CLOSE ORDER DRILL

PURPOSE OF DRILL

a. Move units from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner.

b. Provide simple formations from which combat formations may be readily assumed.

c. Teach discipline by instilling habits of precision and automatic response to orders.

d. Increase the confidence of junior officers and noncommissioned officers through the exercise of command, by the giving of proper commands, and by the control of drilling troops.

e. Give troops an opportunity to handle individual weapons.

PURPOSE OF FORMATIONS

a. To build unit cohesion and esprit de corps by recognizing Marines during awards and promotion ceremonies.

b. To maintain continuous accountability and control of personnel.

c. To provide frequent opportunities to observe the appearance and readiness of the uniforms, arms, and equipment of the individual Marine.

d. To keep the individual Marine informed by providing the means to pass the word.

e. To develop command presence in unit leaders.

f. To instill and maintain high standards of military bearing and appearance in units and in the individual Marine.

g. To add color and dignity to the daily routine by reinforcing the traditions of excellence associated with close order drill.

DRILL TERMS

1. Alignment. The dressing of several elements on a straight line.

2. Arms. A term used to normally designate the service rifle but can refer to any weapon. When in formation and a mix of weapons is carried the term arms will be used to designate all types of weapons.

3. Base. The element on which a movement is regulated.

4. Cadence. A rhythmic rate of march at a uniform step.

5. Center. The middle element of a formation with an odd number of elements (See figure 1-1a) or the left center element of a formation with an even number of elements (See figure 1-1b.)

6. Ceremony. A formal military formation designated to observe a specific occasion.

7. Column. A formation in which elements are placed one behind the other. A platoon is in column when members of each squad are one behind the other.

8. Depth. The space from head to rear of an element or a formation. (See figure 1-1a.) The depth of an individual is considered to be 12 inches.

9. Distance. The space between elements in the direction of depth. Between individuals, the space between your chest and the person to your front. In troop formations, the distance between ranks is 40 inches (See figure 1-2.)

10. Double Time. Cadence at 180 steps (36 inches in length) per minute.

11. Element. An individual, squad, platoon, company, or other unit that is part of a larger unit.

12. File. A single column of troops or vehicles one behind the other.

13. Flank. The right or left extremity of a unit, either in line or in column. The element on the extreme right or left of the line. A direction at a right angle to the direction an element or a formation is facing.

14. Formation. Arrangement of elements of a unit in line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner.

15. Front. The space occupied by an element or a formation, measured from one flank to the other (See figure 1-1a.) The front of an individual is considered to be 22 inches.

16. Guide. The individual (base) upon whom a formation, or other elements thereof, regulates its march. To guide: to regulate interval, direction, or alignment; to regulate cadence on a base file (right, left, or center).

17. Head. The leading element of a column.

18. Interval. The lateral space between elements on the same line (See figure 1-3.) Interval is measured between individuals from shoulder to shoulder. Normal interval between individuals is one arm's length. Close interval is the horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow when the left hand is placed on the left hip.

19. Line. A formation in which the elements are side by side or abreast of each other. A platoon is in line when its squads are in line and one behind the other.

20. Line of March. The line on which individuals or units are to march on.

21. Line of Troops. The line on which troops are to form when in formation.

22. Pace. The length of a full step in quick time, 30 inches.

23. Parade. A parade is a ceremony that involves the movement of marching units.

24. Quick Time. Cadence at 112 to 120 steps (12, 15, or 30 inches in length) per minute. It is the normal cadence for drills and ceremonies.

25. Rank. A line of troops or vehicles placed side by side.

26. Slow Time. Cadence at 60 steps per minute. Used for funerals only.

27. Snap. In commands or signals, the quality that inspires immediate response. In drill the immediate and smart execution of a movement.

28. Step. The distance from heel to heel between the feet of a marching individual. The half step and back step are 15 inches. The right and left steps are 12 inches. The steps in quick and double time are 30 and 36 inches, respectively.

29. Strong Grip. The strong grip is when the thumb is wrapped around the front of the staff with the fingers wrapped to the rear. The thumb remains on the trouser seam (See figure 1-4.)

30. Unit Leader. Is the individual who is drilling the unit. This can be any individual who is conducting drill or can be those assigned a specific billet such as squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon commander, etc.

