In the past:
Assembly of troops
Command and maneuvering during war
Today:
Ceremonial, Celebration purposes (NPCC, NDP Day)
Display of troop discipline, cohesiveness and military strength (Opening and Closing Parades)
Awarding of achievements (Muster Parade)
Instill discipline and training of members
Routine:
Weekly Training and Parades
Ceremonial:
Muster Parade
NPCC Observance Day Parade
National Day Observance Parade (NDP, NDOC)
Passing Out Parade (POP)
Historically, after a war, the dead is collected and placed at the center to account for strength and remember the sacrifice that they made
As a mark of respect, the center of the parade is reserved only for the war dead and therefore not to be “cut” or trampled with.
A parade should always start with an inspection for all who are in it.
A strict observance of rank should be shown; thus an officer, when he wishes to either join or leave a parade, should report to the officer of a more seniors rank and ask permission to do so.
Officers should not walk across the parade ground when drill is in progress.
The form and purpose of a parade should be planned before hand by those who are to command it (Minimally the Parade Commander).
At the end of the parade, all ranks execute the drill "Dismiss" in order to show respect to the senior ranks on the parade.