Preface
Preface
Embedded Files
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.
The principal audience for TC 3-21.5 is all members of the profession of arms. Commanders—the Soldiers in charge—and staffs of Army headquarters serving as joint task force or multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or multinational forces. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication. Since all situations or eventualities pertaining to drill and ceremonies cannot be foreseen, commanders may find it necessary to adjust the procedures to local conditions. However, with the view toward maintaining consistency throughout the Army, the procedures prescribed herein should be followed as closely as possible.
Personnel preparing to give drill instruction must be thoroughly familiar with chapters 3 through 7 before attempting to teach material in chapters 8 and 9.
For ease in distinguishing a preparatory command from a command of execution, the commands of execution appear in BOLD CAP letters and preparatory commands appear in Bold Italic letters. Reference to positions and movements appear in Italics.
AR 670-1 should be used as a reference for the proper wearing of uniforms and insignia.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable U.S., international, and in some cases host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure that their Soldiers operate in accordance with the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See FM 6-27.)
TC 3-21.5 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the glossary and the text. Terms for which TC 3-21.5 is the proponent publication (the authority) are italicized in the text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent publication follows the definition.
TC 3-21.5 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States and United State Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
The proponent for this publication is the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. The preparing agency is the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Directorate of Training and Doctrine, Doctrine and Collective Training Division. Send comments and recommendations on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander, Maneuver Center of Excellence, Directorate of Training and Doctrine, Doctrine and Collective Training Division, ATTN: ATZB TDD, 1 Karker Street, Fort Benning, GA 31905 5410; by email to usarmy.benning.mcoe.mbx.doctrine@mail.mil; or submit an electronic DA Form 2028.
Part 1
Drill
“Gentlemen: you have now reached the last point. If anyone of you doesn’t mean business let him say so now. An hour from now will be too late to back out. Once in, you’ve got to see it through. You’ve got to perform without flinching whatever duty is assigned you, regardless of the difficulty or the danger attending it. If it is garrison duty, you must attend to it. If it is meeting fever, you must be willing. If it is the closest kind of fighting, anxious for it. You must know how to ride, how to shoot, how to live in the open. Absolute obedience to every command is your first lesson. No matter what comes you mustn’t squeal. Think it over—all of you. If man wishes to withdraw he will be gladly excused, for others are ready to take his place.”
Theodore Roosevelt, Remarks to Recruits, 1898
Part 2
Ceremonies
“A ceremonial parade, impeccably performed, can never fail to be a source of inspiration to those who watch it or take part in it. It is the noblest and proudest form of drill. Based on the ‘blunt whetstone’ of drill instruction to recruits it was for many hundreds of years the foundation of battle discipline in all Armies…”
“Today, once the elements of discipline have been instilled through drill on the parade square, it develops, naturally, into various forms of crew drill, gun drill, and battle drill but the aim of discipline remains unchanged. This aim is the conquest of fear. Drill helps to achieve this because when it is carried out Soldiers tend to lose their individuality and are unified into a group under obedience to orders.”
“If Soldiers are to give their best in war they must be united. Discipline seeks through drill to instill into all ranks this sense of unity, by requiring them to obey orders as one. A Ceremonial parade, moreover, provides an occasion for Soldiers to express pride in their performance, pride in the Regiment or Corps and pride in the profession of Arms.”
General Sir Harold Alexander,
Ceremonial for the Army Ministry for Defense,
Army Department November 1968
Note: See appendix G for a checklist for conducting a successful ceremony.
Appendix A
Saluting
The origin of the Hand Salute is uncertain. Some historians believe it began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with their right hand raised to show that they did not hold a weapon. Knights in armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the hat. By 1820, the motion was modified to touching the hat, and since then it has become the Hand Salute used today.
Appendix B
Manual of M16 Series Rifle
5-1. This section contains procedures for executing the manual of arms with the M4-series carbine (see figure 5-1 on page 5-2) in conjunction with individual and unit drill movements. Only conduct drills with the M4-series carbine with the standard handguards with the stock fully extended.
