Army Judge

When Standing Out Breaks the Standard: Accent vs. Authority in Regulation Drill

DrillMasterJudge Training, Judging, Regulation Drill Leave a Comment

In regulation drill, excellence is not demonstrated by visibility—it is demonstrated by compliance. Yet in competitive environments, a recurring behavior has emerged: teams introduce subtle pauses before flanking movements, exaggerate foot sweeps on facing movements, or add slight timing accents that are not prescribed by doctrine. These additions are often intentional, designed to “stand out” to judges when technical execution …

AFJROTC Proper Commander Position Through Column Right

Can a Flight Commander Switch Sides During Regulation Drill?

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In JROTC drill competitions—during the regulation drill sequence—questions occasionally arise regarding the authorized positioning of the flight. One recurring practice, observed most frequently in the west, but slowly creeping to other areas, involves the commander switching from the prescribed left side of the formation to the right side and eventually switching back through column movements. This article examines whether that practice is doctrinally supported.

Marching Multiple Silhouette Part 2

The Mechanics of Movement

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams, Honor Guard, Instructional Leave a Comment

This article is a continuation of Part 1, The Rhythm of Movement. Here, we go over what physically happens when taking that first step. The Gate Cycle When we talk about the gait cycle, we’re essentially describing a full rhythmic cycle of walking. Marching is a highly disciplined and stylized form of walking, so when marching, the gait cycle is …

Drill Team

Understanding the Definition and Types of Military Drill

DrillMasterColor Guard/Color Team, Drill Teams, DrillFit, Honor Guard Leave a Comment

Military drill encompasses a variety of movements and formations performed by members of the military, cadets, and others, either with or without equipment (rifles, flags, guidon). There are distinct forms of drill, each serving specific purposes and contributing to the overall discipline and efficiency of military personnel.

AJROTC Armed Platoon Nixa School District

When Does the Commander Move to Port From Sling and Back?

DrillMasterAsk DrillMaster, Instructional, Regulation Drill Leave a Comment

Recently, I received a question that deserves to be an article. This happens constantly and is part of what I have called Filling in the Gaps. While I have been made fun of for using that term, there will always be someone with a question. They have a gap in their knowledge and are seeking to fill it.

Proper Technique For the Platoon Commander

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Here is the situation: The regulation drill sequence for a platoon. The commander, three steps away from and centered on the platoon in Line Formation, gives the following commands: Command The Commander Left Step Right Step Left Face Stands Fast Right Step Marches Backward at Half Step About Face Stands Fast Forward March Steps off with a Face-In-March to the …