Drill commands

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Drill commands are commands that are generally utilized in regard to a group that is marching, most often military or marching band. All branches of the military utilize drill commands.

Contents

[edit] Command voice

Drill commands are best given when the person has an excellent command voice. A command voice is characterized by DLIPS: Distinctness, Loudness, Inflection, Projection, and Snap.

Distinctness - This depends on the correct use of the tongue, lips, and teeth to form the separate sounds of a word and to group those sounds to force words. Distinct commands are effective; indistinct commands cause confusion. Emphasize clear enunciation.

Loudness - This is the volume used in giving a command. It should be adjusted to the distance and number of individuals in the formation. The commander takes a position in front of, and centered on, the unit and facing the unit so his or her voice reaches all individuals. Speak loudly enough for all to hear, but do not strain the vocal cords.

Inflection - This is the change in pitch of the voice. Pronounce the preparatory command--the command that announces the movement--with a rising inflection near or at the end of its completion, usually the last syllable. When beginning a preparatory command, the most desirable pitch of voice is near the level of the natural speaking voice. A common fault is to start the preparatory command so high that, after employing a rising inflection, the passage to a higher pitch for the command of execution is impossible without undue strain. A properly delivered command of execution has no inflection. However, it should be given at a higher pitch than the preparatory command.

Projection - This is the ability of your voice to reach whatever distance is desired without undue strain. To project the command, focus your voice on the person farthest away. Counting in a full, firm voice and giving commands at a uniform cadence while prolonging the syllables are good exercises. Erect posture, proper breathing, a relaxed throat, and an open mouth help project the voice.

Snap - This is the conciseness of the command.

[edit] Common drill commands

[edit] United Kingdom

Each of the three services in the United Kingdom has its own drill manuals. Most commands are the same across all three services, but there are significant differences in the way movements are carried out.

Drill orders are always given in the form of 2 components: the 'cautionary' followed the 'executive'; for example, in the command "Right Turn" "Right" gives warning that an order is to follow, on hearing the word "Turn" the order executed. The first word is usually drawn out (e.g. Ri-i-i-ght...) to allow time for preparation for the order to follow, the second word (the 'executive') is delivered sharply with extra emphasis, (e.g. TURN!)

British Army long form: e.g. "Company will retire, AAAbouT TurN!". This works well on a large parade ground because of the relatively slow delivery. "Company will retire" is the warning and says what is to be achieved. "About Turn" says what to do and gives the timing of when to do it.

[edit] Royal Navy

In the Royal Navy, commands are given on the right foot except for the left turn. Especially with the shorter commands which have no cautionary, e.g. "HO", an identifier is used, e.g. "Squad", "Divisions", "Parade", "Ship's Company", "Guard of Honour", etc. Due to the different working environment of the Naval Service, feet are not stamped and knees are not raised except when marking time. The Royal Navy marches at a cadence of 116 paces to the minute in quick time, 65 paces to the minute in slow time (75 for funeral gun carriages), and 180 paces to the minute in double time.

