113 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS DRILL AND CEREMONIES FUNDAMENTALS Flashcards
What is the first purpose of close order drill?
Move a unit from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner while maintaining the best appearance possible.
How does close order drill help with combat readiness?
It provides simple formations from which combat formations can be readily assumed.
What discipline-related benefit does close order drill offer Marines?
It teaches discipline by instilling habits of precision and automatic response to orders.
How does close order drill enhance leadership skills?
It increases the confidence of junior officers and noncommissioned officers through exercising command and controlling drilling troops.
What practical skill do Marines gain from close order drill?
It gives Marines an opportunity to handle individual weapons.
How does close order drill enable a commander overall?
It allows a commander to move units efficiently, prepare for combat, enforce discipline, build leadership confidence, and train Marines in weapon handling.
What does the term “element” mean in drill?
An individual, squad, section, platoon, company, or other unit that is part of a larger unit.
What is a “formation” in the context of Marine Corps drill?
An arrangement of elements on line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner.
How is a “line” formation defined?
A formation where elements are abreast, or for a section/platoon, squads are in line one behind the other.
What constitutes a “rank” in drill?
A line of Marines or vehicles placed side by side.
What is a “column” formation?
A formation where elements are placed one behind the other, or for a section/platoon, squads are in column and abreast.
How is a “file” defined in drill terms?
A single column of Marines or vehicles one behind the other.
What does “flank” refer to in a drill formation?
The right or left extremity of a unit, either on line or in column, or a direction at a right angle to the formation’s facing.
What is the “normal interval” between individuals in drill?
One arm’s length between individuals.
How is “close interval” measured in drill?
The horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow when the left hand is on the left hip.
What does “alignment” mean in a drill context?
The dressing of several elements on a straight line.
Who or what is the “guide” in a drill formation?
The individual (base) upon whom a formation regulates its march, controlling interval, direction, alignment, and cadence.
How is the “center” determined in a formation?
The middle element in an odd-numbered formation or the left center element in an even-numbered formation, including the guide in the count.
What is the “pace” in Marine Corps drill?
The length of a full step at quick time, 30 inches, measured from heel to heel.
What are the distances of the half step and back step?
Both are 15 inches, measured from heel to heel.
How long are the right and left steps in drill?
12 inches, measured from heel to heel.
What are the step lengths for quick time and double time?
Quick time is 30 inches; double time is 36 inches, both measured from heel to heel.
What does “cadence” refer to in drill?
A rhythmic rate of march at a uniform step, varying by slow, quick, or double time.
What is “voice control” in giving drill commands?
Controlling the voice by opening the throat, shaping words with the mouth, and using the diaphragm for volume.
How should loudness be adjusted when giving commands?
Adjusted to the number of Marines in the unit.
What position must a commander be in to give drill commands?
The position of attention, demonstrating military bearing.
What muscle is most important for breathing in command voice?
The diaphragm, which separates the chest and abdominal cavities.
How do the throat, mouth, and nose contribute to command voice?
They act as amplifiers, giving fullness and projection to the voice.
What does “distinctness” mean for a command voice?
Pronouncing commands correctly without loss of effect, using the tongue, lips, and teeth.
How can a Marine develop distinct commands?
Practice giving commands slowly, prolonging syllables, then increasing speed while maintaining clarity.
What is “inflection” in the context of command voice?
The rise and fall in pitch and tone of the voice.
What does “cadence” mean when giving drill commands?
A uniform and rhythmic flow of words, with intervals allowing one step between preparatory and execution commands.
Why is a uniform interval between commands important?
It ensures everyone understands the preparatory command and knows when to expect the execution command.
What is a “preparatory command” in drill?
The command that indicates the movement to be executed.
What is the beginning pitch of a preparatory command?
The commander’s normal speaking voice.
What inflection is used for a preparatory command?
A rising inflection.
What is the “command of execution” in drill?
The command that indicates when a movement is to be executed.
How does the beginning pitch of the execution command differ?
It is higher than the last pitch of the preparatory command.
What inflection is used for the command of execution?
None; it is given sharply and succinctly with a snap.
How many Marines make up a standard color guard?
Four: two color bearers and two color guards.
What is the role of the color bearers in a color guard?
Two noncommissioned officers; one carries the national color and commands the guard, the other carries the organizational color.
Who are the color guards in the color guard formation?
Two Marines junior to the color bearers who assist and protect the colors.
Which color bearer commands the color guard?
The bearer of the national color.
Where is the organizational color positioned relative to the national color?
Always on the left of the national color.
What happens to the color guard if only the national color is carried?
It includes only one color bearer.
What is the purpose of a “wet down” event?
A party thrown by a newly promoted Staff NCO or officer to celebrate their new rank.
When should a wet down typically be held?
Soon after promotion, usually within a month, often at the Staff NCO Club.
How much money is typically spent on a wet down?
One month’s pay raise, spent on beverages and sometimes food.
Who is usually invited to a wet down?
Fellow Marines of equal or superior rank to the promoted Marine.
What tradition is rarely followed at modern wet downs?
Dousing the promotion warrant with alcohol.
What is the dual purpose of a “hail and farewell” event?
Introduce new SNCOs and their spouses and say goodbye to departing SNCOs.
How often can hail and farewell events be scheduled?
Periodically (monthly or quarterly) or on a case-by-case basis.
What is typically included in the “hail” portion of the event?
A brief introduction of new SNCOs, mentioning their origin and assignment.
What happens during the “farewell” portion of a hail and farewell?
Mentions the departing Marine’s section and destination, presents plaques, and allows comments.
Who pays for the departing Marine’s meal at a farewell luncheon?
The other attendees, as the departing Marine is the guest of honor.
When were the first Staff Sergeant promotions recognized in the Marine Corps?
Spring of 1923.
What are the required ceremonies for promotions and reenlistments?
Ceremonies to recognize milestones in a Marine’s career, held with a designated time, date, and place.
In what order are awards, promotions, and reenlistments presented?
Personal awards first, promotions second, reenlistments third.
How do Marines to be recognized form up for the ceremony?
In one rank behind the unit formation, according to precedence of award.
What command does the senior enlisted give after “POST” during the ceremony?
“PERSONNEL TO RECEIVE AWARDS, PROMOTIONS, etc., CENTER, MARCH.”
What actions follow the reading of a citation during the ceremony?
The commander hands or attaches the award, shakes hands, and the Marine salutes.
What is the purpose of a “dining-in” event?
To recognize new or departing members, honor dignitaries, celebrate achievements, or build camaraderie.
How does a dining-in differ from a mess night?
A dining-in allows spouses and non-military guests; a mess night is a stag affair.
Who is considered a guest at a dining-in?
Spouses of Mess members and official guests of honor, ideally a notable military or civilian couple.
What attire is expected for ladies at a dining-in?
Formal dresses, with bare shoulders considered inappropriate.
How should seating be arranged at a dining-in?
Ladies should not be placed at the end of the table.
What decorative element may be provided at a dining-in?
Flowers for each lady attending.
What is the purpose of the Marine Corps Birthday ceremony?
To celebrate the Marine Corps’ establishment with a formal procedure.
What uniform is ideally worn at the Marine Corps Birthday ceremony?
Evening dress or blue dress uniform.
How is the birthday cake presented during the ceremony?
Mounted on a serving cart covered with scarlet and gold bunting.
