Drill & Ceremony TC 3-21.5

Drill & Ceremony

Individual and formation drill movements, commands, and ceremonies.

Types of Commands

  • Preparatory Command: Alerts the unit to the movement to be carried out (e.g., 'Forward', 'Right', 'Column').
  • Command of Execution: Tells when the movement is to be carried out (e.g., 'MARCH', 'FACE').
  • Combined Command: The preparatory command and the command of execution are combined (e.g., 'FALL IN', 'AT EASE', 'REST').

*Note on marching:* Commands given while marching are called on the foot in the direction of the movement. (e.g., 'Right Flank, MARCH' is called entirely as the right foot strikes the marching surface).

Positions

  • Attention: Heels together at a 45-degree angle, arms at sides, thumbs along trouser seams, head/eyes straight ahead.
  • Parade Rest: Move the left foot about 10 inches to the left. Hands clasped behind the back (right hand over left), head/eyes straight ahead.
  • Stand At Ease: Execute Parade Rest, but turn the head and eyes directly toward the person in charge of the formation.
  • At Ease: Right foot stays in place, you may move but must remain silent.
  • Rest: Right foot stays in place, you may move and talk.

Facing Movements

  • Right Face: Pivot 90 degrees to the right on the right heel and left toe.
  • Left Face: Pivot 90 degrees to the left on the left heel and right toe.
  • About Face: Place the toe of the right foot about half a foot-length behind and slightly to the left of the left heel. Pivot 180 degrees to the right on the left heel and ball of the right foot.

Steps and Marching

  • Quick Time: 120 steps per minute, 30-inch step.
  • Double Time: 180 steps per minute, 30-inch step.
  • Half Step: 15-inch step at quick time cadence.
  • Mark Time: March in place, alternating feet. Raise each foot so the ball of the foot is approximately 2 inches from the ground.
  • Change Step: Used to change which foot hits the ground on the beat (to get back in step).

Board Tips

Know the difference between preparatory and execution commands. Know that 'Stand At Ease' requires you to look directly at the person in charge. You demonstrate drill knowledge by HOW you report to the board — your movements should be crisp and precise in accordance with TC 3-21.5. Practice facing movements and your reporting sequence before the board.