  • "Fall in" - Individuals form a formation at the "at ease" position.
  • "Change ARMS" - Individuals change the side of the body that the rifle is held on. This command can be given both when the rifle is in the shoulder arms position and the slope arms position. This command was introduced for use with the SA80 and was not previously used, except for demonstration drill with the SLR. Also used with the SLR (but no longer in use with SA80) is the command "Trail Arms", involving the transfer of the soldier's grip from the pistol grip to the carrying handle of the rifle in order to carry the rifle horizontally.
  • "Present ARMS" - Individuals execute a rifle salute and hold it until given the command "slope arms" ("shoulder arms" with the SLR).
  • "Shoulder ARMS" - Individuals bring their rifle back down to their side. The command "order arms" was used with the longer SLR.
  • "Slope ARMS" - Individuals place the rifle in the slope, which is with the magazine and pistolgrip facing to the individual's left, and the rifle resting on the left shoulder, supported by the left arm at an angle of ninety degrees. This position was not used with the SLR.
  • "Off CAPS" - This order is given before prayers are read, and formerly before inspection. Men bring the right hand to the left hand brim of the cap (for men dressed as seamen) or to the peak of the cap (for officers and senior rates), grasping the cap. After two marching paces, the cap is brought smartly to the side. Women stand still. A different manoeuvre is carried out to the same command when three cheers are to be given.
  • "On CAPS" - Caps are replaced on the head. After two marching paces, the right hand is brought smartly to the side. Caps and berets are not adjusted until the order "Stand EASY" is next given.
  • "Dis-MISS" - This command is given to disband the unit, individuals do a 90 degree turn to the right, dwell two marching paces, and then disperse.
  • "By the right (left) DRESS" - Individuals in the front rank except those on the extreme right side turn their heads to the right and raise their right arms parallel to the ground in order to get the proper distance from each other. In other ranks, all except those on the extreme right turn their heads to the right. When all movement has ceased, arms are brought smartly down and heads turned to the front, starting at the right, those on the left following on in rapid succession. If the command "Right DRESS" (rather than "By the right DRESS") is given, heads and arms are kept in position until the command "Eyes FRONT". If the command is "Left DRESS" or "By the left DRESS", heads are turned and arms raised to the left. If half-arm or no intervals are desired, the command can be preceded with "With half-arm intervals" or "Without intervals".
  • "Stand at EASE" - Individuals move the left foot so that both feet are shoulder width apart, bringing both arms behind the back interlocking the hands. If armed, the arms are not brought behind the back. When armed with the SLR, the movement was the same as with the American command.
  • "Stand EASY" - Individuals are permitted light movement, but are not allowed to talk or move their feet. If armed, the left and right arms are brought slowly and uniformly to meet in the centre of the body supporting the butt of the rifle. The barrel rests over the right shoulder. The movement is completed to the timing: "One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, four thousand, still."
  • "Eyes FRONT" - Individuals face forwards again. 2i/cs bring down their salutes.
  • "HALT" - The executive is given on the right foot, and is followed by a check pace with the left foot followed by the right foot which is placed smartly alongside the left foot without stamping. The timing used is "one, still". The movement is the same whether given in quick or slow time.
  • "HO" (known as Attention) - Individuals brace up at the identifier ("Parade"/"Divisions"/"Squad", etc.). At the executive, the left foot is brought smartly together with the right foot and arms are brought down to the side.
  • "Right (left) in-CLINE" - Individuals turn 45 degrees to the right (left).
  • "Close order MARCH" - The formation is restored to its normal interval.
  • "Double MARCH" - Individuals jog in time. The command is usually preceded by the command "By the left (right, centre), depending on which file (left, right or centre) they are take their dressing from, not which foot they use to step off on.
  • "Forward (Step back) MARCH" - Individuals take the appropriate number of steps to the front or rear, starting with the left foot, in quick time. This command is given at the halt, and preceded with the number of paces, e.g. "One pace only".
  • "Left (Right) close MARCH" - Individuals take the appropriate number of steps to the left or to the right, closing with the other foot, in quick time. This command is given at the halt, and preceded with the number of paces, e.g. "One pace only".
  • "Open order MARCH" - Each rank (row) spreads out from the middle rank by stepping forwards or backwards. If only two ranks, the rear rank steps backwards. It is usual to precede the command with the number of paces to be marched, as described below, unless this has already been briefed.
  • "Quick MARCH" - Individuals begin marching, always setting off on the left foot. The initial pace follows immediately the executive is given, and is a reduced pace of 20 inches, compared with a full marching pace of 30 inches. The command is usually preceded by the command "By the left (right, centre), depending on which file (left, right or centre) they are take their dressing from, not which foot they use to step off on.
  • "Slow MARCH" - Individuals begin marching at ceremonial pace, bringing their foot forward, holding it level above the ground briefly, then placing it onto the ground. The command is usually preceded by the command "By the left (right, centre), depending on which file (left, right or centre) they are take their dressing from, not which foot they use to step off on.
  • "Eyes RIGHT (LEFT)" - Individuals, except the right (left) marker, turn their heads to the right (left). 2i/cs salute.
  • "About TURN" - Individuals turn 180 degrees (always turning to the right), ending up facing the opposite direction, turning on the heel of the right (left) and the ball of the left (right) foot. The rear foot is then brought smartly alongside the front foot. When given on the march, the executive is given on the right foot, and is followed by a single check pace with the left foot, followed by three mark-time paces during which the body is turned 180 degrees to the right with the hands held still by the side. The step off is with the left foot.
  • "Right (left) TURN" - Individuals turn 90 degrees to the right (left), turning on the heel of the right (left) and the ball of the left (right) foot. The rear foot is then brought smartly alongside the front foot. At the halt, the command is preceded by the precautionary "Into line" (to bring the squad into lines abreast), "Move to the right (left) in threes" (to make the squad three abreast, the officer at the side) or "Move to the right (left) in column of route" (to make the squad three abreast, the officer leading). When ordered on the march, the command is given on the right (left) foot. The arms are held still while a single check pace to the front follows. The next pace is placed at 90 degrees in the direction ordered. On the second pace in the new direction arms are again swung.
  • "To the front (right, left) SALUTE" - The right hand is brought up to touch the rim of the cap over the right eye, palm facing down and slightly inwards. The head faces the front or is turned to the right or left as appropriate. At the halt, the salute is held for two marching paces. On the march, it is held until the person or object being saluted is past.
  • "Change STEP" - The executive is given on the right foot, and is followed by a full pace on the left foot with the instep of the right foot swiftly brought to the heel of the left foot, which continues with another pace. The timing used is "left-close, left".
  • "Mark TIME" - Individuals march in place, with the knees brought up so that the thigh is parallel to the ground.
  • "Right (left) WHEEL" - This command is given on the march. The unit pivots about the front left or right soldier. That inside soldier almost marks time while turning, and the rest of the front line moves round by 90 degrees.

