Talk:Drill commands

Untitled

Some of the descriptions for drill movements are a little inaccurate. I am primarily referring to the British drill for the About Turn in Quick Time. T-L-V is a Cadet-ism, not correct drill proceedure. About Turns are done to the right, however the instructions suggest turning to the left. My source is The Drill Manual 1990.

Yasmar arabbat 19:31, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

US, then UK, then India?

CF Drill?

uses what is called 'CF Drill' in which normal drill commands are called in English while rifle drill is called in French.

What is the source for this? --JpPasnak 21:35, 13 October 2006 (UTC)

Merge suggestion

There is a significant overlap between Drill commands and Parade (military)#Common Parade Commands. `'mikka 23:17, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

I think that that is a failing of the Parade (military) article. Those commands should be here and only mentioned in Wikipedia:Summary style at the Parade (military) article. That article should be focused on the nature of the military parade, occasions for parade, parade positions, parade formations, etc. The details of the drill movements and commands are not needed in that article I think. Sancho 05:25, 11 June 2007 (UTC)

General

This looks like it was written by a misinformed mong of a cadet (the UK part anyhow). It needs to be rewritten in an encyclopaedic style. 129.31.65.232 17:44, 23 April 2007 (UTC)

Agreed. What does

"Actions are described with SLRs rather than the traditional Drill Purpose .303's"

mean?

The SLR is the FN-FAL rifle, the Drill purpose .303 is the SMLE, the length and weight of the rifle has a bearing on what drills can be carried out, for example the introducton of the SA80 (a short compact weapon two thirds the length of the traditional rifle) meant that the rifle could no longer be grounded on the ground or properly shouldered meaning that the drill book had to be modified including the introduction of an un-natural parade rest to avoid a Soviet looking rifle held across the chest. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but "describing an action" is the way the movement of the rifle is accentuated when being moved between positions. KTo288 16:27, 1 November 2007 (UTC)

I feel the entire article was written by a misinformed mong of a cadet. Being anal retentive about drill and such, some parts don't seem all that good. 69.109.59.40 02:20, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

"Each of the three services in the United Kingdom has its own drill manuals, with identical but different drill in other Commonwealth countries." Hmm, identical but different; how does that work then? -- Picapica (talk) 11:30, 19 February 2018 (UTC)

USAF Corrections

United States: "For example, the Air Force does not use the "Extend" or "Close" drill commands." This is incorrect. The USAF uses "Close (Open) Ranks, MARCH" and "Close (Extend) (Extend (from Halt)), MARCH", as well as several "At Close Interval" commands including "FALL IN" and "Dress Right/Left, DRESS".

"fall in (out)", in its entirety, is a command of execution and as such should actually be written as "FALL IN (OUT)". The same goes for "Attention" ("ATTENTION") and "Halt" ("HALT"). In addition, all words of multi-word preparatory commands should be capitalized, excluding internal articles (i.e. "the"). Opposite (i.e. "Left") preparatory commands found in parentheses should also be capitalized. The phonetic version of commands could also be included.
I also recommend separating individual, unit, and rifle drill. Flag, complex, and ceremonial drill should also exist, though perhaps not in this article. If not, rifle drill should probably also be moved.

These commands, however, do not officially exist in the USAF: "By the Right (left) flank, MARCH", "Counter-column, MARCH", "Recover, TO", "Relax", "Right (left) oblique, MARCH", "Stand at ease"70.20.216.235 (talk) 14:53, 26 December 2007 (UTC)

Definitions

This article could also use at least a basic definition section to help explain the commands.

(USAF at least)
Base: The element on which a movement is planned, regulated, or aligned.
Cover: Individuals maintain proper distance while straightening their file (aligning sideways).
Depth: The space, front to rear, of a formation. One rank/individual (same) has a depth of 12 inches.
Distance: The space, front to rear, between units. The distance between ranks, measured from one rank's backs to the next rank's chests is 40 inches.
Element: Smallest drill unit. At least 3, usually 8 to 12 individuals; one element leader.
File: A single column of individuals, one behind the other, perpendicular to the direction of the march.
Flank: The extreme right or left file of a formation.
Front: The space occupied by one rank or a unit from flank to flank (same). The front of a file or individual (same) is 22 inches.
Head: The leading unit of a column.
Interval: The space between files of the right-to-left space between individuals (same thing). A normal interval is an arms length (fingertip to shoulder). A close interval is 4 inches (bent elbow to forearm).
Pace: A normal step, 24 inches.
Post: Correct position for an individual in formation.
Rank: A single row of individuals, side by side, parallel to the direction of the march.
Step: Distance from heel to heel of one individual while marching.
Unit: Any portion of a given formation.

