Drill Terminology

Definitions

Element: The smallest drill unit comprises at least four cadets, one of whom is designated as the Element Leader.

Flight: At least two but not more than four elements.

Interval: The space between cadets placed side by side - a normal interval is an arm’s length, and a close interval is four inches.

Distance: The space between cadets (40 inches) as measured from their chest to the back of the cadet to their immediate front while in formation.

Dress: Alignment of elements side by side while maintaining proper interval.

Cover: Alignment of cadets directly behind the person to their immediate front while maintaining proper distance.

Alignment: Dress and cover.

File: A single column of cadets placed one behind the other.

Rank: A single line of cadets placed side by side.

Flank: The extreme right or left side of a formation.

Line Formation: The arrangement of units one behind the other with the element leaders at the extreme right flank.

Column Formation: The arrangement of units side by side with element leaders at the head.

Step/Pace: The distance measured from heel to heel between the feet of an individual marching.

Quick Time: The rate of marching 100 to 120 steps, 24 inches in length, per minute.

Half Step: The rate of marching 100 to 120 steps, 12 inches in length, per minute.
Remember: Half Time is for football, not marching!

Mark Time: Marching in place at 100 to 120 steps per minute, raising feet 4 inches.

Double Time: The rate of marching 180 steps, 30 inches in length, per minute.

The Two Types of Formations: Explained

Line Formation:

The arrangement of units one behind the other with the element leaders at the extreme right flank.

This is the formation you are most familiar with. This is how we fill our classroom when the bell rings at the beginning of the period. With the element leaders at the extreme right flank of the formation, they fall one behind another.

Column Formation:

The arrangement of units side by side with element leaders at the head.

This formation has element leaders at the "head", and all element leaders are side-by-side. With this formation, the element leaders take the "lead" during Column Movements (such as a Column Right). Whenever we are in Column Formation, and element leaders are at the head, the rest of their element follows their footsteps!

The Two Types of Flight Movements: Explained

Flanking Movements:

All cadets make the same movement, all at once.

When the commander calls "Right Flank, March", each cadet performs an immediate 90° turn simultaneously. This type of movement is executed while the flight is marching in Line Formation. During a Flanking Movement, cadets end up behind a different cadet than they were previously. A Column Movement, however, ensures that cadets wind up in the exact same position they were before!

Column Movements:

Cadets take different turns at different points.

The element leaders make the first move and their element follows suit. At the command "Column Right, March", the 1st element leader makes an immediate 90° turn at Point A, and the 1st element cadets similarly make a 90° turn, but it is delayed so that they also turn at Point A. The 2nd element leader will make two 45° turns at Points B and C. They take their first 45° turn alongside the 1st element leader, take one step, and make their second 45° turn to face the same direction. These types of movements occur down each element until they are "caught up" and marching at Half Step.

Column Rights are executed while the flight is marching in Column Formation - so that the element leaders are "leading" their element through the movements!

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