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.