Core 2 – C5S2 – The History of Drill

Purpose This lesson introduces you to the history of drill and how various cultures have used drill maneuvers in battle.

1. Describe the origin of drill as it relates to the Continental Army of the United States. 2. Identify five purposes of drill throughout history in times of war and peace.

3. Explain the importance of drill on military discipline. 4. Compare the qualities of discipline that Baron Friedrich von Steuben instilled in the Continental Army to what military drill teaches and develops today.

CPS Key Word Questions (1-3)

 Maneuvers  Phalanx  Unison  __________ – military training exercises which involve the movement of soldiers and equipment over a large area. _______ – a body of heavily armed infantry formed in close deep ranks and files. ___ – to move together at the same time.

CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)

Which statement best describes how much you already know about the history of drill? A.Genius – I read about the history of drill in my free time. B.Quite a lot – I know more than most about the history of drill. C.A little – I know the basics, but not much more. D.Blank slate – I don’t know anything about drill, but am ready to learn!

The primary value of drill historically has been… A.To increase morale B.To prepare troops for battle C.To practice the use of weapons D.None of the above are correct

List 2-3 benefits that a disciplined army would have over an undisciplined army. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)

 The primary value of drill historically has been to prepare troops for battle.  Various civilizations have added new inventions to warfare. Egypt Babylon Mongols Romans chariot bronze swordcavalry phalanx

 Before 1778, American revolutionary forces were little more than a group of civilians fighting against well-trained, highly disciplined British forces.  On February 23, 1778, George Washington enlisted the aid of ________________ to train American forces in drill movements, discipline and proper military maneuvers. Baron von Steuben

 To ensure uniformity and overall effectiveness, von Steuben wrote the first field manual for the U.S. Army in 1779: The Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States (commonly referred to as the _________) Blue Book

CPS Lesson Question (3-4)

What improvement to warfare did the Romans introduce? A.Mounted cavalry B.Bronze sword C.Chariot D.Phalanx

Who wrote the first field manual for the U.S. Army in 1779? A.Baron von Steuben B.George Washington C.Benjamin Franklin D.None of the above

 As armament and weaponry have improved, drill has had to adapt to new tactical concepts.  However, the unison movements associated with drill are still important on the battlefield where mistakes can cost lives.

Military drill teaches and develops...  Discipline  Teamwork  Confidence  Pride  Alertness  Attention to detail  Esprit de corps

CPS Lesson Question (5)

Practicing drill can enhance skills in your personal life. Which of the following would benefit you the most? A.Discipline B.Attention to detail C.Confidence D.Other

List the 2-3 most challenging things about learning to perform drill. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)

Images in this lesson were taken from:  Microsoft © Clip Art Gallery  Marine Corps Combat Camera  MCJROTC Student Text