[edit] Other services

The following commands are generally used, with a few variations, by the British Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force. Most commands given whilst marching are given when the left foot hits the ground (with the exception of the left turn and the change step), i.e. the last word of the command is timed to match the left foot's impact. Actions are described with SLRs rather than the traditional Drill Purpose .303's

  • "Fall in" - Individuals form a formation at the "at ease" position. In more informal drill, many NCOs say "Get fell in".
  • "Attention" - Individuals snap to the position of attention, bringing the left leg up so that the thigh is parallel to the ground and bringing the left foot down in a stamp. The command is usually abbreviated to "Shun", although the RAF has only recently adopted this usage.
  • "Present arms" - Individuals execute a rifle salute and hold it until given the command "slope arms" ("shoulder arms" with the SLR).
  • "Slope arms" - Individuals place the rifle in the slope, which is with the magazine and pistolgrip facing to the individual's left, and the rifle resting on the left shoulder, supported by the left arm at an angle of ninety degrees. This position was not used with the SLR.
  • "Shoulder arms" - Individuals bring their rifle back down to their side. The command "order arms" was used with the longer SLR.
  • "Change arms" - Individuals change the side of the body that the rifle is held on. This command can be given both when the rifle is in the shoulder arms position and the slope arms position. This command was introduced for use with the SA80 and was not previously used, except for demonstration drill with the SLR. Also used with the SLR (but no longer in use with SA80) is the command "Trail Arms", involving the transfer of the soldier's grip from the pistol grip to the carrying handle of the rifle in order to carry the rifle horizontally.
  • "Open Order, March" - Each rank (row) spreads out from the middle rank by stepping forwards or backwards. If only two ranks, the rear rank steps backwards.
  • "Close Order, March" - The formation is restored to its normal interval.
  • "Dressing right dress" - Individuals except those on the extreme right side turn their heads to the right and raise their right arms parallel to the ground in order to get the proper distance from each other. Individuals at the extreme right, apart from the individual at the front (the right marker), raise their right arms straight out in front of them. Sometimes combined with open or close order as "In open/close order, right dress". This can also be given as left dress (looking to the left, left arms raised), or inwards dress (looking to the centre, with left and right arms raised depending on position from the centre.)
"Right dress" -
  • "Stand at ease" - Individuals spread their feet about twelve inches, by lifting the thigh parallel to the ground, while bringing both of their arms behind their back interlocking their hands. If armed, the left and right arms maintained at the sides of the body. When armed with the SLR, the movement was the same as with the American command.
  • "Stand easy" - Individuals are permitted light movement, but are not allowed to talk or move their feet. If armed, the left and right arms are brought slowly and uniformly to meet in the centre of the body supporting the butt of the rifle. The barrel rests over the right shoulder. The movement is completed to the timing: "One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, four thousand, still."
  • "Right (left) turn" - Individuals turn 90 degrees to the right (left). Can also be ordered on the march. For a left turn, the command is given when the right foot hits the ground, the left foot is then placed as normal, the next right pace is placed at 90 degrees in front of the left foot. The next right pace is in that direction as well and marching continues.
  • "Right (left) incline" - Individuals turn 45 degrees to the right (left).
  • "Right (left) wheel" - The unit pivots about the front left or right soldier. That inside soldier almost marks time while turning, and the rest of the front line moves round by 90 degrees.
  • "About turn" - Individuals turn 180 degrees (always turning to the right), ending up facing the opposite direction. Can also be ordered on the march. When given whilst marching, the command is given as the right heel strikes the ground. A check pace is taken with the left, and the right foot is carried into the instep of the left foot. The Left knee is raised while the right pivots the body 90 degrees to the right, the right knee is raised while the left pivots 90 degrees to the right, bringing the body to face 180 degrees. The left knee is raised to complete the movement. Then step off with the right foot.

