Standards. The military is about setting and maintaining standards- even exceeding them. A cadet organization is not different. An extra-curricular activity of that program also needs to set and maintain standards. Those standards are of what is expected from each team member and what each team member can expect. Here are some examples. I encourage you to look them over, …
Complete Exhibition Drill Team Tetrad Routine
I have many free downloadable resources on the Downloads page and here is another! Click the link above to go to the Downloads page, scroll down to DrillMaster Downloads and at the bottom you will see the link for the routine. The PDF package outlines a complete tetrad (4- or 5-man) exhibition routine with the rifle work included in the …
Distance and Alignment Training
This is the best way that I know how to train a team to consistently maintain alignment and distance. When the platoon/flight falls in, they should always “dress and cover” without command. This is standard and if you are not doing this and relying on the commander to give commands, you are not falling in properly- this goes for every …
Don’t Break Vertical
When executing facing movements while armed with a rifle, do not break vertical. But, what does that mean? In Regulation Drill, drill that is based on the drill and ceremonies manual for each military service, without any added movements whatsoever, Drillers must execute the movements exactly as described. The preparatory commands for facing movements are Right, Left and About. Do not …
How to Execute Change Step
Give the command, Change Step, MARCH! on the right foot. In the image at right, you can see the foot placements just before, during and right after giving the command. The following is what each service manual says on the specific execution of the command. A non-military explanation of the steps:The tempo range is 116-124 SPM (steps per minute) for the …
Vocabulary Vs. Excellence
Many members of the Military Drill World catch the bug for solo exhibition drill (XD) and create a lifestyle around spinning. Some of the newest XD Drillers, however, try to be a world-class Driller in a matter of weeks by attempting to learn as many moves or “tricks” as possible. Thinking that is the way to go- no real direction, just …
JROTC Drill Team Issues
DrillMaster, My name is John and I was selected to be the drill commander for this year. It’s only been a few days and we are already having problems, especially between my selected leaders. The whole atmosphere changed the next day when my AI handed me the drill cord, it was like my leaders didn’t want to socialize with me …
Leadership: Parent, Adult, Child
I am publishing this article to help everyone, but it is specifically for one young man who I have known for a short time. You have a choice when addressing someone in person as to how you sound, what you say and your facial and body expressions. Before we continue: if you come across as a parent to others, especially …
Why The DrillMaster for Cadets?
I was asked a short time ago why someone would hire me or use the skills I’ve acquired. That is an excellent question. Why indeed. Question: Concerning drill, what would you tell someone who is just coming into JROTC, whether they are an instructor or a cadet? Read. Read your service drill and ceremonies manual. You need to know it …
Excellence is More Than “Clean”
“Clean” has many different definitions. In visual terms, however, we use it to mean, “having no needed corrections; easily readable”. WHOA! what is this “easily readable” stuff, are we are talking about drill teams? Yes, drill teams are a part of the visual performance family. This family includes, dance, marching band, step, etc. Click here for my article explaining Readability. See …