GENERAL DRILLS AND CEREMONIES

Introduction Young women and men have frequently been asking question like: Why do we have to attend drills and ceremonies? Is it really necessary to go through these activities? In the same manner, soldiers are, likewise, part of the team that works with individuals and specific roles assigned to each one by the team leader or unit commander.

DRILLS Drills in the military point of view pertain to certain movements by which the squad, platoon or larger units are moved in an orderly manner from one formation to another or from one to another. These activities involve practice and rehearsals purposely to develop self – control, discipline and instant obedience. They teach precision and an orderly way of doing things. Drills also enhance coordination and promote teamwork.

CEREMONIES Ceremonies in the military may consist of formations and movements in which large numbers of troops take part and execute each movement at a signal or command in a smart and uniform fashion very much like the drill.

The Commands for Drills Drill Command – is defined as the oral order of a commander that elicits appropriate action. The desired effects are a snappy and uniform response, the development of cohesion and teamwork, pride in the organization, and the formation of a solid foundation that will enable one to conduct further training of all types.

The Two Types of Military Drill Commands The Preparatory Command – is a part of a drill command which states the movement. In the other words, this is the part that prepares and alerts the unit on what to execute. EXAMPLE: Harap sa Kanan, RAP The preparatory command is “Harap sa Kanan”

The Command of Execution – is the part of the drill command which tells when the movement is to be done. EXAMPLE: Harap sa Kanan, RAP The command of Execution is “RAP”

The FIVE commands of Execution. KAD – ( la”KAD”) this is used from rest to motion. (marching) Example: Pasulong, KAD TA – ( sanda”TA”) this is used in manual of arms drills. Example: Agap, TA RAP – ( ha”RAP”) this is used for stationary facings and movements at rest.

Example: Harap sa Kanan, RAP NA – This is used from Halt to motion. (change movement when marching). Example: Pabalik, NA TO – ( hin”TO”) this is used while in motion to stop. Example: Tilap, TO

Definition of Drill Terms To understand the meaning of certain drill terms, the following definitions should be remembered: ELEMENT – refer to an individual, squad, section, platoon or a larger unit forming a part of a still larger unit. MARCHING – is the movement of the feet and the swinging of arms during marching drills. LINE – is a formation in which the elements are arranged side by side or abreast to each other. FORMATION – refers to the systematic arrangement of element in a prescribed manner. RANK – is a single line of elements placed side by side facing only in one direction.

FILE – refers to a single column of men/women or elements positioned one behind the other, facing in one direction. COLUMN – is a formation in which the elements are placed one behind the other. FLANK – refers to the left or right side of a formation of troops in line or in column. INTERVAL – is the space between elements that are placed side by side on the same line. DISTANCE – is the space from front to rear between women/men vehicles or unit formation.

BASE – is the element on which a movement is planned or regulated. DEPTH – refers to the space from front to rear elements. The depth of a woman/man from her/his chest to her/his back is assumed to be 10 inches. FRONT – is the space occupied by an element measured from flank to flank. CENTER – refers to the middle element of a body of troop. HEAD – refers to the leading element in a column in the order of march.

ALIGNMENT – is the dressing or arrangement of several individuals, elements or vehicles on a straight line in the formation. MASS FORMATION – is the formation of a company or larger unit in which the units in column are abreast of each other at close interval and the prescribed distance. DOUBLE TIME – refers to the rate of marching at 180 steps (34 inches in length) per minute. QUICK TIME – is the rate of marching at 120 steps (28 inches in length) per minute.

CADENCE – is the uniform rhythmic flow of language resulting in orchestrated steps and timing in marching. STEP – refers to the normal pace in marching, measured from heel to heel between the feet of marchers. GUIDE – is the women/men placed at the side or front of a formation or unit to regulate the direction and rate of march.

SCHOOL OF SOLDIER WITHOUT ARMS POSITION OF ATTENTION – at the command, “HUMANDA” assume the following positions. Heels closed together at the same time. Feet turned out to form an angle of 45 degrees. Knees straight, hips level, body erect. Weight resting equally on the heel and balls of feet. Shoulders squared, arms hanging down without stiffness. Thumbs are along the seams of the trousers with palm and fingers relaxed, knuckles out. Head erect, chin drawn in and eyes straight to the front.

POSITION OF SOLDIERS AT REST. Rests are of 5 kinds, executed from a halt, namely: Pahinga Tikas Pahinga Tindig Paluwag Paluwag and Tumiwalag

PARADE REST COMMAND: Tikas Pahinga At the command of execution, “PAHINGA”, move the left foot smartly at approximately 8inches to the left from the right foot. At the same time, clasp hands behind the back just below at the belt line, palm flattened, joined and extended to the rear, left thumb and fingers clasping the right hand without stiffness. Look straight forward, remain silent and motionless. This movement is executed from the position of attention only.

STAND AT EASE COMMAND: Tindig Paluwag At the command of execution “PALUWAG”, assume the position of the parade rest, then turn head and eyes smartly toward the commander.

AT EASE COMMAND: PALUWAG At the last note of command “PAHINGA”, the right foot is kept in the place, men may move their left feet and may converse with one another.

FALL OUT COMMAND: TUMIWALAG At the last note of command of execution “TUMIWALAG”, element executes “about face” and “break ranks” but remains in the immediate area. She/he returns to the same formation at the command, “HUMANAY”.