Drill Terms Continuation for Military Training

Objectives of Drills and Ceremonies

• Enhance operational effectiveness of military units.
• Ensure uniformity in marching and maneuvering.
• Foster discipline, alertness, precision, pride, and cohesion.
• Drill serves as the foundation for teamwork.

Historical Background

• Ancient battle drills used for military movement; Romans practiced cadence marching.
• Infantry drills gained prominence again in the 14th century, evolving over time.
• Early 20th century saw the transition to all-arms drill due to changing warfare conditions.
• Drills continue to be essential for orderly troop movement and military displays.

Learning Outcomes

• Good drill emphasizes efficiency, precision, and dignity; developed through self-discipline and practice.
• Competent drill units are recognized as highly trained and disciplined.
• Well-executed drill improves individual pride, mental alertness, and esprit de corps.
• Drill standards should be maintained in all aspects of cadet life; minor errors should be corrected systematically.

Key Drill Terms

• Alignment: A straight line formed by several elements; units are considered aligned when dressed.
• Base: The element guiding a movement; for example, in a "right front into line," the leading squad is the base.
• Cadence: The rhythm of executing movements, typically at quick time or double time.
• Center: The middle element of a unit; can shift based on the number of squads.
• Line: Formation with elements abreast; sections can form a line.
• Column: Formation with elements placed one behind another.
• Depth: The space from front to rear of a formation.
• Distance: Space between elements, typically an arm’s length in individual formations.
• Double Time: A cadence of 180 steps per minute.
• Echelon: A series of elements arranged with one behind another.
• Element: An individual, squad, or larger body within a formation.
• File: Two men in ranks, or a single column of men.
• Flank: Right or left end of a unit in either line or column formation.
• Formation: Arrangement of unit elements in various prescribed manners.
• Frontage: Space occupied by an element from flank to flank.
• Head: Leading element of a column.
• Interval: Lateral space between elements in the same line.
• Step: Distance measured from heel to heel while walking.

Commands and Postures

• Hand Salute: Command sequence to raise the right hand smartly to the forehead; returns to the side after execution.
• Rest Position at the Halt: Commands include PAHINGA (Parade Rest), TINDIG PALUWAG (Stand at Ease), and TIWALAG (Fall Out).
• Resuming Attention: Commands are TILAP and HUMANDA to return to position after any rest state.

Drill Techniques and Movements

• Aligning platoon formations can be practiced using various commands.
• Marching movements include Forward, Halt, and changing directions with commands for right and left flank movements.
• Specific commands guide transitions between various positions, such as Port Arms and Inspection Arms.

Additional Resources

• Detailed video links provided for practical demonstrations of various drill movements and procedures, enhancing understanding of commands and formations.