Tiger Battalion LET Manual - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Parades

The term “parade” had various meanings to Continental Army troops camped at Valley Forge. It could mean to form, march, and drill. Present-day parade procedures originated from the daily activities conducted then to form, organize, instruct, and issue parole and countersign words to the various guards on duty (outpost, picket, camp, and quarters). Early parades also enabled commanders to give special instructions to subordinate leaders and to make command announcements. In the U.S. Army regulations of 1863, reviews were a type of parade, and “dress parades” were conducted daily, except on extraordinary and urgent occasions. The parade remains basically the same as the review except that it has retained its original intent—a method whereby unit commanders could inspect troops, present awards, and issue information. The sequence of a parade has the following steps—formation of troops, sound off by a band, honors to the Nation, presentation, manual of arms, report, orders published, officers center, pass in review.

Section 1

History

11-1. Battalion and brigade parades are opened by the adjutant’s call sounded on a trumpet. This call has opened parades of the American forces for over 150 years. After some preliminaries, the adjutant directs SOUND OFF and the band plays three chords. Having sounded off, the band marches in front of the troops and then countermarches to its original position. This March across the front of the line is said to have originated with the Crusades (A.D. 1095 to 1260). The troops offering themselves for holy service were drawn up in a long formation and the band countermarched only before those chosen to serve. In American ceremonies, the sound off has been handed down as a ceremonial tradition.

11-2. After the band sounds off, the commanding officer may, if they wish, give the troops some Facings or movements of the manual of arms. This was the traditional way in which they established control over their command, and it has been practiced in the United States since the Revolutionary War.

11-3. Parades in the Revolutionary Army were usually held at “Troops” or about 8 AM and was the time used for sergeants to call the roll and report it to the adjutant. After the sergeants had returned to their posts, the commander directed that necessary orders and information be reported. After the adjutant had read the orders, they announced Parade is dismissed. At that time, officers moved to a position centered on the commanding officer. As the commander gave specific instructions to the officers, the first sergeants would march their units back to their respective company areas where they would be dismissed.

Section 1 - History

Section 2

Preparation

11-4. The appearance and movement of troops in formation are the primary characteristics of a parade. The preparation and organization of troops for a parade are similar to that of a review. In a parade, since the COT is also the reviewing officer, the distance between the troops and the commander is greater than that for a review. Other differences are that the band conducts Sound Off, the inspection is omitted, a report is rendered, orders are published, and officers and guidons are marched forward and centered on the commander. If retreat is scheduled, honors to the Nation are conducted concurrently with retreat.

Section 2 - Preparation

Section 3

Types of Parade

11-5. The procedures for conducting a ceremonial battalion parade, a ceremonial brigade parade, and street parades are discussed herein. The ceremonial battalion parade and ceremonial brigade parade are conducted very similar in nature, but a brigade ceremonial parade is conducted in a larger scale with a few differences.

Section 3 - Type of Parade

Page updated

Report abuse