Note: Usually remembered by "Step" "T" "L" "V" "Step" "March" where T, L, V stands for the general shape of the feet when the 'about turn' is done.

  • "By the right (left, centre), quick, march" - Individuals begin marching, always setting off on the left foot. The term "by the..." refers to which file (left, right or centre) they take their dressing from, not which foot they use to step off on. Timing used is "check, in, left, right, left, away."
  • "By the right (left, centre), slow march" - Individuals begin marching at ceremonial pace, bringing their foot forward, holding it level above the ground briefly, then sliding it into the ground.
  • "Halt" - Given on the left foot in quick time. Timing used is "check, one, two." Given on as the left foot passes the right in slow time, with the left striking the ground and the right thigh bent parallel to the ground, the right foot driven in beside the left in quick time.
  • "Change step" - Individuals execute a movement in order to get in step with the formation. Ordered on the right foot.
  • "Mark time" - Individuals march in place.
  • "Double time" - Individuals begin to jog.
  • "Eyes right (left)" - Individuals, except the right marker, turn their heads to the right (left).
  • "Eyes front" - Individuals face forwards again.
  • "Salute to the front, salute" - Individuals initiate a halt, perform two salutes then a full about turn and march off in the opposite direction. If given at the halt, the only one salute is given, and is held until the command "Shun" (attention).
  • "Salute to the right (left), salute" - Individuals move their head so as to look to the right (left), while at the same time bringing their hand up to the salute position parallel to their right eye for five seconds, then snap it back down to their sides and turn their head so they are facing the front again.
  • "Dismiss" - This command is given to disband the unit, individuals do a 90 degree turn to the right (45 for RAF), salute if an officer (or other personage accorded a salute) is present, March 3 paces (5 paces for RAF) smartly and then continue to march until clear of the parade ground.
  • "Paces" - Units can be told to do a certain number of paces forward/backward/left/right, with a command like "3 paces left/right close, march" or "2 paces forward/back, march." The advised limit on the number of paces is 6 left or right, 6 backwards or forwards. The idea of the limit is if you want to go further left or right or backwards, you should turn the unit and march them, and if you want to go further forward, you have enough time to give a halt command so a standard quick march is preferable. Side stepping a unit is also prone to miss aligning them and a dress may be needed after. Paces to the side are carried out in slow time, with paces forward and back in quick time, without the arm movement.

[edit] United States

More in depth explanations may be found by reading something similar to the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual (MCDC) used by the Navy and Marines or Air Force Manual (AFMAN) or a Drill and Ceremonies Manual. [1] Different branches of the Armed Forces have some difference in drill commands, or may not have a drill command that other branches use.

