Marching in place, marking time. Many think they know how to do it. There are three different regulation drill techniques for the US military and two techniques for ceremonial drill.
The Difference Between Mark Time and Half Step
OK, we know that Mark Time has you marching in place and Half Step has you marching forward at half the size as a normal step. But, there is confusion out there and I see it constantly. Mark Time Service Differences The Army tells us that the foot is brought straight up off the marching surface two inches. The Marine …
Got Squeaky Shoes?
While wearing your shoes (low quarters/boots/civvy shoes), move your feet back and forth and side to side to try to pinpoint from where the squeak is coming. Once you find the area that is squeaking, sprinkle it with corn starch or baking powder, inside and out. This will help to absorb noisy moisture and reduce or even eliminate noise. See …
Metronome’s Can Help!
Drum and bugle corps, marching bands and (marching band) color guards, indoor drum lines and dancers all use metronomes to help with timing when they are training and practicing. Your drill team and color guard and everyone in a military drill-related organization could benefit. When a music ensemble uses a metronome, when playing their instruments, the metronome is plugged into …
Ask The DrillMaster: Commander Procedures for Columns?
Let’s begin with defining where a team commander has control. This is called the “Span of Control.” As yo can see from the diagram below, a commander’s “span of control” is 180-degrees all around the formation at 3 steps from the formation. However, in competition team commanders are to maintain a position to the left side of the formation. Having …
The Column Half Left (Right)
Here is what the Army says: To change the direction of a column by 45 degrees, the command is Column Half Right (Left), MARCH. On the command MARCH, the leading airman of the right (left) flank advances one full 24- inch step, pivots 45 degrees to the right (left) on the ball of the left (right) foot, and advances another …
The Left Flank and The Column Left
Keep this image in mind as you read below. Span of Control CT asks: Hello DrillMaster, I would like to know if after giving left flank can the commander march backward while the platoon marches forward towards the commander during Regulation Drill. I have looked everywhere and nowhere can I find it. Answer: It’s good to hear from you; thanks …