The 51st annual Mardi Gras Drill meet will occur on February 28, 2025!
Every year, Tulane's NROTC Battalion hosts one of the largest drill meets in the nation. Traditionally held on the Friday before Fat Tuesday, the battalion faces one of its most difficult tasks all year - meticulously planning, executing, and debriefing the Tulane NROTC Mardi Gras Drill meet.
2025 Mardi Gras Drill Meet Registration Form
Please contact TulaneNavyROTC@gmail.com for any questions.
Below are example documents from last year's drill meet:
2024 Mardi Gras Drill Meet Time Matrix
2024 Mardi Gras Drill Meet SOP
2024 Results
The 2023 Mardi Gras Drill Meet occurred in person on 09 Feb 24! The results of the meet may be found below. Congratulations to Texas A&M FISH for taking First Place overall!
Overall:
1) Texas A&M FISH
2) Norwich
3) USMA Drill Team
Platoon Inspection:
1) Texas A&M FISH
2) USAFA
3) USMA Drill Team
Platoon Basic Drill:
1) Texas A&M FISH
2) USMA Drill Team
3) Norwich
Squad Basic Drill:
1) Norwich
2) Texas A&M FISH
3) USNA Silent Drill Team
Color Guard:
1) Norwich
2) Texas A&M Color Guard
3) Texas A&M FISH
Platoon Exhibition Drill:
1) Texas A&M FISH
2) USMA Drill Team
3) USNA Silent Drill Team
Individual Exhibition:
1) USNA Silent Drill Team
2) Norwich Bravo
3) USMA Drill Team Alpha
The Drill Meet will consist of the following events and personnel requirements (there is no minimum amount of events required to participate in our Drill Meet):
- Platoon Inspection - The platoon will consist of seventeen (17) or more members formed into three (3) squads, to include the platoon commander and the platoon guide. If less than seventeen (17) participants, there will be a 5-point penalty for each member missing. The minimum number of personnel needed to compete without disqualification is fourteen (14) members.
- Platoon Armed Basic Drill - The platoon will consist of seventeen (17) or more members formed into three (3) squads, to include the platoon commander and the platoon guide. If less than seventeen (17) participants, there will be a 5-point penalty for each member missing. The minimum number of personnel without disqualification is fourteen (14) members.
- Squad Armed Basic Drill - The squad will consist of seven (7) and no more than nine (9) members. If less than seven (7) participants, there will be a 5-point penalty for each member missing. The minimum number of personnel without disqualification is five (5) members.
- Color Guard - All NROTC unit color guards shall consist of five team members: three color bearers (National Colors, and Navy and Marine Corps Colors) and two rifle bearers. Army and Air Force ROTC units shall consist of four members: two color bearers and two rifle bearers. If any members are missing, it will result in a disqualification.
- Platoon Armed Exhibition - Platoons may be of any composition and will consist of eleven (11) or more members. If less than eleven (11) participants, there will be a 5-point penalty for each member missing. The minimum number of personnel without disqualification is nine (9) members.
- Individual Exhibition - Each school may have a maximum of two individuals compete in this event. Each individual will compete as an individual; there is no tandem competition.
A 50% down payment is required with your registration form to confirm your spot in the Drill Meet. Payments can be made electronically to the Tulane NROTC Midshipman Fund Venmo account (@TUNROTC_Midshipman_Fund) or via check mailed to:
Tulane University NROTC
6823 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118
Confirmation of payment will be sent within 24 hours of receipt.
*Please note, there will no longer be an early registration special discount.
Spectator Information:
Spectators are invited to attend and encourage their school at the Mardi Gras Drill Meet here at Tulane University! We encourage everyone to come out and support these hard-working teams as they showcase their dedication, skill, and precision. Please remember to enjoy the event from designated spectator areas and refrain from entering the drill field, allowing competitors the space they need to perform at their best. A live stream will also be available to watch the event virtually. Additionally, please be aware that spectators are responsible for finding their own parking. Thank you for being part of our event!
Lodging:
The Tulane NROTC Unit cannot provide lodging (in our unit’s building or otherwise) for participating units. We also do not have any agreements with hotels in New Orleans for Mardi Gras weekend. If units are having difficulties finding lodging in New Orleans, we recommend the Navy Gateway Inn at NAS Belle Chasse or hotels in the surrounding area such as Kenner (near the airport), Metairie, Gretna, and Slidell.
Mardi Gras Parades:
If you think your unit may be interested in seeing or marching in a Mardi Gras parade while here in New Orleans, refer to these links below. Units can often be paid for marching and it can be a great way to fundraise or offset registration/lodging expenses.
https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/
https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/news/do-you-want-to-be-in-a-mardi-gras-parade
For any other questions or concerns regarding previous Mardi Gras Drill Meets please email TulaneNavyROTC@gmail.com and CC navy@tulane.edu