  • "Fall in" - Individuals form a formation at the position of attention.
  • "Fall out" - Individuals drop out of formation. By custom, officers usually take a single step backward with their left foot. Noncommissioned personnel take a step back with the left foot, then with their right, and then perform an about face.
  • "Attention" - Individuals snap to the position in which they are standing straight, looking forward, and not moving. Some commanders prefer to use an easier way by saying, "Atten-hut!," or, in the Air Force, "Tench-Hut!"
  • "Present, ARMS" - Individuals execute a hand or rifle salute and hold it until given the command "order arms".
  • "Order, ARMS" - Individuals bring their hand or rifle back down to their side.
  • "Open ranks, MARCH" - Movement in which each row (rank) spreads out from another row.
  • "Close ranks, MARCH" - Movement in which the formation is restored to its normal interval.
  • "Dress right, DRESS" - Movement in which individuals except those on the extreme left side raise their left arms parallel to the ground in order to get the proper distance from each other.
  • "Parade, REST" - Individuals spread their feet about 12 inches while bringing both of their arms behind their back interlocking their hands. The back of the left hand rests against the back. The back of the right hand rests on the palm of the left, with the left thumb locked over the right hand and the right thumb locked over the left thumb. If armed, individuals put their left hand behind their back, extending their rifle while the butt remains on the ground by their right foot.
  • "Stand at, ease" - Individuals perform the command of parade rest, but their eyes and head follow the person in charge.
  • "At ease" - Individuals are permitted light movement given their right foot does not leave the ground; they are not allowed to talk.
  • "Rest" - Individuals are permitted light movement and may also engage in quiet conversation as long as their right leg is planted on the ground. Can also be expressed by the command "Relax"
  • "Forward, MARCH" - Individuals begin marching, from the left foot and a 30 inch step at 120 steps per minute.
  • "Company/Platoon/Squad/Detail, Halt" - Individuals stop marching.
  • "Right (Left) Flank, MARCH" - The whole formation turns and continues to march.
  • "Right, (left) FACE" - A turn 90 degrees to the right (left).
  • "About, FACE" - A turn 180 degrees facing the opposite direction, executed to the right.
  • "Recover, TWO" - All persons using the right hand grab their cover on "Recover" and remove the cover on "TWO"
  • "COVER" - Used to align to the person in fron of them in formation, when used after the command "Recover, TWO", all persons replace their cover and remain holding their cap with ther right hand until "TWO" is given where they return to the position of attention.
  • "Right (left) step, MARCH" - Individuals take side steps to the right (left).
  • "By the Right (left) flank, MARCH" - A 90 degree pivot to the right (left) while marching.
  • "Right (left) oblique, MARCH" - A 45 degree pivot to the right (left) while marching.
  • "Column right (left), MARCH" - A movement in which the entire formation executes a series of turns depending on their position. The goal of this movement is to get the entire formation to turn to the right (left) while keeping the same people in the same positions known as column formation.
  • "To the Rear, MARCH" - A turn 180 degrees while marching, also executed to the right.
  • "Change step, MARCH" - Individuals execute a movement in order to get on step with the formation.
  • "Route step" - Individuals walk normally without being in step. Often used on long marches or when crossing a bridge to avoid creating harmonic rhythms. The Air Force uses a different command: "At ease, march."
  • "Extend, MARCH" - A movement in which the formation widens.
  • "Close, MARCH" - A movement in which the formation narrows in width.
  • "Mark time, MARCH" - Marching in place.
  • "Half step, MARCH" - Marching at half the distance, often bringing the upper leg parallel to the ground. 15 Inch Steps.
  • "Double time, MARCH" - Marching at twice the cadence of "Forward March;" something of a light jog. The unit is still required to keep in step.
  • "Right shoulder, ARMS" - The rifle is placed on the right shoulder. The right hand holds the butt of the rifle and the forearm is parallel to the ground.
  • "Left shoulder, ARMS" - Same as right shoulder arms except on the left side.
  • "Port arms, ARMS" - The rifle is carried diagonally in front of the body by both hands.
  • "Counter-column, MARCH" - The platoon is ordered to reverse direction while marching. The columns neatly turn in on themselves and at the end of the movement the entire marching column has reversed direction. Also known as "circle counter", or "counter march".

[edit] India

During the British Raj the Indian Armed Forces essentially used the English drill commands. Soon after independence, the drill commands were Indianised. The official language of the armed forces is Hindi and thus Hindi words were used where ever possible. Some of the state police units however still continue to use English drill commands.

