Exhibition drill
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A drill team that is affiliated with the military will sometimes perform exhibition drill. Exhibition drill, also known as "fancy drill" is a modified routine that involves complex marching sequences that usually deviate from standard drill. Exhibition drill is normally performed at parades, drill meets, and half time shows.
Unarmed
In an unarmed division, exhibition drill may consist of intricate precision marching, along with various hand movements. Modified step team routines may be used, but participants should remember that oftentimes during competition, exhibition drill is evaluated by military judges.
Armed
In an armed division, exhibition drill normally involves spinning or tossing of the weapons (rifles, or sabres). JROTC and ROTC units will always use demilitarized weapons. The process of demilitarizing a weapon involves welding a lead tube through the barrel of the rifle and adopting some measure that interferes with the operation of the action to ensure that live rounds are not fired. Drill teams part of the US Military will sometimes attach bayonets to their rifles. Dropping a weapon during exhibition drill is always frowned upon; this is especially true if the team is participating in a drill meet. Oftentimes, the rifleman will have to ask for permission from a judge to recover his weapon.
In either case, both routines are limited only by the imagination of the participants. But they should keep in mind that they represent a part of the military that stresses snappiness, and order.
[edit] Exhibition drill in competition
Exhibition drill is one of many different drill phases that are a part of a drill meet. Other phases include inspection drill, and regulation drill.
Rules and guidelines
Rules of exhibition drill during competitions vary, but most of them apply the following guidelines:
Time - There is usually a minimum and maximum time a routine may take. Points are deducted if a team is under or over time.
Boundaries - Teams should be aware of their boundary lines, and if necessary, alter their routines as to not cross the boundary lines. Points are deducted if a person crosses a boundary line.
Scoring
Exhibition drill is scored on the basis of difficulty, and overall snap. A typical exhibition score sheet will have a space where the judge can score an aspect of the routine and add his or her comments. Aspects that may be scored include:
Floor coverage: Routine effectively uses the majority of the drill area.
Originality - Routine independent and creative display.
Difficulty - Routine looks as if it required lots of practice.
Precision - Routine appears to be "exact".
Variety - Routine contains many different types of marching sequences and displays.
Showmanship - Routine is performed with effort, enthusiasm, and snap.
Bearing - Team members perform the routine with military bearing.
Weapon handling (armed) - Team members manipulate their weapons smoothly with pride and precision.
Exhibition drill, as a part of a competition, is usually meant to be the fun and entertaining part of a drill meet where teams can show off their routines.
[edit] Outside the United States
In the United Kingdom, probably the best-known exhibition drill unit is the Queen's Colour Squadron of the RAF Regiment, the ceremonial unit of the Royal Air Force, which holds the world record for the most drill movements performed without a word of command. However British drill displays very rarely include the fast manipulation and throwing of weapons that is common within the United States.
