The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting holds an appointment in the Royal Household. He performs his duties at State Ceremonies under the authority of the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Lord Chamberlain and the Earl Marshal. When dismounted he carries a distinctive baton as his insignia of office.
The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is to be in attendance on the Sovereign on the following occasions:
- When the Sovereign drives in State to open or prorogue Parliament.
- During a procession from Windsor Castle and in St George's Chapel following a Chapter of the Garter.
When Guards of Honour are mounted by the Guards Division, the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is to be in attendance to receive The Queen's commands for the Foot Guards.
The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is to command The Queen's Birthday Parade.
The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is appointed by the Major General and is normally the Colonel Foot Guards, unless alternative arrangements are made. When not available, the Colonel Foot Guards is to nominate a replacement. Commanding Officers of Battalions may be taken for this duty. The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting commands Headquarters Foot Guards and controls the management of the five Regiments of Foot Guards. He oversees the military functions of the Regimental Headquarters.
The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting for the Queen's Birthday Parade will normally be the Commanding Officer of the Battalion finding the Escort. In 2011, this was Lt. Colonel Lincoln Jopp of 1st Battalion, Scots Guards
Famous quotes containing the words field, officer, brigade and/or waiting:
“Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered—”Snow.””
—Rachel Lyman Field (1894–1942)
“A true military officer is in one particular like a true monk. Not with more self-abnegation will the latter keep his vows of monastic obedience than the former his vows of allegiance to martial duty.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“[John] Brough’s majority is “glorious to behold.” It is worth a big victory in the field. It is decisive as to the disposition of the people to prosecute the war to the end. My regiment and brigade were both unanimous for Brough [the Union party candidate for governor of Ohio].”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“We’re waiting for Godot.”
—Samuel Beckett (1906–1989)