ACP

• Drill command is an oral order of a commander or leader. The precision with which a movement executed is affected by the manner in which the command is given.
• When at halt and giving commands, the commander faces the troops
• On commands that set the unit in motion (marching from one point to another), the commander moves simultaneously with the unit to maintain correct position within the formation.
• When marching, the commander turns his head in the direction of the troops to give commands
• Exception to these rules occur during ceremonies.
• When elements execute drills as a part of a larger unit, the rules for supplementary commands apply.
• The commander gives the command "as you were" to revoke a preparatory command that he has given.
• Other Kinds of Commands

  1. Combined commands
  2. Supplementary commands
  3. Mass commands
  4. Directive
• Types of Commands

  1. Preparatory commands
  2. Commands of execution
  3. Voice Commands
• Combined commands (at ease) are given without inflection and at a uniformly high pitch and loudness comparable to that for a normal command of execution.
• Supplementary commands are oral orders given by a subordinate leader that reinforce a commander's orders to ensure proper understanding and execution of movements
• Mass commands used to develop confidence and promote enthusiasm
• When the instructor wants the unit to use mass commands, he commands "at your command"; when he wants to stop mass commands, he commands "at my command."
• Directive are oral orders given by the commander that direct or cause a subordinate leader to take action.
• The commander gives directive rather than commands when it is more appropriate for subordinate elements to execute movements or perform tasks as individual elements.
• Voice Command

  1. Inflection
  2. Cadence (in command)
  3. Snap
  4. Voice quality
  5. Distinctiveness
• Inflection - rise and fall in pitch and tone of voices change
• Cadence (in command) - means a uniform and rhythmic flow of words
• Snap - extra quality in command requiring immediate response
• Voice Quality - loudness of a command is adjusted to the number of soldiers
• Distinctiveness - clarity by which the command is given
• Types of Formations

  1. Squadron Formations
  2. Flight Formations
• Squadron Formations

  1. Line (rank)
  2. Column (file)
  3. Column of twos
• Flight Formations

  1. Flight in Line
  2. Flight in Column
• Alignment - a straight line upon which several elements of teams are formed or the addressing of several elements upon a straight line
• Arms Swing - the swinging of arms must be 6 inches straight to the front and 3 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams, knuckles out facing forward
• Base - element on which movement is regulated
• Cadence - uniform rhythm in which a movement is executed
• Center - middle point of a platoon or flight
• Column - formation in which the elements are placed behind the other
• Depth - space from the front to the rear of any formation or of a position
• Distance - space between the elements where they are behind the other
• Double Time - cadence at a rate of 180 steps per minute
• Drill Command - oral order of a commander/leader
• Echelon - one of a series of elements one behind the other
• Elements - individual part of a team, section, squad, platoon, or larger body
• Eyes Right - direction of the face during this should be 45 degrees to the right side
• File - a single column of men behind the other
• Flank - right or left extremity at a unit
• Formation - arrangement of elements of a unit in line