Chapter 2 – Drill Instructions

“Troops who march in an irregular and disorderly manner are always in great danger of being defeated.”

Vegetius: De Re Militari: A.D. 378

Section 1 – Instructional Methods

2-1. The progress made by individuals and units in precise and unified action in drill is determined by the following:

  • The methods of instruction and the thoroughness of the instructor.
  • The organization of Soldiers into units of the most effective instructional size.

2-2. The three methods of instruction used to teach drill to Soldiers are: step by step, talk-through, and by the numbers. The character of the movement being taught will indicate the most effective method to use. As a rule, marching movements are taught using the step-by-step method. Movements that require numerous or simultaneous actions by an individual or unit are best taught using the talk-through method. Movements that have two or more counts are taught using the by-the-numbers method.

2-3. To ensure that a Soldier develops satisfactory proficiency during the time allotted and to ensure a complete and consistent presentation by the drill instructor, each movement, regardless of the method used, should be presented using three teaching stages—

  • Explanation.
  • Demonstration.
  • Practice.

Explanation

2-4. In the explanation stage, the instructor must—

  • Give the name of the movement.
  • Give the practical use for the movement.
  • Give the command(s) for the movement and explain its elements: the preparatory command and the command of execution.
  • Also discuss the command(s) necessary to terminate the movement. (Supplementary commands are discussed where appropriate in the explanations.)

2-5. This is how an instructor teaches a marching movement using the first teaching stage (explanation):
“Platoon, ATTENTION. AT EASE. The next movement (position), which I will name, explain, and have demonstrated, and which you will conduct practical work on, is the 30-Inch Step From the Halt. This movement is used to march an element from point A to point B in a uniform manner. The command to execute this movement is Forward, MARCH. This is a two-part command: Forward is the preparatory command, and MARCH is the command of execution. The command to terminate this movement is HALT. Halt is also a two-part command when preceded by a preparatory command such as Squad or Platoon. I will use Demonstrator as the preparatory command and HALT as the command of execution. When given, these commands are as follows: Forward, MARCH; Demonstrator, HALT.”

Demonstration

2-6. In the demonstration stage, the instructor may use the step-by-step, talk-through, or by-the-numbers methods of instruction. The instructor may demonstrate the movement themselves, modifying their position when necessary to maintain eye-to-eye contact with personnel being instructed.

Step-by-Step Method of Instruction

2-7. In the step-by-step method of instruction, the explanation and demonstration are combined. The movements are taught one step at a time.

Note. The letters P, I, C, or A that have been added to the end of certain paragraphs to help the reader understand the five-step process used in all marching movements comprise a mnemonic known as the PICAA effect. Put simply, the preparatory command, the command of execution, and the action step—executing the movement—are all given or executed when the same foot strikes the marching surface. The intermediate step and additional step are executed with the other foot.

2-8. The instructor explains that on the command of execution, the demonstrator takes only one step and then stops in position until the command Ready, STEP (for the next step) is given. While the demonstrator is stopped in position, the instructor makes on-the-spot corrections and explains the actions for the next step. The instructor then has the demonstrator execute the movement at normal cadence.

2-9. This is how an instructor teaches the demonstration stage when using the step-by-step method of instruction:

  • “Demonstrator, POST. I will use the step-by-step method of instruction. On the preparatory command Forward of Forward, MARCH, without noticeable movement, shift the weight of the body onto the right foot. Forward.”
  • “On the command of execution MARCH of Forward, MARCH, step forward 30 inches with the left foot. The head, eyes, and body remain as in the Position of Attention. The arms swing in natural motion, without exaggeration and without bending the elbows, about 9 inches straight to the front and 6 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams. The fingers and thumbs are curled as in the Position of Attention, just barely clearing the trousers. MARCH.” (Front is defined as the space from side to side of a formation, including the right and left elements.)
  • “On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. Once again, ensure that the head, eyes, and body remain as in the Position of Attention, and that the arms swing naturally, without exaggeration, and without bending the elbows, about 9 inches straight to the front and 6 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams. The fingers and thumbs are curled, as in the Position of Attention, barely clearing the trousers. Ready, STEP. Notice that there are two steps explained: one from the Halt and one while marching.”
  • “The command to terminate this movement is HALT. The preparatory command Demonstrator of Demonstrator, HALT, may be given as either foot strikes the marching surface. However, the command of execution HALT of Demonstrator, HALT, must be given the next time that same foot strikes the marching surface. The Halt is executed in two counts.”
  • “On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. When that foot strikes the marching surface, the demonstrator will receive the preparatory command Demonstrator of Demonstrator, HALT. Ready, STEP. Demonstrator.” (P–step 1 of the PICAA process.)
  • “On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. This is the intermediate (or thinking) step required between the preparatory command and the command of execution. Ready, STEP.” (I–step 2 of the PICAA process.)
  • “On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. When the foot strikes the marching surface, the demonstrator will receive the command of execution HALT of Demonstrator, HALT. Ready, STEP. HALT. The Halt is executed in two counts.” (C–step 3 of the PICAA process.)
  • “On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot, this being the additional step required after the command of execution. Ready, STEP.” (A–step 4of the PICAA process.)
  • “On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, bring the trail foot alongside the lead foot, reassuming the Position of Attention, thus terminating this movement. (Ready, STEP.RE-FORM.) At normal cadence, this movement would look as follows: Forward, MARCH. Demonstrator, HALT. AT EASE.” (A–step 5 of the PICAA process.) (RE-FORM is a command to restore the previous element or formation [used only during drill instructions].)
  • “Platoon, what are your questions pertaining to this movement when executed at normal cadence or when using the step-by-step method of instruction? (Clarify all questions.)”
  • “Demonstrator, ATTENTION. You will now become my assistant instructor. FALL OUT.”

