Clemson Tiger Platoon

Open to all University students, Army and Air Force ROTC

Purpose: Provide an opportunity to all students interested in practicing drill and ceremonies.

The first Clemson A&M College Fancy Drill Platoon was organized in the spring of 1929 by Cadet Frank Burdick Farr, class of 1930. The Citadel had a drill platoon that competed at ROTC summer camp with platoons from other schools. Farr's brother, a Citadel cadet, told him that the only way to settle the argument on who was best was for Clemson to organize a platoon and compete with the Citadel Platoon at camp.

In the spring of 1929, Cadet Farr was the highest ranking junior Cadet at Clemson. He called for members of the junior class to try out for the platoon and about 150 reported for the competition. The platoon consisted of five squads of eight men each, two guise, a leader, and an alternate squad of eight men. Fifty-one members were chosen by competitive drills. At ROTC camp in the summer of 1929, the drill platoons of all fourth Corps area schools competed. The Clemson Platoon won the area championship. The purpose of the platoon was accomplished. However, instead of disbanding, the members decided to remain organized and put on exhibition drills.

The movements the platoon used were derived from the old Infantry Drill Regulation's Manual which is quite different from the drill used by the Army since 1939. New movements were added each year until the entire group of movements required over 15 minutes to complete. Clemson's Senior Platoon had the enviable reputation of being the only one of its kind in the United States. During the early 30's, the platoon was referred to as The Fancy Prize Drill Platoon or the Junior Platoon. In 1934, the name Clemson Senior Platoon was adopted. From 1929 through 1960, the Senior Platoon played an important role in Clemson's activities. Its purpose was to provide entertainment and to publicize Clemson.

As the years passed, the Senior Platoon grew in popularity as Clemson's football fortunes improved. The Platoon drilled from Boston to Dallas to Miami and New Orleans. Drills were also performed in New York City; Baltimore, MD; and Washington, DC. Events where drills were performed included football games featuring the New York Giants vs. the Washington Redskins, the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, and the Orange Bowl in Miami; baseball games included the New York Yankees vs. the Detroit Tigers at which the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were present; festivals such the Azalea Festival in Charleston; and drills at most home football games and a number of away games. In 1960, the Clemson Senior Platoon was discontinued due to lack of student interest. In the fall of 2000 it was reformed.

If you are interested, feel free to e-mail the club.