
Drill is the term used to describe a formal parade where you are able to move quickly in formation from one place to another. Through history, British Army Drill has been the foundation upon which discipline; teamwork, pride and pageant have all taken equal part.
Full Answer
What's the point of drill and parade?
What's the point of drill and parade? You may think it doesn't have much to do with things like adventurous training, or leadership. That's not the case at all! It shows how disciplined and organised you can be as an individual, remembering instructions and carrying them out accurately.
What is a military parade?
A military parade is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manouvering known as drilling or marching.
What is the purpose of military drill?
These days, military drill is mostly used for military ceremonies, such as military parades, and to instill pride and discipline during military training (such as basic training).
What is drdrill?
Drill is also used when you are moving around in large groups in a smart, orderly fashion. Whatever the reason for a drill it's an impressive sight and shows civilians and members of the Forces just how well disciplined you are. As a cadet you'll participate in various forms of drill, such as: Basic Drill (both quick & slow time)

What is the purpose of drill?
drill, preparation of soldiers for performance of their duties in peace and war through the practice and rehearsal of prescribed movements. In a practical sense, drill consolidates soldiers into battle formations and familiarizes them with their weapons.
What's the difference between drill and marching?
Drill is marching, plain and simple. In ancient times, the most powerful, efficient and developed empires developed ways of moving troops from one place to another without them getting mixed up with other troops. So they marched together from one place to another, also known as drill.
What is the purpose of parade?
A parade is a line of people or vehicles moving together through a public place in order to celebrate an important day or event.
What is the purpose of marching drill?
The purpose of drill is to enable a commander or non-commissioned officer to move his unit from one place to another in an orderly manner; to aid in disciplinary training by instilling habits of precision and response to the leader's orders;and to provide for the development of all soldiers in the practice of ...
What is a military parade called?
A military parade (square bashing in British military slang) is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvring known as drilling or marching. The American usage is "formation or military review".
What are the benefits of drill?
Simple drills have the following advantages:They are easy to set up and organise in terms of numbers and equipment.They are easy to monitor.Many can be used as purely fitness activities.Players are unable to hide in many of them because they are quite structured and tightly-controlled.
Why is it called parade?
The word parade itself has little that's celebratory about it. It comes to English from French, where it traces back to a Middle French word meaning "to prepare." And the original English-language parades did indeed require preparation.
Who started drill in army?
Drills were first invented in Germany by general Draul in 1666. Drills makes military more systematic and disciplined. Drills also makes one more patient and more thick – skinned.
What is a parade example?
An example of parade is to have bands, cars and floats march through a town. An example of parade is to show off a new handbag around town. An example of parade is for military forces to gather in formation for display.
What are the benefits of drill and marching?
It teaches adherence to standards, response to commands, individual coordination, teamwork, esprit de corps (the spirit of the formation/body from an historic perspective), alertness, urgency, confidence, followership, attention to detail, and leadership.
What are the 3 marching steps used in drill?
What are the three marching steps used in drill? ... “Ready, Port, Arms” ... How do you measure a "step”?More items...
How many types of drill are there?
The two major types of the drill are manual and electric drills. The common features they have today include multi-function power, selection of driver bits, and varied drilling power.
Why do soldiers march instead of walk?
Purpose. It is said that many ancient empires first developed marching as a way to move troops from one place to another without them getting mixed up with other troops. A soldier learning to march to drum cadences, martial music and shouted commands is considered an essential element of teaching military discipline.
Why do soldiers march left foot first?
Shooting the Left foot first in the military was mainly because the soldiers were mostly right-handed and they carried their weapons the right side. So when a soldier stepped forward with a Left foot, they were in a better balanced fighting posture, with Right foot planted and weapon up, ready for action.
What is drill in physical education?
The term drill and practice is defined as a method of instruction characterized by systematic repetition of concepts, examples, and practice problems. Drill and practice is a disciplined and repetitious exercise, used as a mean of teaching and perfecting a skill or procedure.
Why do soldiers turn their heads when marching?
On commands that set the unit in motion (marching from one point to another), the commander moves simultaneously with the unit to maintain correct position within the formation. (b) When marching, the commander turns his head in the direction of the troops to give commands.
What is the military parade?
Military parade. A military parade is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvering known as drilling or marching. The military parade is now almost entirely ceremonial, though soldiers from time immemorial up until the late 19th century fought in formation.
What is the Bangladesh parade?
The Bangladesh Armed Forces parade tradition was inherited from both the Pakistan and British Armed Forces as its first infantry unit, the East Bengal Regiment, was raised in then East Pakistan 1948 from Bengali servicemen who served in the former British Indian Army, whose drills were similar to those in the rest of the Commonwealth. Today the Armed Forces, together with Border Guards Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Police, Bangladesh Jail, Bangladesh Ansar, Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence and the youth cadets under the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps, marches on ceremonial parades held on the following occasions:
What is the Canadian ceremonial guard?