Extended Version
Alignment: Dress and/or cover.
Center: The middle point of a formation. In case of an even numbered front, the right center is considered the center.
Dress: Alignment of elements side by side or in line maintaining proper interval.

Cadence: The uniform step/rhythm in marching (steps per minute).
Double Time: 180 steps per minute, 30 inches each.
Full Step (in Quick Time): 24 inch step.
Half Step: (in Quick Time): 12 inch step.
Mark Time: Marching in place; 100 to 120 steps per minute.
Quick Time: 100 to 120 steps per minute.
Slow Time: 60 steps per minute (used in funeral ceremonies)

Flight: At least 2, not more than 4 elements.
Mass Formation: Formation (of squadron/group) in which component units are arranged in column and at close interval.
In Column: Arrangement in which units are side by side with the guides and element leaders at the head.
In Line: Arrangement in which units are one behind another with the guides and element leaders on the right flank.
Inverted Column: In Column, but with guides and element leaders to the rear.
Inverted Line: In Line, but with guides and element leaders on the left flank. 70.20.216.235 (talk) 14:58, 26 December 2007 (UTC)

Missed Commands

(USAF)
Basic Description
At Close Interval, Dress Right (Left), DRESS: Closes interval to 4 inches (bent elbow length).
Column of Files From the Right (Left), Column Right (Left), MARCH: Transforms multi-file front to a single file and executes a column at the same time.
Column of Files From the Right (Left), Forward, MARCH: Transforms multi-file front to a single file.
Column of Twos (Fours) From the Left (Right, note the opposite), MARCH: Reverses the command Column of Files From the Right (Left), above.
Column Half Right (Left), MARCH: Changes direction of a column by 45 degrees.
Counter, MARCH: Allows units' flexibility where space is limited.
DISMISSED: Commands all individuals to break formation and leave the area.
Eyes, RIGHT (LEFT): Eyes and head snap 45 degrees.
Half Right (Left), FACE: Stationary movement angling individual 45 degrees.
Hand, SALUTE: Used for training purposes only to render preset arms and order arms on the cadence which it is called.
INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT): Slightly alters direction of the march.
Quick Time, MARCH: Returns to default cadence/step from double time.
Ready, FRONT: Returns eyes and heads forward from Eyes, FRONT. Also returns arms from Dress Right, DRESS and At Close Interval, Dress Right, Dress.
Right (Left) Flank, MARCH: Moves unit short distances perpendicular to the overall direction of the march by commanding each individual to pivot 90 degrees.
Right (Left) Turn, MARCH: Alters direction of a mass formation; like a Column Right (Left), MARCH.
STAND FAST: Command to remain at attention; disregard commands from other commanders because they're not referring to you.

Extended Version
At Close Interval Most basic commands, including "AT EASE", "ATTENTION", "FALL IN", "FALL OUT", "Ready, FRONT", and "Column Right (Left), MARCH"
At Close Interval, Dress Right (Left), DRESS: On execution, raise heel of left hand to rest on left hip, fingers and thumb joined and extended downward, elbow in line with the body. At the same time, everyone except the second, third, and fourth element leaders execute a Eyes, RIGHT. Individuals immediately align to the first element by touching their upper right arm to the bent elbow of the individual to the right. Individuals simultaneously cover in the same fashion that they would at normal interval.

Column of Files From the Right (Left), Column Right (Left), MARCH: On the preparatory command, the element leader of the right (left) element commands "Column Right (Left)"; the remaining element leaders command "STAND FAST". On the command of execution ("MARCH"), the first element leader and guide execute a face to the right (left) the element leader continues marching in the new direction with full steps. The guide marches ahead of the element leader and pivots 45 degrees creating a new rank.
The remaining element leaders command "Column Right (Left), MARCH" and, one element at a time, following the base element in the same manner.

