Chapter 1: introduction to drill

Question 1

Commanders use drill to:

Answer 1

A. Move units from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner.

b. Provide simple formations from which combat formations may be readily
assumed.

c. Teach discipline by instilling habits of precision and automatic response
to orders.

d. Increase the confidence of junior officers and noncommissioned officers
through the exercise of command, by the giving of proper commands, and by the
control of drilling troops.

e. Give troops an opportunity to handle individual weapons.

Question 2

Purpose of Formations

Answer 2

a. To build unit cohesion and esprit de corps by recognizing Marines during
awards and promotion ceremonies.

b. To maintain continuous accountability and control of personnel.

c. To provide frequent opportunities to observe the appearance and readiness
of the uniforms, arms, and equipment of the individual Marine.

d. To keep the individual Marine informed by providing the means to pass the
word.

e. To develop command presence in unit leaders.

f. To instill and maintain high standards of military bearing and appearance
in units and in the individual Marine.

g. To add color and dignity to the daily routine by reinforcing the traditions
of excellence associated with close order drill.

Question 3

Alignment

Answer 3

The dressing of several elements on a straight line.

Question 4

Assembly Area

Answer 4

A designated location for forming units of platoon size or larger in preparation for a parade, review or ceremony.

Question 5

Arms

Answer 5

A term used to normally designate the service rifle but can refer to any
weapon. When in formation and a mix of weapons is carried the term arms will be
used to designate all types of weapons.

Question 6

Base

Answer 6

The element on which a movement is regulated.

Question 7

Cadence

Answer 7

Cadence

Question 8

Center

Answer 8

The middle element of a formation with an odd number of elements (See
figure 1-1a) or the left center element of a formation with an even number of
elements.

Question 9

Ceremony

Answer 9

A formal military formation designated to observe a specific

occasion.

Question 10

Column

Answer 10

A formation in which elements are placed one behind the other. A
section or platoon is in column when members of each squad are one behind the other
with the squads abreast of each other.

Question 11

Commander of Troops (COT)

Answer 11

The COT is the senior officer taking part in the

ceremony. If an enlisted ceremony the COT is the senior enlisted.

Question 12

Depth

Answer 12

The space from head to rear of an element or a formation. (See figure
1-1a.) The depth of an individual is considered to be 12 inches.

Question 13

Distance

Answer 13

The space between elements in the direction of depth. Between individuals, the space between your chest and the person to your front. Between vehicles, the space between the front end of a vehicle and the rear of the vehicle to its front. Between troops in formation (either on foot, mounted, or in
vehicles), the space from the front of the rear unit to the rear of the unit in
front. Platoon commanders, guides, and others whose positions in a formation are 40 inches from a rank are, themselves, considered a rank. Otherwise, commanders
and those with them are not considered in measuring distance between units. The
color guard is not considered in measuring distance between subdivisions of the
unit with which it is posted. In troop formations, the distance between ranks is
40 inches. (See figure 1-2.)

Question 14

Double Time

Answer 14

Cadence at 180 steps (36 inches in length) per minute.

Question 15

Element

Answer 15

An individual, squad, section, platoon, company, or other unit that is part of a larger unit.

Question 16

Extended Mass Formation.

Answer 16

The formation of a company or larger unit in which major elements are in column at close or normal interval and abreast at a specified
interval greater than normal interval.

Question 17

File

Answer 17

A single column of troops or vehicles one behind the other.

Question 18

Flank

Answer 18

The right or left extremity of a unit, either in line or in column. The element on the extreme right or left of the line. A direction at a right angle to the direction an element or a formation is facing.

Question 19

Formation

Answer 19

Arrangement of elements of a unit in line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner.

Question 20

Front

Answer 20

The space occupied by an element or a formation, measured from one
flank to the other. (See figure 1-1a.) The front of an individual is considered
to be 22 inches.

Question 21

Guide

Answer 21

The individual (base) upon whom a formation, or other elements thereof, regulates its march.  To guide: to regulate interval, direction, or
alignment; to regulate cadence on a base file (right, left, or center).

Question 22

Head

Answer 22

The leading element of a column.

Question 23

Interval

Answer 23

The lateral space between elements on the same line. (See figure
1-3.) Interval is measured between individuals from shoulder to shoulder and
between vehicles from hub to hub or track to track. It is measured between
elements other than individuals and between formations from flank to flank. Unit
commanders and those with them are not considered in measuring interval between
elements of the unit. Normal interval between individuals is one arm’s length.
Close interval is the horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow when the left
hand is placed on the left hip.

Question 24

Left (Right)

Answer 24

Extreme left (right) element or edge of a body of troops.

