The Star Of The Sea - Sea Cadet Corps' Vanguards Trick Drill Team is one of the oldest and most respected cadet drill teams in New York City.

Since its formation in 1959, the Vanguards have continued to be the inovators of the cadet trick drill circuit. Often imitated and never duplicated, the Vanguards set the standard for trick drill that make other trick drill teams stand up and take notice.

Patterned after the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Old Guard Trick Drill Team and the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, our Corps' Vanguards Trick Drill Team prides itself on being the very best in the cadet competition circuit. They are the only remaining undefeated trick drill team in active competition.

Our team members practice very hard and pride themselves on their showmanship and professionalism. It is that dedication that has made them so successful over the years. Whether it's in a show, a parade, an exhibition or a competition, the team prides itself on being the very best they can possibly be.

Space on the team is limited and all our members work very hard to learn the fundamentals of military drill, then practice even harder to hone those skills so that they might one day be good enough to earn a spot on the team. Those that make the team are the best of the best.

The team has also performed in numerous parades over the years such as at the New York Worlds Fair, the Bronx Columbus Day Parade, the New York City Columbus Day Parade and the New York City Puerto Rican Day Parade (which draws over two million watchers annually).

The endless hours of practice that go into making the Vanguards Trick Drill Team performances so enjoyable and exciting, are reflected in the photos on this page. It takes great concentration and precision to execute these drills without mistake or injury.

The team uses real, fire ready 1903-A3 Springfield rifles with fiberglass stocks and handguards. The result of using fiberglass stocks is added weight to the rifles, but the fiberglass stocks are also more durable for the types of throwing drills that the Vanguards specialize in.