Valdosta GA. I was one of about 240 members of the Marchin' Cats, and a member of the Navy JROTC Drill Team. We used demilled Garands, not sticks or fake rifles.
A lot of members went into the Air Force, because Moody AFB was there. Some went into the Navy and Army, and I think I was the only one who joined the Marines. 8~)
You had Garands? My Senior AFROTC unit didn't have any drill rifles when I went through, they still don't have Garands. From photos on their website, it appears they have 1903 Springfields. Other things have changed as well, They are now a Cadet Wing, we were only a group, and a small one at that.