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The Gator Guard Drill Team has a long and outstanding history of excellence. This fact is apparent by even a quick glance at the number of trophies in "Guard Supply." It is virtually impossible in the space allotted here to give neither a complete nor detailed account of the Guard's achievements in its 56 years of existence, so a brief outline of the Guard's history over the past years follows:

The Gator Guard was formed in December of 1953 after the Pershing Rifles unit disbanded. It had an original membership of 16 officers and men, and rose to an all time high of 72 in 1957. At the present, it consists of approximately 15 active men and women members.

Each year the Guard takes part in the University of Floirda's annual homecoming parade as well as the Krewe of Thoth and King Rex parades at Mardi Gras. It also serves as a color guard for various University of Florida functions and provides a cannon detail for Gator Growl, UF's annual homecoming celebration. Past accomplishments include a nine year winning streak as "Best Drill Unit" in the All-Florida Invitational Drill Meet and Parade in Sarasota, Fl (1963- 1972), and an appearance in the 1970 Governor's Inagural Parade. The Gator Guard also makes annual trips to Ft. Meyer, Washington, DC, where it trains with the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, the unit after which the Gator Guard is modeled.