  • Line Ban - Fall In
  • Line Thod - Fall out
  • Savdhan - Attention
  • Vishram - Stand at-ease
  • Aaram Se - Stand easy (but no talking or shifting from the current place)
  • Sajj-Dahine Sajj - Dress-Right Dress
  • Sajj-Bah(y)en Sajj - Dress-Left Dress
  • Khuli Line chal-Open order march
  • Nikat Line chal-Close order march
  • Salami Shastr - Present Arms. The English words "General Salute" is used, but "National Salute" has been replaced with Rashtriya Salute
  • Baaju Shastr - Order Arms

the flight segeant is 2 steps away from the first sergeant

  • Bagal Shastr - Shoulder Arms. On this command rifles are thrown up using the right hand. It is caught by using both the left hand, and the right. The rifle would be in an elevated position, so that the soldier can put a finger into the trigger guard, and hold the rifle firmly. The left hand is then snapped to the left side.
  • Bayen Shastr-Port Arms
  • Oonch Bayen Shastr-High Port Arms. Rifles are held above the head.
  • Shok Shastr - Mourn Arms
  • Ulte Shastr - Revers Arms. The rifles are held tightly under the left arms with the barrel facing backwards. The soldier's right hand would be used to hold the barrel steady at the back. Used when escorting funeral caskets/gun carriages etc.
  • Dahine/Bhah(y)e Mud - Right/Left Turn
  • Tham - Halt
  • Tez Chal - Quick march. For breaking into quick time from slow time, the command would be Tez Chal Mein... Tez Chal..
  • Dheere Chal - Slow march. For breaking into slow time from quick time, the command would be Dheere Chal Mein... Dheere Chal..
  • Daudke Chal - Super quick time, or running
  • Parade Teeno-teen mein dahine/baye chalega... - Move to the right/left in columns of threes. This command is given just before the orders to actually execute the turn.
  • Kooch kar - Take charge. Usually given when a senior officer wants some one junior to him to take charge of the parade/company/troop. On hearing this command, the junior officer would take a step forward, salute and then about turn to the men on parade.
  • Parade par - On Parade. Usually given during parades, when certain officers/JCOs/NCOs who would be standing as a separate group, is to march up to stand in front of the troops coming under them.
  • Hoshiar - Stand to. This command is essentially used at the Quarter Guard when the sentry senses any danger (or is ordered by the duty officer/JCO to test the alertness of the guard). The sentry is to shout out thrice Guard Hoshiar, and within this time period the members of the quarter guard are to run out of the guard room and occupied their pre-determined positions.
  • Visarjan - Dismiss

[edit] Canada

The English commands are very similar to British Drill commands while the French commands are generally translations of the English command. The Canadian Forces sometimes call standing drill in French while march commands are called in English. This is done at units such as trades schools where both English and French are used. Unilingual English units and unilingual French units generally use their own language for all commands.

[edit] Finland

In Finnish military drill, commands are two parted: valmistava (precautionary/readying) and käskevä (executive). When ordering a formation, the commanding soldier (officer or assigned drill supervisor) gives a precautionary command so the soldiers know what formation they ned to fall into. At the executive order they fall in the specified formation. An example being Kahteen riviin... (into two lines) JÄRJESTY (form). At järjesty the soldiers align themselves in the specified number of rows, with the kulmamies (cornerman) at an arms length from the one who gave the order. When a formation is formed they ojentaa (extend), so as to make sure the lines and rows a re in perfect order: Soldiers are an arms length apart from each other, as the first row extends their left arm onto the right shoulder of the one next to them and turn their heads to the cornerman. The men behind the cornerman extend their left arm forward to the shoulderblade of the man in front of them. The cornerman checks the straightness of the lines/rows, lowering his arm and turning his head forward when ready. At this the soldiers turn their heads forward and lower their arm when the one next to them has done so, forming a wave. When an extension is order e.g. OJENNUS (extension) the cornerman keeps his head forward while the rest of the formation extends. At the command katse eteen - PÄIN (eyes - FRONT) the formation lowers theirs arms and turns their heads forward simultaneously. A variant of järjesty used is ryhmity (group), at which the unit ordered runs into formation. When ordering from one formation to another, mars (march) is used as the executive order (mars mars would mean "double time!", an order to run). To have the attention of a unit, the commanding officer shouts e.g. yksikkö! (unit). At this the unit in question stands in attention, facing towards the one who has their attention.