Note: The manual of arms movements for the M16-series, M14, M1903 or M1917 rifle are basically the same as for the M4 carbine. The movements for the M16 are fully described in appendix B; the movements for the M14 are fully described in appendix C; the movements for the M1903or M1917 are fully described in appendix D.
Appendix C
Manual of - M14 Rifle
The manual of arms with the M14 (see figure C-1) rifle is executed in the same manner as the manual of arms for the M16-series rifle (see appendix B) except Inspection Arms, Stack Arms, Order Arms, and some movements of Present Arms
Appendix D
Manual of Arms—M1903 or M1917 Rifle
The manual of arms with the M1903 or M1917 rifle (see figure D-1) is executed in the same manner as the manual of arms for the M16-series rifle (see appendix B) except for minor differences with Order Arms, Port Arms, Left and Right Shoulder Arms, Inspection Arms, and Present Arms. For ease of understanding, the movements are fully described.
Note. The term “at the balance” refers to where the trailing edge of the top handguard meets the front edge of the breech. The trailing edge of the hand is placed in this area. Figure D-1 shows the location of the balance.
Appendix E
Appendix E
Manual of Arms—Saber and Sword
Manual of Arms—Saber and Sword
The saber is worn by officers while participating in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried on the left side of the body attached to the belt by the scabbard chain with the guard of the saber to the rear. The sword is worn by all platoon sergeants and first sergeants while participating in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried in the same manner as the officer’s saber.
The saber is worn by officers while participating in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried on the left side of the body attached to the belt by the scabbard chain with the guard of the saber to the rear. The sword is worn by all platoon sergeants and first sergeants while participating in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried in the same manner as the officer’s saber.
Appendix F
Manual of the Guidon
The guidon is a company, battery, or troop identification flag. It is present at
all unit formations unless otherwise directed by the commander.
When armed with a rifle, the guidon bearer slings the weapon behind their back
with the sling diagonally across their chest and the muzzle end up and to the right.
Appendix G
Cerimonies
This appendix contains a checklist for successfully conducting military ceremonies. It also shows the sequence of events for a change of command and change of responsibility ceremonies.
G-1. Ceremonies honor lineage and history, thereby requiring the utmost in respect and courtesy. Military ceremonies can honor high-ranking commanders, officials, or dignitaries; or permit them to observe the state of training of an organization. Military ceremonies can also be used to present decorations and awards, honor or recognize unit or individual achievements, commemorate events, mark changes of command and responsibility, and induct newly promoted NCOs into the ranks. Presentation of awards recognizes distinguished accomplishment by the Service member. AR 600-8-22 states that awards will be presented with an appropriate air of formality and with fitting ceremony.
G-2. There are several different types of ceremonies that units will occasionally conduct. Unit CSMs and their staff will develop their own sequence of events for the following types of ceremonies:
Change of command.
Change of responsibility.
NCO induction.
Relinquishment of responsibility.
Award.
Deployment and redeployment.
Hail and farewell.Assumption of responsibility
Army school graduation (special units).
Award of Expert Infantry Badge or Expert Field Medical Badge.
Wreath laying.
Special events.
Spurs awarding (Cavalry specific).
G-3. Most ceremonies will include some of the mandatory events listed in the reviews chapter and end with the playing of the Army song. A unit CSM or their designated representative develops their ceremony specific SOP and ensure the preparedness of the unit conducting the ceremony. If the ceremony is conducted at the company or troop level, then the responsibilities for the sequence of events could be delegated to the company first sergeant and command team. Hail and farewells do not require the playing of the national anthem or playing of the Army song. Figure G-1 on page G-2 shows a sample checklist for conducting military ceremonies.
Appendix H
Mounted Drill
This appendix contains the procedures for the orderly formation and movement of vehicles during drill and ceremonies for motorized and mechanized units. When necessary, the procedures may be modified to conform to local conditions.
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