Column of Files From the Right (Left), Forward, MARCH: On the preparatory command, the guide takes his/her post in front of the first element, and all element leaders execute an Eyes, RIGHT. The first element leader commands "Forward"; the remaining element leaders command "STAND FAST". Each remains at Eyes, RIGHT until they step off, at which point they execute a Ready, FRONT.
As the left heel of the last individual hits the ground directly to the right (left) of the next element, the element leader commands "Forward, MARCH" (referring only to his/her element), and the entire element steps off. The element keeps in step with the base element, and inclines to the right (left) to fall in behind, forming one file. The element leader occupies the rank directly behind the last individual of the first element (maintaining the same distance). Each element continues in the same fashion.

Column Half Right (Left), MARCH: On execution, the individual in the lead rank and on the right (left) flank takes one full step, pivots 45 degrees to the right (left) on the ball of the left (right) foot, takes another full step, and begins taking half steps to allow the other individuals of the rank to come abreast. The entire rank then resumes full steps. Also upon execution, the remaining individuals of the lead rank pivot 45 degrees to the right (left) and continue full steps until coming abreast to the right (left) flank, at which time they begin half steps. The remaining ranks advance to the same point established by each element leader and then preform the same movement. They then dress to the right and cover.
The flight commander and guide pivot 45 degrees to the direction of the movement and then back to their posts in front of the column.
If the command is called from a halt, the lead rank executes a half right (left) face on the command of execution and then continues as written above.
This command is not to be used to execute a slight change of direction. The correct command would be INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT), described below.

Column of Twos (Fours) From the Left (Right, note the opposite), MARCH: On the preparatory, all element leaders execute an Eyes, RIGHT (LEFT, note the opposite). The first element leader commands "STAND FAST"; the remaining element leaders command "Column Half Left (Right)".
On the execution, the leading element stands fast, and all element leaders executes a Ready, FRONT. The non-leading element leaders execute a column left (right) and incline and form to the leading element. The remaining ranks advance to the same point established by each element leader and preform the same movement. As each element comes abreast with the leading element, the element leader executes an Eyes, LEFT (RIGHT) and commands the element to halt.

Counter, MARCH: On the execution, the first element leader takes a full step, executes a 90 degree pivot to the right, marches across to the front of the flight just beyond the fourth element, and executes another 90 degree pivot to the right. Each rank proceeds to the same point and executes the same movement.
The second element leader takes two full steps forward and then completes the same movements as the first element.
The third element leader takes one full step forward and executes two 90 degree pivots to the left and marches between the rest of the third and second elements. Each remaining member advances to the same point established by the element leader and preforms the same movements.
The fourth element leader takes three full steps forward, executes a 90 degree pivot to the left, marches across the front of the flight to between the first and second elements. There he/she executes another 90 degree pivot to the left. Each remaining member advances to the same point established by the element leader and preforms the same movements.
The guide joins the fourth element in front of the element leader and executes the movement in the same manner as the fourth element.
As the fourth element leader marches past the last member of the fourth element, he/she along with the file begin half steps. The remaining element leaders begin half steps one pace after passing the last individual in each file. They then incline as necessary to fix the interval; then they begin half steps. Once all individuals are at half steps, the commander will call "Forward, MARCH".
If the command is called from a halt, the first element leader takes five paces forward, the third element leader takes three steps forward, the second element leader takes two paces forward, and the fourth element leader takes four paces forward. The movement is then executed as related above. DISMISSED: all individuals break ranks and leave the area. Eyes, RIGHT (LEFT): All files except the right (left) flank snap their heads and eyes 45 degrees to the right (left). Command can be called at a halt or while marching; if called while marching, it must be called on the right (left) foot.

Half Right (Left), FACE: Executed as a Right (Left), FACE, except at a 45 degree angle instead of a 90.