31. “V” Grip. The “V” grip is with the staff placed in the “V” formed by the thumbs and forefinger with the fingers extended and joined. (See figure 1-5.)

*As You Were. “As you were” cancels a movement that was started but not completed. The unit responds by continuing what they were doing

INSTRUCTION GROUPS

1. The basic instruction group is the squad . Its size facilitates individual instruction.

2. Individuals who learn slowly should be placed in special squads. The best instructors available should drill these squads.

COMMANDS AND THE COMMAND VOICE

1. There are four types of commands: preparatory commands, commands of execution, combined commands, and supplementary commands.

a. The preparatory command indicates a movement is to be made and may also indicate the direction of the movement. Examples would be “Forward,” “Left,” “Platoon,” “About,” etc.

b. The command of execution causes the desired movement to be executed. Examples would be “MARCH,” “FACE,” “ATTENTION,” etc.

c. With the combined command, the preparatory command and the command of execution are combined. Examples would be “AT EASE,” “REST,” “FALL IN,” etc.

d. Supplementary commands are commands that cause the component units to act individually. An example would be the commands squad leaders would give to their individual squads following the platoon commander's preparatory command, “Column of Files From the Right,” and before the command of execution “MARCH.”

2. When giving commands, commanders face their troops.

3. A command must be given loud enough to be heard by all members of a unit.

a. Good posture, proper breathing, and the correct use of throat and mouth muscles help develop a commander's voice.

b. Projecting the voice enables one to be heard at maximum range without undue strain. To project a command, commanders must focus their voices on the most distant individuals. Good exercises for voice projection are:

(1) Yawning to get the feel of the open mouth and throat.

(2) Counting and saying the vowel sounds “oh” and “ah” in a full, firm voice.

(3) Giving commands at a uniform cadence, prolonging each syllable.

(4) When practicing, stand erect, breathe properly, keep the mouth open wide, and relax the throat.

The position of attention is the proper position for giving commands (See figure 1-6a). A leader's bearing will be emulated.

Distinct commands inspire troops. Indistinct commands confuse them. All commands can be given correctly without loss of effect or cadence. To give distinct commands, you must emphasize enunciation; make full use of the tongue, lips, and lower jaw; practice giving commands slowly, carefully, and in cadence; and then increase the rate of delivery until the proper rhythm (112 to 120 beats per minute) is reached and each syllable is distinct. Raising the hand to the mouth to aid in projecting commands is not proper.

Inflection is the rise and fall in pitch, the tone changes of the voice.

(1) Preparatory commands should be delivered with a rise and inflection in the voice (e.g., “BaaaTAL ion,” “PlaaaTOON,” “FooreWARD,” “TO the REAR,” etc.) In particular those preparatory commands that cause supplemental movements should be heavily accentuated on the last syllable (e.g., the command “Present, ARMS”) the preparatory command Preee (pause) ZENT” causes those armed with swords to execute the first count of the movement and the national color to go to the carry.

(2) A command of execution is given in a sharper and higher pitch than the tone of the preparatory command's last syllable. A good command of execution has no inflection, but it must have snap. It should be delivered with sharp emphasis, ending like the crack of a whip. If properly given, troops will react to it with snap and precision.

(3) Combined commands such as “FALL IN” “REPORT” and “DISMISSED” are delivered without inflection. They are given with SNAP , and in the uniform high pitch and loudness of a command of execution.

GENERAL RULES FOR DRILL

While marching, alignment is maintained toward the right, except:

Regardless of the direction in which alignment is established, at the command of execution for a drill movement involving marching, the direction of alignment is toward direction of the movement (e.g., if the command of “Column Left, MARCH” is given, the unit aligns to the left until the column movement is completed.) Upon completion of the drill movement, alignment will be in the direction established prior to commencing the movement.

Changes of post are made by the most direct route unless specifically prescribed. The movement is made as soon as possible after the command of execution. Individuals moving from one post to another or aligning units must maintain military bearing. All necessary facings and changes of direction must be made as if drilling.

Whenever drill movements are executed while troops are marching, the command of execution is given as the left foot strikes the deck if the movement is to the left, and as the right foot strikes the deck if the movement is to the right . The one exception is when executing left shoulder arms from port arms; the command of execution will be given on the right foot (See table 1-1 for the suggested foot to give commands on while marching.)

