Purpose of Drill

Why We Drill

Drill is more than an orderly way of moving a group of people from point A to point B, although it is that. JROTC cadets learn drill for the same reasons that soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines do. Drill is a time-tested laboratory for developing leadership skill.

Drill Helps the Individual

You stand taller because of drill. You develop a sense of pride in yourself and that pride translates into success in other areas of your life. You begin to appreciate the attention to detail and see how small things make a big difference. You build self-discipline when you stand at perfect attention, motionless, gut in and chest out, silently focused on a single point on the distant horizon. You gain self-confidence. You learn to come out of your shell when placed in front of a formation and made to call commands. You carry yourself with that special quality called military bearing. People in everyday life begin to see you differently. Your bearing sets you apart from ordinary youth.

Drill Builds the Team

The group members learn to adapt their movements to match those of the team. The group visibly comes together as a single, cohesive unit, as everyone marches in step and executes commands with precision. The group follows a single commander. When there is no doubt as to who the leader is, the team members operate as one and pursue the same goals. The group succeeds when each of its members performs as a team. The team members learn they

Drill Builds Leaders

Leaders learn to make decisions and think on their feet when calling commands. Drill instills the value of decisiveness. Leaders learn the importance of issuing clear instructions to the team. Leaders learn that teamwork is possible only if they first motivate the group members to excel. Leaders learn to value their place in the chain of command. They see the chain in action at formations. Leaders learn about the building blocks of leadership in the Cadet Program. They see airmen following orders, NCOs leading small teams, and officers leading multiple teams.

Rules of Drill Command

When giving commands, the leader is at the position of attention

The formation must be centered on the leader

The leader must face the cadets when giving commands

While marching, the formation must be in step with the leader at all times

The command used to clear a previous, incorrect command is “As You Were”

If a command is given improperly, the cadets must execute the movement as properly as possible

Characteristics of Command Voice

Loudness
The volume used in giving commands

Projection
The ability of your voice to reach whatever distance is desired without undue strain

Distinctness
Clear enunciation

Inflection
The change in pitch of the voice

Snap
The extra voice quality that demands an immediate response; snap should express confidence and control

Drill Presentation

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