Drill commands

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. 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 commandwith 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.

Common drill commands

United Kingdom

The following commands are generally used, with a few variations, by the British Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force. The Royal Navy uses rather different commands and drill movements.
*"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" ("order 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.
*"Open Order, Quick March" - Each rank (row) spreads out from the middle rank by stepping fowards or backwards. If only two ranks, the rear rank steps backwards.
*"Close Order, Quick March" - The formation is restored to its normal interval.
*"Dress 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 order as "In open order, right dress".
*Stand at ease" - Individuals spread their feet about twelve inches while bringing both of their arms behind their back interlocking their hands. If armed, the left and right arms are brough 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." 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.
*"Right (left) turn" - Individuals turn 90 degrees to the right (left). Can also be ordered on the march.
*"Right (left) incline" - Individuals turn 45 degrees to the right (left).
*"About turn" - Individuals turn 180 degrees (always turning to the right), ending up facing the opposite direction. Can also be ordered on the march.
*"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.
*"By the right (left, centre), slow march" - Individuals begin marching at ceremonial pace, bringing their foot forward, holding it above the ground briefly, then sliding it into the ground.
*"Halt" - Individuals stop marching, bringing the right foot down as if coming to attention.
*"Change step" - Individuals execute a movement in order to get in step with the formation.
*"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.
*"Officer passing your front, salute" - Individuals bring their right arm up to the salute with the hand being parallel to their right eye for three seconds, then snap it back down to their sides.
*"To the front, salute" - Individuals initiate a halt, perform two salutes then a full about turn and march off in the opposite direction.
*"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.

United States

More in depth explanations may be found by reading something similar to the Air Force Manual (AFMAN) or a Drill and Ceremonies Manual. [1]
*"Fall in" - Individuals form a formation at the position of attention.
*"Attention" - Individuals snap to the position of attention. Some commanders prefer to use an easier way by saying, Atten-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" - Movement in which each row (rank) spreads out from another row.
*"Close ranks" - 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. If armed, individuals put their left hand behind their back, extending their rifle while the butt remains on the ground by their right foot.
*"At ease" - Individuals are permitted light movement, however, 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.
*"Halt" - Individuals stop marching.
*"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.
*"Right (left) step" - Individuals take side steps to the right (left).
*"By the right (left) flank" - A 90 degree pivot to the right (left) while marching. Can also be called at halt.
*"Column right (left)" - 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.
*"To the Rear" - A turn 180 degrees while marching.
*"Change step" - 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.
*"Extend" - A movement in which the formation widens.
*"Close" - A movement in which the formation narrows in width.
*"Mark time" - Marching in place.
*"Half step" - Marching at half the distance, often bringing the upper leg parallel to the ground. 15 Inch Steps.
*"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" - 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.

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 how ever 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
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 - Reverse Arms
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

See also

*Drill team
*Drill (disambiguation)
*Michel Foucault's Discipline and Punish (how military drill constituted the individual body and disciplined it in order to compose it with other individual bodies, as automatons marching together)