TOG Colors

Understanding the Purpose of Military Drill

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

The primary objective of military drill is to efficiently move a group of individuals from one location to another. But there is much more.

Continuing my series on drill and ceremonies, this is the second installment. The link to the previous:

  1. Understanding the Definition and Types of Military Drill

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.

TC 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies

In Basic Training or Boot Camp, drill serves to create military bearing, instill discipline, and a sense of achievement. It teaches:

  • Adherence to standards is essential for maintaining uniformity, discipline, safety, efficiency, and tradition within the military. It ensures that military personnel perform their duties with precision and professionalism, contributing to the overall effectiveness and cohesion of the military unit.
  • Response to commands is a fundamental aspect of drill and ceremonies that enhances discipline, coordination, readiness, confidence, and safety among military personnel.
  • Individual coordination is a fundamental aspect of drill and ceremonies that enhances precision, synchronization, discipline, physical fitness, and confidence among military personnel.
  • Teamwork in drill and ceremonies enhances cohesion, communication, mutual support, leadership, and problem-solving abilities among military personnel. It ensures that individuals can work together effectively and cohesively.
  • Esprit de corps translates to the spirit of the formation/body. It refers to the sense of unity, pride, and mutual loyalty shared among members of a group. The precise and synchronized movements required in drills instill a sense of discipline and cohesion, which are crucial for effective military operations.
    • Present Day: This is the combination of teamwork and a corporate sense of achievement. Drill and ceremonies are essential in fostering esprit de corps among members of the military. These ceremonies reinforce the collective identity and pride of the military unit, creating a strong bond among its members.
    • Historical perspective: Ceremonial drills, such as parades and honor guards, and even just marching in general, serve to uphold traditions and honor the sacrifices of those who have served. Hundreds of thousands have been in your place over the last 250+ years. It’s a sense of responsibility to the history of your service.
  • Alertness and Urgency in drill and ceremonies are vital for maintaining readiness, ensuring quick response to commands, enhancing situational awareness, building confidence and discipline, and ensuring safety and efficiency.
  • Confidence and Professionalism are essential qualities developed through military D&C. These aspects play a significant role in shaping the behavior and performance of military personnel. D&C enhances leadership skills, promoting a positive image, and encouraging continuous improvement among military personnel.
  • Leadership and Followership in drill and ceremonies are crucial for developing effective leaders, enhancing followership skills, balancing leadership and followership, building mutual respect, and promoting accountability among military personnel.
  • Attention to detail is seen in the precision and accuracy of a performance (pass-in-review, funeral, guard change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, etc.) requires members of the military to perform movements with exactness. Attention to detail ensures that each movement is executed correctly, contributing to the overall uniformity and discipline of the unit. This precision is vital for maintaining the visual impact of ceremonial events and translates into the effectiveness of military operations.

Additionally, drill allows a group to render respect, show honor, and uphold tradition, while also serving as a form of exercise. These aspects are essential for maintaining the dignity and heritage of military service.

The object of close order drill is to teach Marines by exercise to obey orders and to do so immediately in the correct way. Close order drill is one foundation of discipline and esprit de corps. Additionally, it is still one of the finest methods for developing confidence and troop leading abilities in our subordinate leaders.

MCO 5060.20, Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies

Why does drill and ceremonies remain relevant even in modern times? Obviously, there is a bit of overlap below with what I have already written, but it’s all very necessary.

“……”*

AFPAM 34-1203

*Not surprisingly, the USAF has nothing to say in the modern era on the importance of D&C. However! It did say there was value in D&C in 1960. Value doesn’t just disappear.

Why are drills and ceremonies needed? Every man and woman who enters military service learns teamwork by participating in drill. On the drill field the individual learns to appreciate the need for discipline–the need to respond to vested authority, to follow orders promptly and precisely, and to recognize the effect of his actions on the group as a whole. Learning to follow is the beginning of leadership.

AFM 50-14, Drill and Ceremonies (1960)

Ceremonies:

  • Honoring Traditions and History: Ceremonies connect us to the past, honoring historical events, individuals, and traditions. They reinforce a sense of continuity and shared heritage.
  • Marking Important Occasions: Ceremonies commemorate significant events, such as changes of command, awards ceremonies, and memorials.
  • Building Esprit de Corps: Participating in ceremonies fosters a sense of unity, pride, and belonging within a group or organization. It strengthens bonds and reinforces shared values.
  • Public Display of Discipline and Readiness: Ceremonies can serve as a public demonstration of the discipline, precision, and readiness of a military unit or organization. That’s why the service drill teams, parachute, air demonstration teams all exist.

