| DRILL |
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| DRILL Drill is used to develop discipline, teamwork, while learning the importance of attention to detail. Drill consists of certain movements which a unit or individuals are moved in an orderly uniformed manner from one point to another. Movements are executed in unison and with precision. Each movement is sharp and crisp, while maintaining attention to the detail of the movement being called. DRILL INSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS I. GENERAL There are three methods used to teach drill to soldiers. The step-by-step method, by-the-numbers method, and the talk-through method. As a rule, marching movements are taught by using the step-by-step method. Movements that require numerous actions are best taught by the talk-through method. Movements which have two or more counts should be taught by using the by-the-numbers method. Movements should be presented using three teaching stages: explanation, demonstration, and by-the-numbers. II. EXPLANATION 1. Give the name of the movement. 2. Give the practical use for the movement 3. Give the commands for the movement and an explanation of its elements. (Prepatory Command and Command of Execution) 4. Explain the movement in detail and emphasize its pertinent points. III. DEMONSTRATION 1. Step-by-step method. Demonstrate the movement in normal cadence. For difficult movements, the instructor may demonstrate using the step technique which is listed below. Each movement is repeated several times by the individual until the instructor thinks the group is proficient before proceeding to the next movement. 2. Talk-through-method. The explanation and demonstration are combined. Each movement or action by the individual is executed as it is orally described. The instructor simply tells the unit how and what he wants them to do. They execute the movement as the instructor describes it. When in the judgement of the instructor, the unit has mastered the movement, he then has them practice the movement as it is orally described. 3. By-the-number method. Movements are explained and demonstrated one count at a time. As an example, the instructor commands, BY THE NUMBERS, ABOUT, FACE. The first count of the movement is executed on the command of execution, FACE. The second count is explained and then executed on the command READY, TWO. The next commands are still executed by the numbers until the instructor says WITHOUT THE NUMBERS. The instructor should have the soldiers execute the movement by-the-numbers (one count at a time). To assist the soldiers the instructor may count the cadence "ONE,TWO", and later have them count. COMMANDS AND THE COMMAND VOICE COMMANDS I. GENERAL A drill command is an oral order by the commander, instructor, or leader. 1. When at the halt, the commander faces his troops when giving commands. 2. While marching the flank, the commader, he turns his head in the direction of the troops, and gives his commands. * There are exeptions of these rules during ceremonies. The command AS YOU WERE is used to revoke a prepatory command that the commander has given. The command AS YOU WERE must be given prior to the command of execution. If the command of execution is already given, just have the unit execute the command in the best manner possible. II. TWO-PART COMMANDS Most drill commads have two parts, known as the prepatory command and the command of execution. 1. The prepatory command states the movement to be carried out and mentally prepares the individual for its execution. In the command FOWARD MARCH, the prepatory command is FOWARD. 2. The command of execution tells when the movement is to be carried out. In FOWARD MARCH, the command of execution is MARCH. 3. In some commands, the prepatory command and the command of execution are combined: for example-FALL IN, AT EASE, and REST. These commands are given without inflection and at a uniformly high pitch amd loudness comparable to that for a normal command of execution. III. THE COMMAND VOICE Voice Control 1. The loudness of the command is adjusted to the number of people in the unit. Normally, the commander places himself in the front and center of the unit and speaks facing them so that his/her voice reaches all of them. 2. It is neccessary for the voice to have carrying power, but excessive exertion is unnecessary and harmful. 3. The best posture for giving commands is the position of attention. If the commanders posture is unmilitary (relaxed, slouched, still, or uneasy) the unit will imitate it. Inflection 1. Inflection is the rise and fall-in pitch and the tone changes of the voice. 2. The prepatory command is the command which indicates the movement. Pronounce each prepatory command with a generally rising inflection. Cadence 1. Cadence in commands, means a uniform and rythmic flow fo words. 2. Cadence allows for coordination of the movements, while helping the unit be on the correct marching foot. 3. Cadence is necessary so that the unit will be able to understand the prepatory command and the command of execution. IV. POSITIONS and MOVEMENTS Position of Attention: To assume the position of attention bring your heels smartly together, toes pointing out to equally form an angle of 45 degrees. The knees are slightly bent, body is erect, chest is lifted, and your shoulders are squared even. Your arms are hanging without stiffness along the seam of your trousers with the back of your hands outward, fingers curled while the thumb is touching the forefinger. Your head and eyes are locked without moving, while your weight is distributed equally on the heels and balls of your feet. Parade Rest: This command is given only from the positon of attention. The prepatory command is PARADE, and the command of execution is REST. When the command REST is given, your left leg will move 10-inches to the left and your hands will be places on the small of your back. Your hands will be above the waist with the right hand on top of the left. Thumbs are interlocked and your fingers are straight. This is a modified form of the position of attention. Right Face: The prepatory command is RIGHT, and the command of execution is FACE. The purpose of this movement is to turn to the right using a 90 degree turn. This is a two count movement. The first count is to pivot to the right while being on the toe of your left and ball of your right foot. The second count is to bring your left foot with the right, and assume the position of attention. Your arms will be kept to the seam of your pants when doing this movement. Left Face: The prepatory command is LEFT, and the command of execution is FACE. The purpose of this movement is to turn to the left using a 90 degree turn. This is a two count movement. The first count is to pivot to the left while being on the toe of your right and ball of your left foot. The second count is to bring your right foot with the left, and assume the position of attention. Your arms will be kept to the seam of your pants when doing this movement. About Face: The prepatory command is ABOUT, and the command of execution is FACE. The purpose of this command is to turn around using a 180 degree turn to the right. This is a two count movement. The first count is to put your right leg next to the back of your left leg (trace a backwards "C") while keeping your body at attention. The second count is to turn around to the right using a 180 degree turn while keeping the toe of your right leg, and the heel of your left foot raised. When you come at a halt you will be at the position of attention. Foward March: The prepatory command is FOWARD, and the command of execution is MARCH. Upon the command of execution you will step off with your left leg on a 30-inch step. The 30-inch step is measured by the toe of one foot to the heel of the trailing foot. Ready Halt: The prepatory command is READY, and the command of execution is HALT. |
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