USMC Drill And Ceremonies

Question 1

Explain the five purposes of close order drill

Answer 1

• MOVE unit from one place to another in a standard orderly manner, maintaining the best appearance possible
• PROVIDE simple formations from which combat formations can be readily assumed
• TEACH discipline by instilling habits of precision and automatic response to orders
• INCREASE confidence in junior officers and NCO’s through exercise of command by giving proper commands and control of troops
• GIVE marines an opportunity to handle individual weapons

Question 2

Element

Answer 2

An individual, squad, section, plato company or other unit which is part of a larger unit

Question 3

Formation

Answer 3

Arrangement of elements on line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner

Question 4

Line

Answer 4

Formation in which elements are abreast except when a platoon is in line and its squads are in line and one behind the other

Question 5

Rank

Answer 5

A line of Marines or vehicles placed side by side

Question 6

Column

Answer 6

Formation in which elements are one behind the other except when a platoon is in column and it’s squads are in column and abreast of each other

Question 7

File

Answer 7

Single column of Marines or Vehicles one behind each other

Question 8

Flank

Answer 8

Right or left extremity of a unit either on line or in column.

Question 9

Interval

Answer 9

The lateral space between elements on the same line. It is measured between individuals from shoulder to shoulder.

Question 10

Normal Interval

Answer 10

Normal interval between individuals is one arm’s length

Question 11

Close Interval

Answer 11

The horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow when the left hand is placed on the left hip

Question 12

Alignment

Answer 12

Dressing of several elements on the same line

Question 13

Guide

Answer 13

The individual upon a formation regulates it’s march

Question 14

Center

Answer 14

The middle element of a formation within an odd number of elements or the left center of elements of a formation with an even number of elements

Question 15

Pace

Answer 15

Length of a full step at quick time (30 in from back of one heel to the back of other heel

Question 16

Step

Answer 16

Distance from heel to heel.

• Half step and back step = 15 in
• Right & Left step = 12 in
• Quick step = 30 in
• Double time = 36 in

Question 17

Cadence

Answer 17

A rhythmic rate of march at uniform step

Question 18

Discuss the four characteristics of command voice

Answer 18

-VOICE CONTROL
(voice is controlled by opening the throat, using mouth to shape words and diaphragm to control volume)

• DISTINCTNESS (all commands must be pronounced correctly without loss of effect)
• INFLECTION (the rise and fall in pitch and tone in voice)
• CADENCE (commands given in a uniform and rhythmic flow of words)

Question 19

Discuss the two types of drill commands

Answer 19

-PREPARATORY COMMAND
(Indicates the movement to be executed)

-COMMAND OF EXECUTION (indicates when a movement is to be executed)

Question 20

Discuss the color guard.

Answer 20

Color guard consist of four men.

• Two NCO’s are color bearers
• Two men junior to color bearer are color guards
• National color bearer commands the color guard and command color is always to the left of national color
• When only national color is carried only one color guard accompanies the color bearer

Question 21

Wet Down

Answer 21

A party thrown by a newly promoted Staff NCO or officer to celebrate his new rank.

• Within a month after the promotion
• New NCO spends one month’s pay raise
• Guests are equal or superior ranks

Question 22

Hail and Fairwell

Answer 22

Purpose of introducing the SNCO’s and their spouses who are newly arrived and say good-bye to any SNCO who are leaving.

Question 23

Promotions and Reenlistments

Answer 23

Spring 1923, first group of Staff Sgt received their warrants. Prom&Re-ups are required ceremonies to recognize milestones in a Marine’s career.

• Personal awards (1st.)
• Promotions (2nd)
• Re-enlistments (3rd)

Ceremony flow:

• Senior enlisted reports formation to commander
• Commander says Post
• (Senior) Personnel to receive awards, center
• Mark time march, detail halt, right face, hand salute, ready two
• promotions are given
• Hand salute, ready two, left face, forward march

Question 24

Dining-in

Answer 24

Formal dinner:

• Recognizing a new member
• Farewell to a departing member
• Command members to get together to become more acquainted
• Non-military guest can attend

Question 25

Marine Corps Birthday

Answer 25

• When no General Officer present, Senior Line Officer will follow procedures outlined for the commanding general. Escorts will be formed from the appropriate ranks present
• When ceremony is at NCO’s or other enlisted messes, appropriate ranking NCO’s will preside and form the escort.
• Two officers or enlisted personnel of each rank will be assigned to escort
• Uniform Will be evening dress or blue dress
• Birthday cake will be on a mess serving cart covered with scarlet and gold bunting
• If swords not available, escorts will execute hand salute at appropriate commands

Question 26

Relief & Appointment

Answer 26

Ceremony held for the relief of the old and appointment of the new Sgt Major within units of battalion or squadron size and larger.

During the ceremony, the Sgt Majors exchange the staff noncommissioned officer sword. This passing of the sword signifies the transfer of the sacred trust between Sgt. Majors