Parades:

  • Showcasing Skill and Precision: Allow individuals and units to demonstrate their mastery of drill and ceremonies. They showcase the results of dedicated training and teamwork.
  • Boosting Morale and Public Support: Can boost morale within an organization and generate public support by providing a visual display of its strength, discipline, and professionalism.
  • Celebrating Achievements: Can celebrate victories, anniversaries, and other significant achievements.
  • See also, Why Did We Start Having Parades?

Military Tattoos:

  • Historical Significance: The term “tattoo” originates from a Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe” (“turn off the taps”), a signal for tavern keepers to stop serving beer and for soldiers to return to their barracks. Military tattoos evolved from these evening signals, often involving music and performances.
  • Entertainment and Camaraderie: Modern military tattoos provide entertainment for troops and the public, showcasing military bands, drill teams, and other performers. They foster camaraderie and a sense of community.
  • Display of Skill and Precision: Like parades, tattoos offer an opportunity to demonstrate exceptional skill and precision in drill and musical performances.

Competitions:

  • Motivating Excellence: Competitions encourage individuals and units to strive for excellence. They provide a platform for showcasing talent and dedication.
  • Promoting Standardization: Competitions help to promote standardization, adherence to regulations, and develop best practices for training and practice.
  • Building Teamwork and Sportsmanship: Preparing for and participating in competitions fosters teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

In essence, these elements serve to reinforce the values, traditions, and skills associated with drill and ceremonies, while also providing opportunities for public display, celebration, and camaraderie.

I once had an Army infantry Staff Sgt tell me that D&C is essentially useless and a waste of time. I’m positive he doesn’t have a clue as to the utter irony of his statement as an infantry Soldier.

How did General Washington improve his Soldiers? He brought in Baron von Steuben from Prussia (where my ancestors come from). The Baron didn’t just teach battle tactics (i.e., concentrate only on fighting) and hope for the best? No, he taught key NCOs to march and the manual of arms and they, in turn, taught their companies the same. They worked hard to become proficient in marching and manipulating the rifle.

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

General George Washington

Competitive Drill

Competitive drill and ceremonies, primarily seen in high school JROTC and college SROTC, as well as some independent soloists and drill teams, offer additional benefits. Exhibition drill, in particular, promotes creativity in designing marching patterns, body movements, and rifle manipulations.

One of the most significant advantages of competitive regulation and exhibition drill for squads, platoons, and color guards is the development of a wide range of leadership skills:

  • Teaching the team the performance processes.
  • Delegating responsibilities while maintaining ultimate responsibility for the performance outcome.
  • Memorizing routines, commands, marching, and equipment movements.
  • Thinking quickly to ensure the team stays within time limits and physical boundaries.
  • Recovering from possible mistakes.

Military drill is a cornerstone of military training, discipline, and tradition. It encompasses a variety of movements and formations performed by members of the military, cadets, and many others, either with or without equipment. These drills serve specific purposes and contribute to the overall discipline and efficiency of military personnel.

  • Enhancing Individual and Team Capabilities: Military drill is designed to improve the coordination, precision, and responsiveness of individuals. By practicing these drills, individuals learn to move in unison, respond to commands quickly, and execute complex maneuvers with accuracy. This not only enhances their individual skills but also fosters a sense of teamwork and unity within the group. The synchronized movements required in drills instill a sense of discipline and cohesion, which are crucial for effective military operations.
  • Fostering Leadership and Creativity: Drill and ceremonies also play a significant role in developing leadership skills. Soldiers are often given the opportunity to lead their peers in drill practices, which helps them build confidence and learn how to manage and motivate a team. In competitive settings, such as exhibition drills, soldiers are encouraged to showcase their creativity by designing intricate marching patterns and rifle manipulations. This not only highlights their skill and ingenuity but also promotes a sense of pride and accomplishment.
  • Historical and Traditional Significance: Ceremonial drills, such as parades and honor guards, serve to uphold traditions and honor the sacrifices of those who have served. These ceremonies reinforce the collective identity and pride of the military unit, creating a strong bond among its members. The historical sense of esprit de corps, or the spirit of the formation/body, is deeply rooted in these practices, fostering a sense of unity, pride, and mutual loyalty among soldiers.

Tomorrow’s installment is Understanding the Benefits of Military Drill.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *