Will the guidon bearer be the last to enter after placing the guidon in the stand?

The correct response indicates that the Flight Leader takes responsibility for holding the door and entering last, which establishes a clear chain of command in military customs and practices. This practice reinforces the authority of the Flight Leader, ensuring that they maintain control and are the last to enter, symbolically leading their flight in an organized formation.

In many military formations, the guidon bearer plays a specific role, which includes carrying the guidon, a symbol of the unit's pride and identity. However, the timing of their entry is coordinated with the overall formation and leadership structure. The expectation that the Flight Leader enters last demonstrates a structured hierarchy where the leader’s actions reflect the collective discipline and organization of the unit. This reinforces the respect for leadership and signifies the transition from outside to inside, where the integrity of the formation is maintained.

This emphasis on hierarchy and order is crucial in a military setting and showcases the importance of leadership roles. In contrast, the other options do not align with this essential military practice: suggesting the guidon bearer is always last does not acknowledge the specific duties assigned to the Flight Leader, while saying it varies by flight implies a lack of standard protocol that would typically govern such actions.