The cadence of commands should be that of quicktime, even though no marching is involved. The pause between preparatory commands and commands of execution should be adapted to the size and formation of the unit.

The best pause to allow for a squad or platoon while marching is one count or step between the two commands (See table 1-1 for the suggested foot to give commands on while marching.)

(1) To develop the proper cadence for commands at a halt, count ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR in quick time. Then give commands, such as “Right, FACE,” without interrupting the cadence:

Marching commands, such as “By the Right Flank, MARCH,” must be started so the preparatory command will end as the foot in the desired direction of movement strikes the deck. There is then a full count before the command of execution, which is given on the same foot. (See table 1-1 for the suggested foot to give commands on while marching.)

DRILL BY THE NUMBERS

Drill movements may be divided into individual motions for instruction. When drill is executed by the numbers, the first motion is made on the command of execution. Subsequent motions are made in proper order on the commands TWO, THREE, FOUR, the number of counts depending upon the number of motions in the movement. To use this method, the command “BY THE NUMBERS” precedes the preparatory command. All movements are then executed by the numbers until the command “WITHOUT NUMBERS” is given.

SUGGESTED FOOT TO GIVE MARCHING COMMANDS ON:

POSITIONS

POSITION OF ATTENTION. The position of attention (see figure 2-1) is the basic military position from which most other drill movements are executed. There are no counts, however, there are seven steps in describing the position:

1. Smartly bring your left heel against the right.

2. Turn your feet out equally to form an angle of 45 degrees. Keep your heels on the same line and touching.

3. Your legs should be straight, but not stiff at the knees.

4. Keep your hips and shoulders level and your chest lifted.

5. Your arms should be straight, but not stiff at the elbows; thumbs along the trouser seams, palms facing inward toward your legs, and fingers joined in their natural curl.

6. Keep your head and body erect. Look straight ahead. Keep your mouth closed and your chin pulled in slightly.

7. Stand still and do not talk.

8. The movement may be executed when halted, at any position of rest, or while marching at route step or at ease. The commands are “FALL IN” and “ATTENTION.” On the command “FALL IN,” you would assume your position in ranks at the position of attention. The command “ATTENTION” is always preceded by a preparatory command designated by the size of the unit, such as “Squad, Platoon,” or “Company.” For example, when drilling a squad the command to bring them to attention would be “Squad, ATTENTION.” Thereafter, they move only as ordered until given “AT EASE,” “REST,” “FALL OUT,” or they are dismissed.

9. When at a position of rest or while marching at route step or at ease and the command “ATTENTION” is given, the following applies:

a. When given at parade rest, come to attention.

b. When given at ease or rest, assume the position of parade rest on the preparatory command Squad.” When “ATTENTION” is given go to that position.

c. When given while marching at route step or at ease, get in step as soon as possible and continue to march at attention.

REST. There are four positions of rest for halted troops. They are parade rest, at ease, rest, and fall out. The purpose of rest is to give troops a rest from the position of attention. Parade rest, at ease, and rest, are one-count movements. Fall out is not a precision movement and has no counts. All are executed from the position of attention. The commands are “Parade, REST;” “AT EASE;” “REST;” and “FALL OUT.”

1. Parade Rest. On the preparatory command “Parade,” shift the weight of your body to the right leg without noticeable movement. On the command of execution “REST,” and for the count of one, move the left foot twelve inches (measured from the inside of each heel) smartly to the left. The heels remain on line and the body weight rests equally on both legs. At the same time the left foot is moved, clasp the hands behind the back. The left hand is placed just below the belt and the right hand is placed inside the left. The thumb of the right hand lightly grasps the thumb of the left. All fingers are extended and joined with the palms to the rear. The elbows will be in line with the body. Silence and immobility are required (See figure 2-2.) The only command you may receive while at parade rest is “ATTENTION.”

2. At Ease. The command is “AT EASE.” It is executed in one count. At the command, keep your right foot in place. You may move about, but must not talk. You may also be given this command when not in ranks. In this case, it means cease talking, but continue whatever you were doing before the command. When in ranks, the only command you may receive while at ease is “ATTENTION.”

3. Rest. The command is “REST.” It is executed in one count. At the command, you may move and talk; however, you must keep your right foot in place. The only command you may receive while at rest is “ATTENTION.”

4. Fall Out. The command is “FALL OUT.” At the command, leave your position in ranks, but remain nearby or proceed to a pre-designated area. When “FALL IN” is given, return to your place in ranks at the position of attention.