Note. Notice that when marching, there are five steps in the step-by-step method of instruction: 1–Preparatory command step; 2–Intermediate step; 3–Command of execution step; 4–Additional step; and 5–Action step.

Talk-Through Method of Instruction

2-10. Demonstrations are combined. Each movement is orally described. In this method, the explanation and action by individuals is executed as the instructor tells the demonstrators what they want them to do and how to do it. The demonstrators execute the movement as the instructor describes it; then, the instructor has the demonstrators execute the movement at normal cadence.

2-11. This is how an instructor teaches the demonstration stage when using the talk-through method of instruction:

  • “Demonstrator, POST. I will use the talk-through method of instruction. On the command of execution ATTENTION or FALL IN, sharply bring the heels together and on line, with the toes forming a 45-degree angle. Rest the weight of the body equally on the heels and balls of both feet. The legs are straight without locking the knees; the body is erect; hips level; chest, lifted and arched; and shoulders, square and even. Keep the head erect and face straight to the front with the chin drawn in so that the alignment—the arrangement of several elements on the same line—of the head and neck is vertical. The arms hang straight without stiffness. The fingers are curled so that the tips of the thumbs are alongside and touching the first joint of the forefingers. Keep the thumbs straight along the seams of the trousers with the first joint of the fingers touching the trouser legs. Remain silent and do not move unless otherwise directed.”
  • “AT EASE. This position, executed at normal cadence, is as follows: Demonstrator, ATTENTION.AT EASE. FALL IN. AT EASE.”
  • “Platoon, what are your questions pertaining to the Position of Attention when executed at normal cadence or when executed using the talk-through method of instruction?” (Clarify all questions.)
  • “Demonstrator, ATTENTION. You will be my assistant instructor, FALL OUT.”

Note. When teaching squad, platoon, or company drills, this method should be modified so that individuals are talked into position rather than through the position.

By-The-Numbers Method of Instruction

2-12. By The Numbers is the command used to begin instructing one count at a time. Without The Numbers is the command used to terminate single-count instruction and return to normal cadence. The explanation and demonstration are combined. Movements are explained and demonstrated one count at a time.

2-13. The instructor has the demonstrator execute the movement by-the-numbers (one count at a time). The instructor then has the demonstrator execute the movement at normal cadence. The following is how an instructor teaches the demonstration stage using the by-the-numbers method of instruction:

  • “Demonstrator, POST. I will use the by-the-numbers method of instruction. Port Arms from Order Arms is a two-count movement. On the command of execution ARMS of Port, ARMS, this being count one, grasp the barrel of the rifle with the right hand and raise the rifle diagonally across the body, ensuring that the right elbow remains down without strain. Simultaneously, grasp the rifle with the left hand at the handguard just forward of the slip ring, keeping the rifle about 4 inches from the belt. By the numbers, Port, ARMS.”
  • “On count two, release the grasp of the rifle with the right hand and regrasp the rifle at the small of the stock. Keep the rifle held diagonally across the body, about 4 inches from the belt, elbows drawn in at the sides, and ensure the right forearm is horizontal, thus assuming the position of Port Arms. Ready, TWO.”
  • “Order Arms from Port Arms is a three-count movement. On the command of execution ARMS of Order, ARMS, this being count one, release the grasp of the rifl with the right hand and move the right hand up and across the body, approaching the front sight assembly from the right front, and firmly grasp the barrel without moving the rifle. Ensure the right elbow remains down without strain. Order, ARMS.”
  • “On count two, release the grasp of the rifle with the left hand, and with the right hand lower the rifle to the right side until it is about 1 inch off the marching surface. At the same time, guide the rifle into place with the left hand at the flash suppressor, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm facing the rear. Ready, TWO.”
  • “On count three, sharply move the left hand to the left side as in the Position of Attention and, at the same time, gently lower the rifle to the marching surface with the right hand, assuming the position of Order Arms. Ready, THREE.”
  • At normal cadence, these commands (movements) are as follows:
    • “Without-the-numbers, Port, ARMS. Order, ARMS. AT EASE.”
    • “Platoon, what are your questions pertaining to Port Arms from Order Arms and Order Arms from Port Arms when executed at normal cadence or when executed by-the-numbers?” (Clarify all questions.)
    • “Demonstrator, ATTENTION. You will be my assistant instructor. FALL OUT.” (Notice that there is no Ready, ONE command.)

Practice

2-14. The practice stage is executed in the same manner as the demonstration stage except that the instructor uses the proper designator for the size of their element. However, the instructor does not have their element execute the movement at normal cadence until their element has shown a satisfactory degree of proficiency executing the movement using the selected method of instruction.

Section 2 – Instructional Techniques

2-15. Basic drill instruction includes U, line, circular, and extended rectangular formations. Basic drill instruction also includes stationary and moving cadence counts and dedicated instruction to units and individuals.

Formations

2-16. Instructors could use one of the four formation types when providing instructions to their formation while conducting drill. In all phases of drill, instruction and practical work can best be presented by using the U-formation or line formation. As a rule, stationary movements are taught using the U-formation; marching movements, including squad, platoon, and company drills, are best taught from the line formation. Instructors also have the option to use the extended rectangular and circular formations. Soldiers should be taught in the smallest formation possible to ensure individual attention; however, squad drill, whenever possible, should be taught to squad-size units, platoon drill to platoon-size units, and company drill to company-size units.

U-Formation

2-17. The U-formation is formed by the instructor commanding Count, OFF. On the command of execution OFF of Count, OFF, all personnel, except the right flank personnel, turn their heads and eyes to the right and the right flank personnel count off with “ONE.” After the right flank Soldiers have counted their number, the Soldiers to their left count off with the next higher number and simultaneously turn their heads and eyes to the front. All other members of the formation count off in the same manner until the entire formation has counted off. The instructor then commands First and second squads, FALL OUT.

2–18. On the command of execution FALL OUT, the first squad faces to the right, and the second squad faces to the left. After the squads have faced, the instructor commands U-formation, FALL IN.

2-19. On the command of execution FALL IN, the following actions happen simultaneously:

  • The first squad faces right, executes a Column Left, and takes one more step than the highest number counted when the formation counted off; halts, and faces to the left without command.
  • The second squad faces left, marches forward until the lead Soldier clears the last vacated position of the first squad, and then executes a Column Right, taking three more steps than the highest number counted when the formation counted off; halts, and faces to the right without command.
  • The third squad stands fast, and the fourth squad executes one 15-Inch Step to the Left. The instructor ensures that the first and second squads are one step in front of and one step outside the flanks of the third squad before commanding AT EASE beginning the instruction.

2-20. To re-form the platoon in a line formation, the commands are: FALL OUT (pause); FALL IN. The members of the platoon execute in the reverse manner as prescribed above, taking the same number of steps.

Line Formation

2-21. When instructing using the line formation at normal interval, it is recommended that the first rank kneels (right knee), second rank executes one 15-Inch Step to the Left and kneels (left knee), third rank stands fast, and the fourth rank takes one 15-Inch Step to the Left. (Rank is a line that is one element in-depth.) The instructor adjusts any additional ranks as necessary to ensure they are uncovered. This formation can quickly be formed by commanding Instructional Formation, MARCH. To re-form the unit into a line formation, the command is FALL IN. The members of the platoon execute in the reverse manner as prescribed above. (Normal interval is the lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by the Soldier on the right holding their left arm shoulder high, fingers and thumb extended and joined, with the tip of their middle finger touching the right shoulder of the Soldier to their left.)

