Drill & Ceremonies
US Air Force Instructor Badge
The primary purpose of drill is to move a unit from one place to another in an orderly manner. Drill aids in disciplinary training by instilling habits of response to a leaders commands.
While drill has a purpose, ceremonies have a value. That value is to render honors, to preserve tradition and to promote Esprit de Corps.
Let's define some basic parts or elements of the drill formation.
1. An element. In military drill, the element is defined as the individual, squad, section, platoon or flight, company or squadron or larger unit forming part of the next higher unit.
2. A Formation. A formation is the arrangement of elements of a unit in a prescribed manner.
3. A rank. A rank is a line which his only one element in depth.
4. A file. A file is a column which has a front of only one element.
Other terms defined.
1. Facing Movements. Facing movements are done while standing, not moving in formation. The purpose of the facing movement is to turn the formation in a different direction, in unison.
2. Drill commands. Drill commands contain two parts; the preparatory command and the command of execution. Example-"LEFT"-the element hears the preparatory command and prepares for a movement to the left. "FACE"-the element executes the prescribed facing movement to the left.
3. Cadence. A cadence is a uniform step and rhythm used in marching.
4. Steps. For our purposes, there are two measured steps. An 30 inch step and a 15 inch step. These steps are measured from heel to heel. The 30 inch step is known as a "full step", the 15 inch step is known as a "half step". In normal movements of formations, there also exists a "quicktime cadence" roughly 120 steps per minute, and a "doubletime cadence", roughly 180 steps per minute.
5. Dress, Cover and Interval. Dress and Cover are supplemental commands given to align individual formations. The interval is the lateral space between elements in a formation. The individual is responsible for aligning herself with the person in front of her, this is known as 'cover". Dress refers to the alignment to the right or left of the individual, in other words, "straighten the line".
6. The Position of Attention. The Position of Attention is the very first and most basic position in any formation. Generally speaking, the person is standing, with heels together and feet at a 45 degree angle. The head is up and the eyes are looking straight ahead, the shoulders are relaxed but back. The hands are hanging straight down, with fingers bent as if holding a roll of dimes. The knees are not locked.
7. Execution and Movement. Any formation that can be commanded can be moved. The leader or commander always gives commands at the position of attention. The basic preparatory command is "FORWARD", followed by the command of execution, "MARCH". A formation always begins marching forward on the left foot.
Although one may gain a basic understand of military drill by reading about it, or by seeing film or pictures, the only real way to learn drill is to actually be involved in a drill unit. Better still, the best and most lasting way of learning drill is to teach drill.
USMWHI offers such instruction and an opportunity to teach. We invite you to join us at any event at which we are present and learn more.