TC 3-21.5 provides guidance for Army-wide uniformity in the conduct of drill and ceremonies. (Ceremonies are formations—the arrangement of elements of a unit in a prescribed manner—and movements in which a number of troops execute movements in unison and with precision just as in drill; however, their primary value is to render honors, preserve traditions, and stimulate esprit de corps.) It includes methods of instructing drill (movements by which a unit or individuals are moved in a uniform manner from one formation to another, or from one place to another, with movements executed in unison and with precision), teaching techniques, individual and unit drill, manual of arms for Infantry weapons, and various other aspects of basic drill instruction.
The principal audience for TC 3-21.5 is all members of the profession of arms. Commanders—the Soldiers in charge—and staffs of Army headquarters serving as joint task force or multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or multinational forces. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication. Since all situations or eventualities pertaining to drill and ceremonies cannot be foreseen, commanders may find it necessary to adjust the procedures to local conditions. However, with the view toward maintaining consistency throughout the Army, the procedures prescribed herein should be followed as closely as possible.
Personnel preparing to give drill instruction must be thoroughly familiar with chapters 3 through 7 before attempting to teach material in chapters 8 and 9.
For ease in distinguishing a preparatory command from a command of execution, the commands of execution appear in BOLD CAP letters and preparatory commands appear in Bold Italic letters. Reference to positions and movements appear in Italics.
AR 670-1 should be used as a reference for the proper wearing of uniforms and insignia.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable U.S., international, and in some cases host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure that their Soldiers operate in accordance with the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See FM 6-27.)
TC 3-21.5 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the glossary and the text. Terms for which TC 3-21.5 is the proponent publication (the authority) are italicized in the text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent publication follows the definition.
TC 3-21.5 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States and United State Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
The proponent for this publication is the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. The preparing agency is the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Directorate of Training and Doctrine, Doctrine and Collective Training Division. Send comments and recommendations on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander, Maneuver Center of Excellence, Directorate of Training and Doctrine, Doctrine and Collective Training Division, ATTN: ATZB TDD, 1 Karker Street, Fort Benning, GA 31905 5410; by email to usarmy.benning.mcoe.mbx.doctrine@mail.mil; or submit an electronic DA Form 2028.
Next Page : Part One – Drill