Boca NJROTC State Championship 2016 Armed Drill Team

Understanding the Implementation of Military Drill

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Continuing my series on drill and ceremonies, this is the sixth installment. Links to the previous:

  1. Understanding the Definition and Types of Military Drill
  2. Understanding the Purpose of Military Drill
  3. Understanding the Benefits of Military Drill
  4. Understanding Arguments Against of Military Drill
  5. Understanding the History and Current Problems with Military Drill

We often overlook the fundamental aspects and fail to implement D&C effectively in our training programs. As a result, we miss out on the opportunity to develop essential skills such as leadership, confidence, and attention to detail. By not fully utilizing D&C, we are unable to foster the esprit de corps and mutual loyalty that are vital for a cohesive and efficient military unit.

Arrian and Plutarch, major sources on Alexander the Great’s life, describe the Macedonian army as highly disciplined and trained, which was crucial to their success in battles.

Managing Time

It is essential to recognize the importance of D&C and ensure it is integrated into our training programs to reap their full benefits.

  • Efficient Use of Time in Military Training: In the military, time is a precious resource, and its efficient use is crucial for the success of training programs. Every activity, from physical training to classroom instruction to working the job on the flightline, range, or office, must be carefully planned and executed to maximize its effectiveness. Drill and ceremonies (D&C) is no exception. It is an integral part of military training that, when properly implemented, contributes significantly to the overall development of military personnel.
  • Drill and Ceremonies as a Time-Efficient Training Tool: D&C is designed to instill discipline, coordination, and teamwork among members of the military, cadets, and others who march. These activities teach adherence to standards, response to commands, and individual coordination, which are essential for effective military operations. By incorporating D&C into the training schedule, military units can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously. For example, while practicing drill movements, members also develop their physical fitness, attention to detail, and ability to work as a cohesive unit. This multifaceted approach ensures that time spent on D&C is not wasted but rather enhances various aspects of training.
  • Challenges in Utilizing D&C Efficiently: Despite the numerous benefits of D&C, there are challenges in ensuring its efficient use. Some military units may overlook the importance of D&C or fail to integrate it effectively into their training programs. This can result in missed opportunities to develop essential skills such as leadership, confidence, and esprit de corps. To address this, it is important to recognize the value of D&C and allocate sufficient time and resources to these activities. By doing so, military units can reap the full benefits of D&C and enhance the overall effectiveness of their training programs.

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

General George Washington

D&C = Discipline = Lethality

“We are here to kill people and break things, and D&C, along with uniform and grooming standards, don’t matter in the modern warfighter era.” This is the tired mantra by some who take the image of a lone special operator who has been in the field for months, his hair and beard showing it, and equate his performance in that arena with a complete disregard for D&C and the maintaining dress and appearance standards. These standards supposedly “don’t affect” the lethality of the warrior.

The argument is a non sequitur, a Latin term that means “does not follow”, an invalid argument in which the conclusion cannot be logically deduced from the premises; a logical fallacy. Note- more on these logical fallacies tomorrow.

If these standards don’t affect lethality, then why are they emphasized from the beginning of military training? The reason why these standards are so emphasized in initial military training is because they shift the mindset of the individual from being a civilian to working in an environment where they must collaborate with others to achieve that lethality. We don’t become lethal warfighters in the modern day all by ourselves. Drill and ceremonies is not just about appearance; it is about instilling discipline, coordination, teamwork, and more. Please feel free to reread the above benefits as many times as necessary until they sink in. These elements are crucial for effective military operations.

In today’s modern warfare, the precision and discipline developed through D&C are more relevant than ever. The ability to respond to commands with accuracy and to move in unison as a cohesive unit can make the difference between success and failure in high-stakes situations. Moreover, maintaining standards of dress and appearance fosters a sense of pride and professionalism, which translates into better performance on the battlefield.

The historical and traditional significance of D&C also plays a role in fostering esprit de corps and mutual loyalty among military personnel. These practices create a strong bond and a collective identity, which are essential for a cohesive and efficient military unit. In essence, D&C and adherence to standards are integral to developing the mindset and skills necessary for the modern warfighter’s lethality

We do war-like things to the best of our ability in training and on the battlefield. We also do our best in drill and ceremonies when required. Because that’s what we do in the military. We do both. They are not mutually exclusive and those who think they have no concept of the fully rounded Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman, Guardian, or Coast Guardsman.

Creating a Culture of Professionalism Through D&C

I received a message from a JROTC instructor with a question on how to create a level of professionalism for the cadets in drill and ceremonies and then have the cadets keep it going for years to come. While the following is more directed for cadets, these principles are relevant for everyone.

The Message

I’m trying to get my team to a level of professionalism (D&C) that can be passed down for generations. Any suggestions or advice? Also, I am contemplating purchasing your books. Any help would be appreciated!

My Reply

Start by Reading. Instilling a culture of professionalism in the D&C aspect of your program rests in you encouraging your cadet leadership to read and know the governing regs:

For Regulation Drill

First, read your applicable service manuals. You can download all of these from the Resources page.

You can download These manuals from the Resources page of my website. I also suggest they read the articles at my website. They, in turn, need to encourage others to read. As I always write, education is key.

For Exhibition Drill

To Get You Started: Articles on Regulation Drill. Specific articles to to start:

Put What You Read Into Action

This constant encouragement will begin to create a culture of education and training. I also suggest creating job descriptions for each position and creating positions:

  • Color guard: a commander for each team and a training specialist for the “colors element”, one who knows where to reference everything that the TC and AR say about colors.
  • Drill team: a commander for each team and a training specialist for unarmed and armed teams. I also suggest a training specialist who is responsible for the exhibition routines.

Cadets can hold more than one position, and I think this breakdown not only helps divide responsibilities but also create stronger cadets who become subject matter experts for each position. Those cadets are seniors who have a junior cadet to assist and ultimately train to take over after the senior cadet graduates.

It’s my experience that when cadets are given the knowledge and tools, you can step to the side and watch them take off.

Transformational leadership refers to four elements known as the 4I model:

  • Idealized Influence – essentially, this means being a role model. SHOW your team how you want them to be and lead by example.
  • Inspirational Motivation – this component suggests that in order for a transformational leader to be successful they must INVOLVE their followers in the development of the vision so that everyone has a clear commitment to shared goals.
  • Intellectual Stimulation – don’t assume that you’re better than the people on your team. You NEED them in order to keep the wheels greased, so don’t overlook the intellect and advice they might be able to offer. In other words, reinforce the idea regularly that ‘there are no stupid questions,’ and everyone should feel comfortable offering input. Remember, you wanted them on your team for a reason.
  • Individualized Consideration – as a leader, you are also a coach, and a good coach acts as a mentor for each individual team member. Learn the needs of each team member and find opportunities for each follower based on their unique needs and desires. When you do this, your followers will feel appreciated and invested in the work they’re doing AND loyal to you as a leader.

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