  • ASENTO - Stand in attention
  • LEPO - At ease
  • Katse eteen/vasemmalle/oikealle - PÄIN - order to turn the heads of the formation front/left/right.
  • Käännös vasempaan/oikeaan - PÄIN - order to turn 90 degrees left/right.
  • Täyskäännös vasempaan - PÄIN - order to turn 180 degrees (the soldiers always turn left at this command, as the one giving orders can NEVER be behind them).
  • (Kahteen/kolmeen/neljään/etc) riviin - JÄRJESTY - Order to form a row. The first section contains the number of rows: riviin (into a single row), kahteen riviin (into two rows), kolmeen riviin (into three rows).
  • (Kahteen/kolmeen/neljään/etc) jonoon - JÄRJESTY - Order to form a line. The first command contains the number of lines: jonoon (into a single line), kahteen jonoon (into two lines), kolmeen jonoon (into three lines).
  • Opetusavoneliöön - MARS - Order to form an open square. Usually used in exercises, so the trained unit could better see what the trainer wishes to show and teach them.
  • Opetusavoriviin - MARS - Order for the rows of the formation to space apart. This command is preceded by instructions on how far apart the rwos are (e.g. Rivien väliset etäisyydet 10 askelta. Ensimmäinen rivi ottaa 20 askelta, toinen rivi 10. [Distance between rows, ten paces. First row takes 20 paces, second takes ten]). This formation is used in training, when the training officer has subtrainers at his disposal, who teach each row individually.
  • Taakse - POISTU - Order to run ten paces back at the best possible speed. Can be ordered for other directions. The length of the run can be controlled by stating the destination or the amount of paces. The soldiers must run to their destination.
  • tahdissa - MARS - Order to march in pace.
  • tahditta - MARS - Order to march out of pace.

[edit] Singapore

The Singaporean Armed Forces use a unified system of drill commands across all three service branches. Formal commands are issued in Malay with informal conversation conducted in English. All drills are performed with feet stomping unless specifically instructed to perform "silent drills".

  • Sedi-AH - Stand at Attention. Elbows locked, eyes stare forward, chin up. No movement.
  • Senang-di-RI - Stand at Ease. Legs placed shoulder width apart, hands behind backs, right hand over left hand, fingers straightened. Eyes still forward, looking up, no talking.
  • Begarat Kerkanan/kiri, bertiga-tiga, Kerkanan/kiri, Pu-SENG - Move to your right/left, three by three, right/left turn. "Kiri" and "Kenan" stand for left and right respectively. They are interchangeable in commands. "Bertiga-tiga" is also given in context, depending on how many rows deep the formation is. Three by three stands for the standard formation depth of three rows. "Dalam dua/umpat barisan" would be used for two and four rows respectively.
  • Diam - To freeze at wherever you are and stop talking.
  • Dari kiri, jepat, ja-LAN- take reference from your right/left, forward march."
  • Berhern-TI- halt
  • Henta-Kaki, jepat, hen-TAH- March in place, legs raised ninety degrees.
  • Kiri/Kenan BELO- while marching, turn the column left/right in formation.
  • Dari Kenan/Kiri/Blakang, BILANG - sound off from the right/left/back.
  • Ker Belakang, pu-SENG- turn 180 degrees to the back from your right
  • Ker kiri/kenan, pu-SENG- turn left/right
  • Skuad, Kerlua-BARIS- Squad, fall out

These are just the basic commands. For more complex parade movements and formations, commands are modified, changed, or new commands formed to adequately describe movement. This is not too long a process, because Malay is still an actively spoken language.

[edit] Ireland

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In the Irish Defence Forces, Foot and Arms Drill is usually given in the Irish language. All soldiers are trained in foot and arms drill in Irish, and usually don't give a second thought as to the translations of the various commands. Although Irish is taught throughout primary and secondary education in the Republic, very few recruits or cadets in any of the three services are fully bilingual, less still use Irish as a first language. Irish is the primary language when a body of soldiers is on the square, but in cases where live ammunition is used or where gun drill for live ammunition practice or deployment is being carried out, English commands are used to ensure that the order is fully understood. Examples of this substitution would be - Mounting the guard or artillery gun drill. Because foot and arm drill commands are passed down by word of mouth through training, the Irish commands have become distorted from their original pronunciations. In the same way that has occurred in the British Army (the subject of many parodies with squealing Sergeant Majors), words of command lose their defined pronunciation; examples being Aire (Arra) which often becomes Ahha and Cle (Kley) which is sometimes distorted to Hey or Huy. A list of Irish Commands follows.