Within Canada, the now tri-service Ceremonial Guard perform s the marchpast for senior dignitaries of the Canadian Armed Forces during change of command ceremonies and state arrival ceremonies , typically held in Ottawa, the national capital. The two Primary Reserve Canadian Army regiments that typically provide personnel for the guard, the Governor General's Foot Guards and The Canadian Grenadier Guards, together with the Governor General's Horse Guards and guard of honour detachments from both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force take part in these events. In addition, the CG and optionally both the GGHG and the CGG take part in military parades such as the more common Trooping the Colour, also in Ottawa and special parades during the jubilee years of the monarch or of a national foundation. The CAF personnel, as well as the Canadian Cadet Organizations and military veterans also parade during national holidays such as Remembrance Day, Victoria Day, Canada Day or Canadian Forces Day, as well as during parades celebrating anniversaries of regiments, brigade groups or wings, and divisional level formations and passing out parades of the Royal Military College of Canada, Royal Military College Saint-Jean and recruit training bases, as well as in local holidays in the provinces and major cities. Across the country, the annual Warriors Day military parade has since 1921, been a traditional event of the Canadian National Exhibition. It is specifically devoted to formally recognizing veterans of the CF. Like in the UK, the regimental march of the unit being honored is played by the band and/or pipe band if present.
What is Argentina's military parade?
Argentina's long history of military parades are a heritage inherited from the times of the Spanish colonial Viceroyality of Rio de la Plata, with influences from Germany, France, Britain, and Italy. Today the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic, together with the paramilitary Argentine National Gendarmerie and Argentine Naval Prefecture hosts massive military parades featuring armed companies, cadets, and military bands on the following days (national events unless otherwise noted):
When did the Taipei parade start?
However, in the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Republic of China Armed Forces held its national parades in Taipei from 1949 until 1991 during the Double Ten Day celebrations. This practice was abandoned in 1991 though parades were recently held every five years beginning in 2011 during the Xinhai Revolution centenary and again in 2016. Special parades were held outside Taipei in 1995 and 2015 marking the 50th and 70th anniversaries, respectively, of both the Allied victory in the Second World War and the conclusion of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
When was the first parade in China?
The first parade of this nature took place right after the Proclamation of the People's Republic of China by Chairman Mao Zedong on 1 October 1949.
When is the Albanian flag parade?
Today, military parades of the Albanian Armed Forces are held on Albanian Flag Day and Constitution Day on 28 November.
What is the drill movement for saluting to the front?
In British Corps, the drill movement for saluting to the front is the following. Two, three, up. Two, three, down.
What was the purpose of the Cavalry drill?
Cavalry drill had the purpose of training cavalrymen and their horses to work together during a battle. It survives to this day#N#[update]#N#, albeit in a much-diminished form, in the modern sporting discipline of dressage. The movements sideways or at angles, the pirouettes, etc., were the movements needed for massed cavalrymen to form and reform and deploy. Of the proponents of classical dressage from which modern dressage evolved, probably the best known are the Lipizzaner Stallions of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Musical Ride gives an inkling of what massed cavalry drill at speed would have looked like.
How fast is a quick march?
Quick March: The standard pace is typically 116 beats/minute with a 30in. step. There is also a Rifleman's Pace, 140 beats/minute and a Highland Pace, 110 beats/minute (typically done with a kilt.) The pace is based on the individual regiments, the pace given by the commander, and the speed of the band's rhythm. The way the march is performed depends on the regiment's nationality.
What does "dismissed" mean in the parade?
Dismissed. Telling designated units to leave the parade square/ground.
What is saluting on the march?
Saluting on the march. In the Commonwealth countries, the following saluting on the march commands are ordered with a preparatory command of ' Saluting on the march...'. For example, ' Saluting on the march, to the front Salute' and always called on the left foot.
How to do the parade command?
The Preparatory Command is "Parade," and the Command of Execution is "Rest." On the command "Rest," the recruit will raise the left foot just enough to clear the ground and move it smartly to the left so that the heels are 10 inches apart, as measured from the inside of the heels. Keep the legs straight, but not stiff, and the heels on line. As the left foot moves, bring the arms, fully extended, to the back of the body, uncupping the hands in the process, and extend and join the fingers, pointing them toward the ground. The palms will face outward. Place the right hand in the palm of the left, right thumb over the left, to form an X. Keep head and eyes straight ahead and remain silent and immobile.
What is stationary drill?
Stationary drill consists of drill movements that are accomplished without marching. The drill positions of attention and parade rest are two perfect examples. Other stationary drill commands include parade rest, at ease, left (or right) face, about face and fall out. Some commands, such as present arms and order arms, can be accomplished while moving or while stationary.
What is the command to relax?
The command is "At ease." On the command, you may relax in a standing position, but you must keep your right foot in place. Your position in the formation will not change, and silence will be maintained. Your arms may be relaxed, but your thumbs must also stay interlaced.
What is the point of drill and parade?
That's not the case at all! It shows how disciplined and organised you can be as an individual, remembering instructions and carrying them out accurately. More importantly, it shows your ability to work in a team and is a way of displaying the high standards of dress and behaviour which air cadets are renowned for.
When to use drills?
Drill is also used when you are moving around in large groups in a smart, orderly fashion. Whatever the reason for a drill it's an impressive sight and shows civilians and members of the Forces just how well disciplined you are.
