ROTC DRILL Vocabulary

Question 1

Alignment

Answer 1

The dressing of several elements on a straight line

Question 2

Base

Answer 2

The element on which a movement is regulated.

Question 3

Cadence

Answer 3

A rhythmic rate of march at a uniform step.

Question 4

Center

Answer 4

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 5

Ceremony

Answer 5

A formal military formation designated to observe a specific occasion.

Question 6

Column

Answer 6

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 7

Commander of Troops

Answer 7

The COT is the senior Cadet taking part in the ceremony.

Question 8

Depth

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Distance

Answer 9

The space between elements in the direction of depth. Between individuals, the space between your chest and the person to your front. Between cadets in formation, 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 the distance between units. The color guard is not considered in measuring the distance between subdivisions of the unit with which it is posted. In Cadet formations, the distance between ranks is 40 inches.

Question 10

Double Time

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Element

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Extended Mass Formation

Answer 12

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 13

File

Answer 13

A single column of cadets one behind the other.

Question 14

Flank

Answer 14

The right or left extremity of a unit, either inline or in the 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 15

Formation

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Guide

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Head

Answer 17

The leading element of a column.

Question 18

Interval

Answer 18

The lateral space between elements on the same line. Interval is measured between individuals from shoulder to shoulder. 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 intervals between elements of the unit. The normal interval between individuals is one arm’s length. Close interval is the horizontal distance when the left hand is placed on the left hip.

Question 19

Left (Right)

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Line

Answer 20

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 21

Line of March

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Line of Troops

Answer 22

The line on which cadets are to form when information

Question 23

Loosened Sling

Answer 23

Indicates a sling adjusted for the movement of sling arms.

Question 24

Mass Formation

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Pace

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Point of Rest

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Quick Time

Answer 27

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 28

Rank

Answer 28

A line of cadets placed side by side.

Question 29

Slow Time

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Step

Answer 30

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 31

Unit Leader

Answer 31

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, mustering petty officer, platoon commander, etc.

Question 32

Assembly Area

Answer 32

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

Question 33

How was is the flag put at half-staff, and how is it lowered?

Answer 33

The flag is put to half-staff by raised to the top of the mast briskly and is then lowered to half-mast
The flag is lowered by raising the flag to the top of the mast quickly then lowering the flag slowly.

Question 34

When the u.s flag is folded how many folds are in the flag?

Answer 34

13 folds

Question 35

What is the difference between national colors and the national flag?

Answer 35

The national colors are trimmed on 3 sides with golden yellow fringe

Question 36

What do the colors of the national flag represent?

Answer 36

RED: HARDINESS AND VALOR
WHITE: PURITY AND INNOCENCE
BLUE: VIGILANCE, PERSEVERANCE, AND JUSTICE

Question 37

What does the national flag being positioned at half-staff mean?

Answer 37

This is a sign of mourning

Question 38

When the national flag is worn out, how is it disposed of?

Answer 38

The star section/union is cut from the flag and then both pieces are burned together.

Question 39

When can the flag be flown upside down?

Answer 39

In times of distress/ emergency

Question 40

Reveille

Answer 40

start

Question 41

retreat

Answer 41

end