Extended Rectangular Formation

2-22. The instructor may find using the extended rectangular formation more suitable for use:

  • To form the extended rectangular formation, the instructor commands Extend to the left, MARCH. All right flank Soldiers stand fast with only their left arm extended sideward with palm down, fingers and thumbs extended and joined. All other Soldiers turn to the left and double-time forward. After taking a sufficient number of steps, the Soldiers stop, face to the front, and extend both arms sideward with palms down, with fingers and thumbs extended and joined. The distance between the fingertips of one Soldier to another is 12 inches, dress is to the right and cover to the front. The remainder of the body is in the Position of Attention. (Distance is defined as the space between elements when the elements are one behind the other. Between units, it varies with the size of the formation; between individuals, it is an arm’s length to the front plus 6 inches, or about 36 inches, measured from the chest of one Soldier to the back of the Soldier immediately to their front.
  • The instructor then commands Arms downward, MOVE. The Soldiers lower their arms sharply to the sides as in the Position of Attention.
  • The instructor then commands Left, Face. All Soldiers execute a left face.
  • The instructor then commands Extend to the left, MARCH. All Soldiers execute as previously described.
  • The instructor then commands Arms downward, MOVE. All Soldiers execute as previously described.
  • The instructor then commands Right, FACE. All Soldiers execute a right face.
  • The instructor then commands From front to rear, COUNT OFF. (COUNT OFF is the entire command of execution.) Each member of the first rank turns their head and eyes to the right and counts off with ONE, then faces back to the front. The remaining ranks execute in the same manner as the first rank, counting off in the same manner as the first rank until the entire formation has counted off. The members of the last (rear) rank do not turn their heads and eyes.
  • The instructor then commands Even numbers to the left, UNCOVER. All even-numbered Soldiers jump squarely in the center of the interval, resuming the Position of Attention. The formation is now prepared for instruction.
  • To return the formation to the original configuration, the instructor commands Assemble to the right, MARCH. All Soldiers double-time to their original position in formation.

Circular Formation

2-23. The instructor may find the circular formation more suitable for training:

  • The instructor positions themselves in front of the lead Soldier in the lead squad, looks over their right shoulder, and commands Circle formation, FOLLOW ME. The instructor double-times in a circle large enough for the formation and moves to the center of the circle. The members of the lead squad follow at an arm’s length plus 6 inches (approximately 40 inches total). The squad leaders of the following squads begin double-timing at the correct distance from the last Soldier in the preceding squad without command. After the entire formation is in a circle, the instructor comes to the Position of Attention and commands Quick time, MARCH. The Soldiers begin marching normally. The instructor then gives directives to individual Soldiers and corrects the distance between them until each member is at approximately double arm interval.
  • The instructor then commands the formation to Halt using the appropriate preparatory command.
  • The instructor then commands Left, FACE. All personnel face toward the instructor. The formation is now ready for instruction.
  • To return the formation to its original configuration, the instructor commands the formation to attention and commands FALL OUT, then FALL IN. On the command FALL IN, all Soldiers return to their original position in formation.

Note. When conditions do not warrant this formation, Soldiers may be directed to remain standing and to uncover. To assemble the unit, the command FALL IN is given.

Instructors

2-24. When acting as instructors or assistant instructors, officers and NCOs go wherever they are needed. They correct mistakes and ensure steadiness and proper performance in ranks. When Soldiers shows that they are unable to execute the proper movements or assume the proper position, the instructor may physically assist them.

Cadence Counting

2-25. To enable Soldiers to learn or maintain cadence and develop rhythm, the instructor should have them count cadence while marching.

2-26. To count cadence while marching at quick time, the instructor gives the preparatory command, Count Cadence, as the left foot strikes the marching surface, and the command of execution, COUNT, the next time the left foot strikes the marching surface. The Soldier begins to count the next time the left foot strikes the marching surface and counts as each foot strikes the marching surface—ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR; ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR. To count cadence while double-timing, the procedures are basically the same, except the Soldier only counts each time the left foot strikes the marching surface. To maintain cadence when marching, Soldiers will be allowed to sing, or a drummer’s beat may provide cadence.

2-27. For stationary movements of two or more counts, the instructor commands In Cadence, Right, FACE. Soldiers simultaneously execute the first count of the movement on the command of execution and sounds off, ONE; as they execute the second count, they sound off, TWO.

Note. To halt execution of movements in cadence, the instructor commands Without Cadence, and resumes normal drill methods. For example, Without Cadence, MARCH when marching at Count Cadence or Without Cadence, Left, FACE for stationary movements.

2-28. As Soldiers begin to master the art of drill, instructors encourage a spirit of competition among individuals and between units. Although repetition is necessary when teaching drill, instructors use competitive drill exercises to ensure that drill does not become boring or monotonous.

2-29. Mass commands are used to develop confidence and promote enthusiasm. They are effective in developing a command voice when instructing a leadership course. Procedures for using mass commands are discussed in chapter 3.

Next Page : Chapter 3 – Commands and The Command Voice

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