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AFH 1 · Chapter 24 · Section 24.31

Drill Commands

Part of Career Progression · 2 sections · ~454 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Drill Commands — Standards and Two-Part Structure

Drill Aspects

Drill Aspects
Being in step with the formation, proper positioning, marching, and facing movements are all necessary aspects of drill and ceremonies.

Why Drill Procedures Matter

Drill Procedure Importance
Understanding proper procedures for drill are essential for moving a formation in an orderly manner from one position to another.

Drill Standards

Drill Standards
Standards were established to ensure movements are executed with order and precision:
  • 24-inch step
  • Cadence of 100 to 120 steps per minute
  • Distance
  • Interval

Drill Command Structure

Two-Part Drill Command
A drill command is an oral order that usually has two parts:
  1. The preparatory command
  2. The command of execution
Order
The preparatory command precedes the command of execution.

Preparatory Command

Preparatory Command Function
The preparatory command explains:
  • What the movement will be
  • What elements or parts of the formation will be executing the movement

Command of Execution

Execution Command Function
The command of execution explains what movement will be carried out.

Example

Flight HALT Example
For example, in the command "Flight, HALT":
  • "Flight" is the preparatory command — it designates the unit
  • "HALT" is the command of execution and is the command to be performed by the flight

Drill Commands — Supplementary, Informational, and Mass Commands

Supplementary Command

Supplementary Command Definition
A supplementary command is given when:
  • One unit of the element must execute a movement different from another unit or units, OR
  • The same movement at a different time

Examples

Supplementary Examples
Examples of supplementary commands are:
  • "CONTINUE THE MARCH"
  • "STAND FAST"

Informational Command

Informational Command Definition
An informational command:
  • Has NO preparatory command
  • Has NO command of execution
  • Is NOT supplementary

Use

Informational Use
This command is used to direct others to give commands.

Examples

Informational Examples
Examples of informational commands are:
  • "PREPARE FOR INSPECTION"
  • "DISMISS THE SQUADRON"

Mass Commands

Mass Commands Purpose
Mass commands help develop:
  • Confidence
  • Self-reliance
  • Assertiveness
  • Enthusiasm

…by making the individual recall, give, and execute proper commands.

Format

Mass Command Format
Mass commands are usually confined to:
  • Simple movements
  • Short preparatory commands
  • Commands of execution carried out simultaneously by all elements of a unit

Each Person Gives Commands

Each Person Commands
Each person in the formation is required to give commands in unison as if they were responsible for giving the commands to the entire element.

Effect

Mass Command Effect
The volume of the combined voices encourages every person to perform the movement with snap and precision.

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