DRILL COMMANDS AND MILITARY
BEARING
A good drill command is loud enough to be heard
by everyone in the unit. Make it a practice to speak to
the person farthest away from you. Take pains to be
distinct. A mumbled command will only result in
confusion and an unmilitary-like execution. Learn to
speak with assurance. Give your preparatory command
a rising inflection; deliver your command of execution
with sharp emphasis.
If you make a mistake or two the first time you drill
your unit, no harm is done provided you remember
your mistakes. You will find that the more often you
drill the unit, the more confident you will become.
To maintain a sharp military formation, observe
the following practices:
Present a smart appearance, whether you are
exercising the formation at drills or only marching a
work detail.
Observe the formation constantly. Correct
mistakes immediately but pleasantly.
Stand far enough away from your unit to see all
of them but close enough to detect mistakes and be
heard by all.
Do not keep the formation in any one position too
long. Face them away from the sun, if possible.
When not marching, give your command while
standing at attention.
Permit no smoking in ranks. Allow talking only
while the group is at rest or when marching at route step.
MILITARY COURTESIES AND
FORMATIONS
Learning Objective: Recall how to perform military
courtesies as a formation leader.
You should now feel secure in issuing the basic
drill commands to your division. You are ready to
present the division at an inspection, quarters, or a
ceremonial event. Additional information on drills and
ceremonies can be found in the Drill and Ceremonies
Manual and Interior Guard Manual, SECNAVINST
5060.22.
INSPECTIONS
When your division falls in to a formation, the ranks
should be formed according to height with the tallest
personnel at the end of the formation (opposite from the
end where the inspecting party will arrive). Usually, the
tallest person will be on your left as you face the
formation. Have the division open ranks and stand at
parade rest while awaiting the inspecting party. You or
8-29
MRP3F0511
4
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
2
9
4
10
6
11
8
12
10
13
12
Figure 8-9. From column of twos to single file.
Q18.
Which of the following entities make up a
platoon?
1.
Two or more squads
2.
Platoon headquarters
3.
Guide
4.
All of the above
Q19.
For quick time, at the command MARCH,
step off smartly with the left foot and
continue the march in steps of what length in
inches?
1.
25
2.
30
3.
35
4.
40
REVIEW QUESTIONS