How many feet does a cadet hit the ground?
When a group of twenty cadets walk on to a parade square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team, following the orders given by one person. Instead of twenty individual feet hitting the ground, there is only one sound. This is the result of practice and teamwork.
What was the purpose of the Marines parade?
Using the resplendent setting of the Barracks, wistful imagination and the Marines' flare for showmanship, the parades were to be a showcase for the ceremonial prowess of Marines and the musical eminence of the U.S. Marine Band, which had achieved international renown under the premier military band leader of all time, John Philip Sousa.
What is the Marines evening parade?
The Evening Parade, held every Friday evening during the summer, has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline, and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines.
Who was the Marine Corps commander who planned the parade?
In planning the parade sequence and format, Colonel Leonard F. Chapman Jr., the future 24th Commandant of the Marine Corps, insisted that the parade adhere to strict regulations. The parade drill would be without fancy theatrics, which frequently characterized drill routines of that period.
Who directed the Marine Barracks parade?
The basic format for today's Evening Parade was similar to that envisioned and directed by Col. Emile P. Moses and Maj. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., Marine Barracks' Commanding Officer and Executive Officer respectively, in 1934. Col.
Who designed the shadowy arcade?
They conceived a balanced pageant that would perfectly match the splendor of its old fashioned setting. The shadowy arcade was envisioned by Major Shepherd, "as wings to a stage, a runway from which Marines would march to their places on the parade deck.".
What is the purpose of a drill?
Drill, preparation of soldiers for performance of their duties in peace and war through the practice and rehearsal of prescribed movements. In a practical sense, drill consolidates soldiers into battle formations and familiarizes them with their weapons.
Why was drill invented?
To maximize efficiency, drill was invented. It first made its impact felt in the Dutch army under Maurice of Nassau, a great teacher whose headquarters attracted aspiring officers from all over Europe. Standards, often modeled after Roman ones, were introduced to help units align themselves, and tactical movements…
Who developed the drill system?
By the end of the 17th century, Franceled in the development of modern standing armies, largely because of a drill system devised by Louis XIV’sinspector generalof infantry, Jean Martinet, whose name became a synonym for drillmaster. To make effective use of inaccurate muskets, concentrated volleys had to be delivered at short range. Troops advanced in rigidly maintained battle lines, all firing simultaneously on command. Through ceaseless drill, the Prussian Army of Frederick II the Great achieved a mechanical perfection in these tactics. At Valley Forgeduring the American Revolution, Baron von Steuben, a German officer who helped train American troops, adapted Prussian techniques into a less rigid drill system fitted to the American character and to conditions of warfare in the New World.
Why did parade ground maneuvers disappear?
Exact parade ground maneuvers on the battlefield disappeared in the 19th century because of improvements in the range and accuracy of weapons. This trend began during the American Civil War, when soldiers had to be trained to spread out, take cover, and dig entrenchments.

Overview
Current era
Drill is today used to demonstrate discipline and cohesion in a modern military force. Large military parades are today held on major holidays and military events around the world. It usually held on occasions of national importance such as a country's independence day, and therefore is presided over by the head of state who, in most cases, is the commander in chief of the combined n…
History
The terminology comes from the tradition of close order formation combat, in which soldiers were held in very strict formations as to maximise their combat effectiveness. Formation combat was used as an alternative to mêlée combat, and required strict discipline in the ranks and competent officers. As long as their formations could be maintained, regular troops could maintain a significa…
Rationale
A military drill is memorizing certain actions through repetition until the action is instinctive to the soldiers being drilled. Complex actions are broken down into simpler ones which can be practiced in isolation so when the whole is put together the desired results are achieved. Such is necessary for a fighting force to perform at maximum efficiency in all manner of situations. However, depend…
Types of military parades
• Flypast
• Victory parade
• Naval parade
• Pass in review
See also
• At attention
• Military band
• Parade
• Drill commands
• Exhibition drill
Overview
Drill commands are generally used with a group that is marching, most often in military foot drills or in a marching band. Drill commands are usually heard in major events involving service personnel, reservists and veterans of a country's armed forces, and by extension, public security services and youth uniformed organizations.
Historical drill commands for parade
The 18th-century musket, as typified by the brown Bess, was loaded and fired in the following way:
1. Upon the command prime and load the soldier would bring the musket to the priming position, with the pan opened.
2. Upon the command handle cartridge the soldier would draw a cartridge. Cartridges consisted of a spherical lead bullet wrapped in a paper cartridge which also held the gunpowder propellant. The bullet was separated from the powder charge by a twist in the paper.
Common drill commands
• Fall in. Have designated troops move into formation on the parade square and/or ground.
• Fall out. Have designated troops to face the commander to be dismissed.
• Dismissed. Telling designated units to leave the parade square/ground.
See also
• Drill team
• Exhibition drill
• Drill (disambiguation)
• Military parade
External links
• Drill Commands Handbook(Dead link – please replace.)
• The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial (archived copy, retrieved date=2012-02-16
• [1] – The Household Division of the British Army practicing drill for the trooping of the colour