Question 25

Line

Answer 25

A formation in which the elements are side by side or abreast of each
other. A section or platoon is in line when its squads are in line and one behind
the other.

Question 26

Line of March

Answer 26

The line on which individuals or units are to march on.

Question 27

Line of Troops

Answer 27

The line on which troops are to form when in formation.

Question 28

Loosened Sling.l

Answer 28

Indicates a sling adjusted for the movement sling arms.

Question 29

Mass Formation

Answer 29

The formation of a company or larger unit in which the major

elements are in column at close interval and abreast at close interval.

Question 30

Muffling

Answer 30

The procedure of draping colors for mourning with a mourning streamer or black bunting. It also refers to the process of muffling the musical
instruments of a band for specific types of ceremonies.

Question 31

Pace

Answer 31

The length of a full step in quick time, 30 inches.

Question 32

Parade

Answer 32

A parade is a ceremony that involves the movement of marching units.

Question 33

Parade Sling

Answer 33

A sling that has all excess slack removed and is taught. The keeper is adjusted and locked in a position next to the sling tip. The sling lies
on the left side of the rifle.

Question 34

Piece

Answer 34

An individual firearm such as a rifle.

Question 35

Point of Rest

Answer 35

The point toward which all elements of a unit establish their dress or alignment.

Question 36

Quick Time

Answer 36

Cadence at 112 to 120 steps (12, 15, or 30 inches in length) per minute. It is the normal cadence for drills and ceremonies.

Question 37

Rank

Answer 37

A line of troops or vehicles placed side by side.

Question 38

Review

Answer 38

A review is a type of ceremony that omits certain elements found in a
parade, but includes an inspection (trooping the line) not found in a parade.

Question 39

Rigged

Answer 39

This term refers to the condition when uniforms and equipment are properly fitted out in the manner for which they were intended for use. Swords are considered rigged when attached to the frog (noncommissioned officers) or sword sling (commissioned officer). A Marine is rigged when wearing the prescribed uniform or equipment.

Question 40

Slow Time

Answer 40

Cadence at 60 steps per minute. Used for funerals only.

Question 41

Snap

Answer 41

In commands or signals, the quality that inspires immediate response.
In drill the immediate and smart execution of a movement.

Question 42

Step

Answer 42

The distance from heel to heel between the feet of a marching individual. The half step and back step are 15 inches. The right and left steps are 12 inches. The steps in quick and double time are 30 and 36 inches,
respectively.

Question 43

Strong Grip.

Answer 43

The strong grip is when the thumb is wrapped around the front of
the staff with the fingers wrapped to the rear. (See figure 1-4.)

Question 44

Unit Leader.

Answer 44

Is the individual who is drilling the unit. This can be any individual who is conducting drill or can be those assigned a specific billet such
as squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon commander, etc.

Question 45

“V” Grip

Answer 45

The “V” grip is with the staff placed in the “V” formed by the
thumbs and forefinger with the fingers extended and joined. (See figure 1-5.)

Question 46

good drill instructors must:

Answer 46

a. Follow regulations strictly, as an example to the personnel under
instruction.

b. Have energy, patience, and spirit.
c. Have military neatness and bearing.
d. Observe personnel closely, immediately correcting any mistakes noted.

Question 47

P.C.W.C. stands for:

Answer 47

(P) Purpose of the movement.

(C) Number of Counts involved in its execution.

(W) When the movement may be executed.

(C) Commands to cause the movement to be executed.

Question 48

What is the basic instructional group?

Answer 48

Squad.

It’s size varies

Question 49

There are four types of commands:

Answer 49

preparatory commands, commands of execution, combined commands, and supplementary commands.

Question 50

The preparatory command indicates a……

Answer 50

a movement is to be made and may also indicate the direction of the movement.

Question 51

The command of execution causes the….

Answer 51

the desired movement to be executed.

Question 52

With the combined command,

Answer 52

The preparatory command and the command of execution are combined.

Question 53

Supplementary commands are

Answer 53

Commands that cause the component units to act individually.

Question 54

What commands are not repeated?

Answer 54

“FALL IN,” “FALL OUT,” “REST,” or “AT EASE.”

Or when in mass formation

Question 55

A coo and of execution is givin a what as compared the tone of a predatory command?

Answer 55

A command of execution is given in a sharper and higher pitch than the
tone of the preparatory command’s last syllable.

Question 56

What command cancels a movement or Oder started but not completed?

Answer 56

“As you were”

Question 57

Adding “Half” to the preparatory command for turning or column movements does what?

Answer 57

changes direction 45 degrees