Drill and Ceremony Objectives and Terms

I.     Objectives: Given the proper commands, perform the position of Attention, Present Arms, Order Arms,
        Parade Rest, Left Face, Right Face, About Face, and to understand the terminology dealing with Drill
        and Ceremonies.

II.    Introduction: Why are drill and ceremonies needed?  Every person in the Honor Guard learns teamwork by
        participating in drill.  At an event or in training we find out how important discipline is.  Without these
        basic skills, our unit will not function in a professional manner.  We as an Honor Guard must learn to follow
        orders promptly and precisely.  To do so, we all must train not just at convention, but in district and also
        on our own.  There is no better feeling than to be in tune with our brothers and sisters at an event to show
        our honor and respect for our fallen comrades.

III.    Information: For the purpose of drill, we will divide our units into Squads and Details.  Drill consists of
        certain movements by which the detail or squad is moved in an orderly manner from one formation
        to another or from one place to another.  This is why it is important to remember standards such as the
        30 inch step, and 120 steps per minute.  Without these standards, we would not flow smoothly, smartly,
        and with exactness.  To better familiarize your self with drill review, we have the terms listed below. 
        These are very helpful to review before an event in case this terminology were to be used.

IV.    Explanation of terms:

        A.    Alignment- dress and cover
        B.    Cadence-  the uniform step and rhythm in marching- the number of steps marched per minute.
        C.    Center-  the middle point of a formation.  On an odd-numbered front, the center is the center
                person or element.  On an even-numbered front, the center is the right center person or unit.
        D.    Cover-  Aligning yourself directly behind the individual to your immediate front while
                maintaining proper distance.
        E.    Distance-  the prescribed space from front to rear between units.  The distance between
                individuals in formation is 40 inches measured from your chest to the back of the person in
                front of you. (responsibility of the base file.)
        F.    Double time-  the rate of marching, 180 steps (36 inches in length) per minute.
        G.    Dress-  alignment of units side by side or in line maintaining proper interval.
        H.    File-  a single column of individuals placed one behind the other.
        I.      Flank- the extreme right or left side of a formation.
        J.     Detail- two or more squads.
        K.    Formation-  an arrangement of the units in any prescribed manner.
                1.    Column formation- a formation in which squads are placed side by side with squad
                        leaders at the head. (used for marching.)

                    2.    Line formation-  a formation in which squads are placed one behind the other
                            with the squad leaders to the extreme right. (used for funeral formations possible to render a salute.)

        L.    Interval-  space between individuals placed side by side.  Normal interval is arms length.  Close
                interval is four inches.
        M.    Pace-  step of 30 inches.  This is the length of a full step in quick time.
        N.    Quick time-  the rate of marching at 120 steps per minute, 30, 15, and 12 inches in length.
        O.    Rank-  a single line of members placed side by side one unit in depth.
        P.    Slow time-  the rate of marching at 60 steps per minute. (for funeral ceremonies) 80 steps per
                minute when accompanied by Bagpipes. 
        Q.    Squad-  the next subdivision of a flight comprised of at least three, but usually eight to twelve persons.
        R.    Step-  the prescribed distance measured from heel to heel between the feet of a marching person.