Welcome Back
On behalf of Tulane University Naval ROTC, thank you to every school that joined us for the 52nd Annual Mardi Gras Drill Meet. Your units' preparation and sportsmanship made it one of our best years yet, and we are already looking forward to welcoming you back this year.
The 53rd Annual Mardi Gras Drill Meet will be held on Friday, 5 February 2027 — the Friday before Fat Tuesday — on Tulane’s campus in Uptown, New Orleans, Louisiana.
About the Event
The Mardi Gras Drill Meet is one of the largest drill meets in the nation, hosted annually by the Tulane NROTC Battalion. Traditionally held the Friday before Fat Tuesday, the event draws Navy ROTC, Army ROTC, and Air Force ROTC units from across the country for a full day of basic and exhibition drill competition.
Completion Events
Event | Personnel Requirement |
|---|---|
Platoon Inspection & Armed Basic Drill | 17+ members in three squads; minimum 14 to compete |
Squad Armed Basic Drill | Seven to nine members; minimum five to compete |
Color Guard | Navy ROTC units: five members; Army/Air Force units: four members; no missing positions permitted |
Platoon Armed Exhibition Drill | 11+ members; minimum nine to compete |
Individual Exhibition | Maximum two individuals per school |
Each participating school may enter a maximum of two teams per event.
Registration & Letter of Instruction
To register your school for the 53rd Annual Mardi Gras Drill Meet, complete the registration form: 2027 Registration Form
Full event details — schedule, competition rules, scoring, and payment instructions — are available in this year's 2027 Tulane University MGDM LOI
A $100 deposit is required to confirm your school's participation; payment details are included in the LOI.
Spectator Information
Family, friends, alumni, and supporters of all participating units are welcome to attend and view the competition from the designated spectator areas surrounding the drill field.
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the competition will be made available.
All spectators are responsible for arranging their own parking and transportation. For the safety of competitors and judges, spectators must remain in the designated viewing areas and always stay off the drill field.
Lodging & Local Recommendations
Tulane University is unable to provide lodging for visiting units. Teams traveling to New Orleans may consider the Navy Gateway Inn & Suites at NAS Belle Chasse, or hotels in the nearby Kenner, Metairie, Gretna, and Slidell areas.
Mardi Gras Parade Opportunities
Visiting units interested in viewing or marching in a Mardi Gras parade during their stay are welcome to reach out in advance — several parades offer units the chance to march, which can also serve as a fundraising opportunity for your program.
2027 Mardi Gras Parades – Be in a Parade
Questions
For any questions about the 53rd Annual Mardi Gras Drill Meet, please contact us at TulaneNavyROTC@gmail.com.
Congratulations to our winners from last year:
Overall:
1) Texas A&M Fish
2) United States Naval Academy
3) United States Military Academy West Point