Hand, SALUTE: This command is used for training purposes only. This command is executed over two counts, the cadence for which is set by the cadence at which the command is called (Though if there is already a cadence in place, the command, as with all commands, should be called on that cadence.) On the execution, the right hand and arm move smoothly smartly upward in the most direct manner so that the middle finger touches the right front corner of the cover brim. In the absence of a brimmed cover (no cover, flight cap) the middle finger should touch the outside corner of the right eyebrow or the front corner of the glasses' frame. As the hand passes the waist, the fingers extend and join and the thumb moves along side. The palm stays flat, facing the body and tilted slightly towards the face. The forearm, palm, thumb and fingertips should form a straight line. The upper arm moves slightly forward of the body and parallel to the ground. The rest of body remains at attention.
On count two, the arm returns smoothly and smartly to the position of attention by retracing the path of count one, including cupping the hand as it passes the waist.

INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT): On the execution, the guide or guiding element moves, without pivoting, in the indicated direction, followed by the rest of the element.

Quick Time, MARCH: (From double time) the individual takes one more pace in double time and then returns to quick time. Quick time is the default march.

Ready, FRONT: (Returns eyes from Eyes, RIGHT (LEFT) to default front.) This command can be given at a halt or while marching. If it is called while marching, it must be called on the right (left) foot to the right (left, whichever way the eyes are angled). On the execution, heads and eyes snap smartly to the front, back to attention.

Right (Left) Flank, MARCH: This command is given on the right (left) foot. On the execution, the individual takes one more full step, pivots 90 degrees to the right (left) on the ball of the left (right, note the opposite) foot, keeping the upper body at attention and suspending coordinated arm swing. On the same count, he/she steps off with the right (left) foot in the new direction with full steps. Individuals maintain proper dress, cover, interval, and distance. Because this movement alters the front (both the individuals and the number thereof), it is only used to move right or left over short distances, after which the opposite command is given (Right (Left) Flank, MARCH) to correct the front.

Right (Left) Turn, MARCH: On the execution, the individual takes one full step forward, executes a 90 degree pivot to the right (left), advances one full step, and begins half steps. Other front rank individuals execute a right (left) 45 degree pivot and advance with full steps until opposite their places in line. Then they execute another right (left) 45 degree pivot, continue to advance with full steps until they're abreast of the pivot individual, and then begin half steps.

STAND FAST: Remain at attention; disregard commands from other commanders because they're not referring to you.70.20.216.235 (talk) 19:05, 26 December 2007 (UTC)

Australian Commands

I learnt in AAC, that stand easy means you can move around, while standing at easy is when you place your hands behind your backside and lock them together, hope that helps.--Staff Sergeant Jack Jackson from WIKI

References?

Edits to this article are being rejected as not being verified. Yet it would appear the reference cited in this article is Joeleonhart’s Weblog - which quotes Wikpedia as its source! 69.112.214.239 (talk) 16:35, 16 April 2014 (UTC)

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Port Arms

Newhall incident links here in an attemot to explain "port arms", but it isn't mentioned on the page. 2A02:8109:1040:1724:5DFB:79BB:EEFE:9F77 (talk) 10:59, 1 January 2019 (UTC)

ten hut

Ten hut refers to this page, but is not discussed on it. --93.203.116.182 (talk) 10:22, 3 July 2019 (UTC)

It's not totally accurate. US Army does NOT, for example. 75.179.134.44 (talk) 22:29, 6 October 2023 (UTC)

Present Arms

The photo of "port arms" is actually showing "present arms." — Preceding unsigned comment added by 198.161.4.70 (talk) 19:27, 27 September 2019 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 2 April 2020

You appear to have your arm movement reversed between Dress Right and Dress Left. Refer to youtube videos of these 2 procedures and how they are executed. In Dress Right Dress you raise your left hand and arm. I've never done or heard of Dress Left Dress but it would be the reverse, i.e., raise your right hand and arm. Azposse (talk) 19:47, 2 April 2020 (UTC)

 Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. —KuyaBriBri^Talk 22:17, 2 April 2020 (UTC)

Right dress

The definition is wrong and not consistent with the picture shown. On a right dress, everyone but the far right cadet raises their right arm and looks in the same direction, to the right. Therefore the troop is lined up from the right flank. Your picture shows this but describes it incorrectly as left dress. 78.30.26.9 (talk) 13:40, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

The explanation is "generally" correct in that the left arm is generally raised since the right is used to carry arms. The description of the photo is wrong, since it is a right dress that is being performed but obviously, the Irish do things differently. Cinderella157 (talk) 02:38, 18 January 2022 (UTC)