drill Down

37th Training Wing

Sept. 17, 2022 | 4:06

SSgt Brendan Bonin and SSgt Brandon Rushing give us some insight on what it takes to be a Black Rope at the 343rd Training Squadron and we get an up close look at how they prepared for drill down.

The primary mission of the 343d MTF Black Rope Program is to instill and
demonstrate Air Force customs and traditions.

To earn a Black Rope, an airman must:

- Perfect 27 drill movements with zero demerits
- Perfect 22 reveille and retreat ceremony movements
- Exemplify dress and appearance standards with zero demerits upon
inspection (Service Dress/OCP's)
- Pass a white glove room inspection conducted by a MTL with zero demerits
- Maintain an 80% GPA in technical training

Once an airman has completed all of the above and earned their Black Rope:
- Safely march their respective flights to and from training environment
- Provide expertise for all upcoming airmen drill evaluations
- Conduct reveille and retreat for the Security Forces Museum
- Represent the 343rd TRS and the 37th TRG at all Drill Down Competitions

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2:11

343rd Training Squadron - Combatives Training

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Members of the 343rd Training Squadron Black Rope program prepare for and compete at the 37th Training Group Drill Down

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