FACING MOMENTS. The purpose of facing movements is to face a unit to the right, left or about. Facing movements are executed in two counts when halted at attention. The commands are “Right, FACE;” “Left, FACE;” and “About, FACE.” Facing movements are executed in the cadence of quick time. While facing, your arms should not swing out from your sides, but remain at the position of attention.

1. “Right, FACE” is a two-count movement (See figure 2-3.)

a. On count one, (see figure. 2-3b) at the command “FACE,” raise your left heel and right toe slightly. Turn to the right on your right heel and left toe. Keep your left leg straight but not stiff.

b. On count two (see figure 2-3c), place the left foot smartly beside the right and stand at attention.

2. “Left, FACE” is executed in the same manner described in 2103.1 above, substituting left for right and right for left.

3. “About, FACE” is a two-count movement. (See figure 2-5.)

a. At the command “About,” shift your weight to your left leg without noticeable movement. (See figure 2-5a.)

b. On count one (see figure 2-5b) at the command “FACE,” place your right toe half a foot length behind and slightly to the left of your heel. Do not change the position of your left foot. Rest your weight evenly on the left heel and the ball of the right foot.

c. On count two (see figure 2-5c), turn smartly to the right until facing rear. The turn is made on the left heel and ball of the right foot. The knees remain straight, but not locked during the movement. Your thumbs will remain on the seams of your trousers. If properly executed you will be at the position of attention facing in the opposite direction.

HAND SALUTES

1. The purpose of the hand salute is to demonstrate mutual respect and courtesy between members of military organizations and to show respect to national colors. It is executed in one count when halted at attention, marching at quick time, or seated in a vehicle. The command is “Hand, SALUTE.” To return to the position of attention the command is “Ready, TWO.”

a. When “SALUTE” is given, raise your right hand smartly in the most direct manner until the tip of your forefinger touches the lower part of the headdress above and slightly right of your right eye. Your fingers should be extended straight and joined with the thumb along the forefinger. You should be able to see your entire palm when looking straight ahead. Your upper arm should be parallel with the deck with the elbow in line with the body and your forearm at a 45-degree angle. Your wrist and hand should be straight, a continuation of the line made by your forearm. At the same time, if not in ranks, turn your head and eyes toward the person or colors you are saluting.

b. At the command “TWO,” return to attention. Move your hand smartly in the most direct manner back to its normal position by your side.

c. To ensure simultaneous execution of the second movement of the hand salute when troops are in formation, the preparatory command “Ready,” will be used prior to the command of execution “TWO.”

2. You may salute without command from attention, while walking, or while seated in a vehicle. When walking, it is not necessary to halt to salute. Keep walking, but at attention. The salute is rendered when the person or colors to be saluted is at a 6-pace distance, or at the nearest point of approach if it is apparent that the person or color is not going to approach within 6 paces. The salute will not be rendered if the person (color) to be saluted does not approach within 30 paces. Hold the first position of the salute until the person (color) saluted has passed or the salute is returned, then execute the second movement of the hand salute.

3. When the command “Present, ARMS” is given, if not armed, you execute the hand salute on the command “ARMS.” Stay at that position until the command “Ready, TWO” (Hand Salute) or “Order, ARMS” (Present Arms) is given.

EYES RIGHT. The purpose of eyes right is to demonstrate military courtesy to reviewing officers and dignitaries during parades and ceremonies. It is executed in one count when halted at attention or marching at quick time. The command is “Eyes, RIGHT.” The command to turn the head back to the position of attention is “Ready, FRONT.”

1. When the command of execution “RIGHT (LEFT)” is given, turn your head smartly and look 45 degrees to the right keeping your shoulders square to the front.

2. On the command of execution “FRONT,” turn your head and eyes smartly back to the front. During reviews at which the reviewing officer troops the line, ready front will not be given after eyes right. At such ceremonies, turn your head and eyes smartly toward the reviewing officer upon the command of execution “RIGHT.” As they pass to the left, follow the reviewing officer with your head and eyes until you are looking directly to the front.

3. When marching, give the command, “Eyes, RIGHT” so that the command of execution is given as the right foot strikes the deck. Give the command “Ready, FRONT” from eyes right so that the command of execution is given as the left foot strikes the deck. For example:

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