Preparing to Prepare: A Guide to Drill Competition Readiness

Introduction

If you plan to compete at a major drill event such as Nationals or the World Drill Championships (WDC), preparation needs to begin much earlier than you might expect. The key to success isn’t just drilling hard in the months leading up to the competition—it’s about ensuring you have all the necessary equipment, uniform components, and logistical details sorted well in advance.

This guide breaks down the key considerations for competition preparation, including timelines, equipment lists, and best practices. To illustrate these points, we’ll also include an example checklist created by one of our students.

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Why Early Preparation Matters

One of the most overlooked aspects of competition readiness is ensuring that everything—from uniforms to performance rifles—is in top condition. Here’s why early planning is essential:

• Uniform parts need to be ordered early. Shipping can take weeks or even months, especially for international orders or custom-made items.
• Alterations require time. Custom tailoring may take multiple attempts to get the right fit.
• Testing gear in performance conditions is crucial. Competitors should train in their actual performance uniform to ensure comfort and mobility.
• Last-minute fixes can be costly. Whether it’s a missing uniform piece or a broken rifle component, scrambling at the last minute can be stressful and expensive.

Key Questions to Consider

• Do additional parts need to be ordered for your performance rifle?
• Do you need extra uniform pieces for practice and performance?
• If a weapon part breaks, do you have replacements on hand?
• Have you arranged accommodations and travel logistics?
• Do you have a plan for uniform maintenance during the event?

Checklist for Competition Readiness

Below is a sample checklist of what competitors should prepare in advance.

Uniform Preparation

• Beret
• Performance Shirt/Jacket
• Performance Pants
• Performance Shoes
• Lighter (for thread sealing)
• Scissors
• Nail Clippers
• Sewing Kit
• Lint Roller
• Pledge Spray (for polishing)
• Black Socks
• Extra Undershirt
• Extra Performance Shirt
• Extra Practice Pants
• Extra Practice Shoes
• Shirt Stays
• Shoe Polish
• Metal Polish

Weapon Preparation

• Rifle
• Hard Rifle Case & Locks
• Strapping Tape
• Electrical Tape
• Additional Performance Sling
• Additional Receiver Screws
• Maintenance Items:
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Allen Key
  • Razor Blade
  • Sandpaper
  • WD-40 or Gun Oil
• Extra Stocks or Rifles
• First Aid Kit
• Skin Glue
• Practice/Performance Gloves
• Practice Cones & Measuring Tape

Example: Completed WDC Checklist by Andres Ryan Training Dojo Student Dashaun James

To give a real-world example of how these principles apply, below is a completed checklist used by one of our students in preparation for the WDC.

Uniform Readiness

✅ Service Cap (black/white/silver)
✅ Black beret w/ wolf pin
✅ 2 white short sleeve button-ups
✅ 2 white undershirts
✅ Clarino Sam Browne watch belt w/ nickel hardware
✅ 2 sets of white shirt stays
✅ 2 pairs of white pants (black for certain performances)
✅ 4 pairs of white underwear
✅ 2 Black belts w/ silver buckle
✅ 4 pairs of black socks
✅ Black boots
✅ Cheater bars

Rifle Readiness

✅ 03A1 Black Hardware
✅ Salmon Springfield Comp Stock
✅ Black Sling
✅ 10-inch Bayonet (shined)

Pre-Competition Tasks

⭐️ Alterations to uniform
⭐️ Dry clean w/ military press
⭐️ Tailor shirts
⭐️ Tailor pants
⭐️ Shine cheater bars
⭐️ Iron/steamer ready

Rifle Maintenance

⭐️ Shine bayonet
⭐️ Sand stock imperfections
⭐️ Duracoat green part of scabbard black if stock is duracoated
⭐️ Pack rifle case w/ locks
⭐️ Prepare two rifle sleeves
⭐️ Pack two bayonet sleeves
⭐️ Pack air tags for tracking
⭐️ Ensure all maintenance items are packed
⭐️ First aid kit ready

Hygiene Readiness

✅ Mid fade haircut (touch-up in Daytona if needed)
✅ Shave (Norelco, razor, aftershave)
✅ Clip nails
✅ Shower essentials packed (soap, lotion, sunscreen, Vaseline)
✅ Oral hygiene (toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, mouthwash)
✅ Deodorant
✅ Cologne

Before Performing Checklist

✅ Lint roll uniform
✅ Tie shoes and buff them
✅ Have a towel ready to dry hands
✅ Have someone designated to hand over the rifle

Contingency Items

✅ Sewing Kit
✅ Tide Pen
✅ Extra socks/undershirts
✅ Extra rifle parts (bayonet, stock, slings, screws)

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Final Thoughts

Success at major drill competitions isn’t just about skill—it’s about preparation. As shown in Dashaun James' checklist, having a structured and detailed plan can make all the difference in a high-pressure environment. By planning ahead, ensuring all uniform and weapon components are ready, and having contingency plans in place, you give yourself the best chance of delivering a polished performance when it counts.

Start your preparation now, and set yourself up for success on competition day!