Meitheal ----- Party
Gasra ----- Section
Buíonn ----- Platoon
Complacht ----- Company
Cathlain ----- Battalion
Paráid ----- Parade
Rang ----- Rank
Aire ----- Attention
Seasáig ar Áis ----- Stand at Ease
Ar Socracht ----- Stand Easy
Le Heathraimh Ó Dheis-Deasaíg ----- With Intervals-Right Dress
Ó Dheis-Deasaíg ----- Right-Dress
Dearcaig Fó Dheis (Clé) ----- Eyes Right (Left)
Dearcaig Romhaibh ----- Eyes Front
Ag Iompó ----- Turning (precedes the following commands)
Deas Iompaíg ----- Right Turn
Clé Iompaíg ----- Left Turn
Iompaíg Thart ----- About Turn
Leathdeas Iompaíg ----- Half Right Turn
Leathchlé Iompaíg ----- Half Left Turn
Do Réir Dheis (Clé) ----- By the Right (left)
Go Mear Máirseáil ----- Quick March
Go Mall Máirseáil ----- Slow March
Clúdaíg ----- Cover (replace head dress)
Díclúdaíg ----- Uncover (remove head dress)
Stad ----- Stop
Greadaíg Fuibh ----- Mark Time
Ar Aghaidh ----- Forward
Dhá Choiscéim Ar Aghaidh Máirseáil ----- Two paces forward March
Dhá Choiscéim Ar Ais Máirseáil ----- Two paces Backward March
Oscail Na Ranga Máirseáil ----- Open Ranks March
Dún Na Ranga Máirseáil ----- Close Ranks March
Ar Sodar Máirseáil ----- Double March
Luigh Isteach ----- Fall In
Luigh Amach ----- Fall Out
Scaipig ----- Dismissed (Mounting or dismounting the guard)

Chun Mall Chéim Athraigh Go Mall Máirseáil --- Break into Slow Time, Slow March
Chun Mear Chéim Athraigh Go Mear Máirseáil --- Break into Quick Time, Quick March
Ar Dheis(Chlé) --- I Line Teigh On the Right Form a Line
Athraíg Treo Fó Dheis (Chlé) Deas Chasaigh --- Change Direction Right (Left) Right (Left) Wheel
Cúirtéis ----- Salute
Ó Dheis, Comhraigh ----- From the Right, Number
Socair ----- Steady
Mar a Bhí ----- As you Were

Arms Drill

Gaeilge ----- English

Tairgig Airm ----- Present Arms
Iompraígh Airm ----- Carry Arms
Chun Cigireachta Taispeánaig Airm ----- For Inspection Port Arms
Bogaig Tuailimí ----- Ease Springs
Tógaig Airm ----- Pick Up Arms
Garda ----- Guard
Lucht Dualgas ----- Security Duty
Lódáil ----- Load
Lámhach ----- Fire
Réidh ----- Ready
Dílódáil ----- Unload
Aisiompaíg Airm ----- Reverse Arms
Ar Airm Aisiompaithe Lúig ----- Rest on Arms Reversed

Using this, the order for a platoon of soldiers to go from the halt to a quick march would be

"Rachaidh an Buionn cun cionn, de reir dheis, go mar marseaill" etc.

Public displays of foot and arms drill by the Defence Forces are not common but are not unusual. A guard of honour is usually detailed by the Defence Forces to act on state occasions, and occasions of local importance, especially those where the President is present, or where the Defence Forces have specific interest. Examples of those events televised would be the 1916 Rising commemorations and the National Day of Remembrance. Units of the Defence Forces also march in the annual St Patricks Day Parade in the towns or cities where they are stationed, a tradition which they have continued on overseas postings. Foot and arms drill commands are taught using a formulaic method known as the Screed. Drill instructors are usually of the rank of corporal, and ability to teach drill movements by the screed is one of the skills which must be attained prior to promotion to this rank. The Screed usually begins "Taking you a stage further in your foot/arms drill i will now teach you the ....... Irish word of command ......." and includes instructor demonstrations and time set aside for soldiers in the recruit sections to practice the movement in pairs on the square. Although this system is meant to teach movements correctly and quickly, and set a standard of foot and arms drill throughout the forces, it is not favoured by many drill instructors who see it as too rigid, promoting an atmosphere of mindless obeyance which fails to produce good soldiers who can think for themselves.
For practical and historical reasons, the foot and arms drill of the Irish Army remains similar to that of the British Army.

[edit] See also

Languages