At Area Guard the cadets are judged in four main categories: (1) Dress inspection where cadets are marked, not only on their own general appearance but the guard is also given an overall score as well. This goes towards the trophy for the best dressed guard and best dressed individual cadet. (2)The guard then has to march on to the parade ground where the Guard Commander performs ceremonial dressing in order to receive a VIP, this is called 'Receiving an Inspecting Officer'. Once this is completed they then go through a pre-prepared display, consisting of foot drill (3) with and (4) without arms. Each of these displays have time limitations and come to a finale by advancing in review order, halting and coming to The Present without orders. One of our guards is shown below during one of their displays. You may note that on this occasion, the Guard Commander is a girl.

The Area Drill Competition usually lasts for a weekend and 60 of the Sea Cadet Guardsmen, from all Units, are put into the 62 man guard for Sunday ceremonial divisions,the march past and presentation of prizes. A 62 man guard is shown below being inspected by the Area Officer, in the background you can see the band and all of the squads fallen in ready for the march past.