US Army Drill and Ceremony

Drills are a way to maneuver and command groups of soldiers.

Army Drills:

"ATTENTION": Heels are brought together and on the same line. Feet are turned out equally, forming a 45° angle with each other, knees straight but without stiffness. Arms hanging straight without stiffness at the sides of the body in such a way that the thumbs are along the trouser seams. The backs of the hands are turned away from the body and hands and fingers are cupped naturally. Chest up, shoulders back and level. Eyes looking straight to the front. When assuming the position of attention, bring the heels together smartly and audibly.

"(Stand) At, EASE": Move the left foot to the left so that the feet are shoulder width apart. This command allows you to relax. Right foot may not move. You may not talk.

"REST": Move the left foot to the left so that the feet are shoulder width apart. This command allows you to relax. Except for keeping the right foot in place, you may move around and talk.

"Parade, REST": Move the left foot smartly 12 inches to the left. At the same time the foot is moved, clasp the hands behind the back, palms to the rear, the thumb and forefinger of the right hand clasping the left thumb. As at attention, the knees are kept straight without stiffness, the weight of the body equally distributed, and silence and immobility are maintained.

"Dress Right, DRESS": Used to get the proper alignment between ranks. Squad leader, head turns left 45° with left arm out. Squad members head turns Right 45° with left arm out. Members will move to the point where their right shoulder is touching the tips of the other persons left hand.

"Ready, FRONT": Used after dress right dress. Arm goes down. Head looks forward.

"COVER": The left arm is brought straight up and extended unbent to the front so that the fingertips are barely touching the left shoulder of the person in front to establish correct spacing.

"RECOVER": The left arm is moved smartly back to the side in the position of attention.

"Open Ranks, MARCH": Command to open a step between each ranks, used for inspections.

"Close Ranks, MARCH": Command to close the above described step between each rank.

"Present, ARMS": Present arms when not carrying a weapon, or with a weapon at sling arms.

"Order, ARMS": Command to drop Hand Salute.

"Right (left), FACE": A turn to the right (left).

"About, FACE": A complete 180° turn to the right.

Rifle Drill:

"Order, ARMS": On the command, the butt of the rifle will be lowered to the ground touching the side of the right foot with the hand forming a "V" or "Taco Grip" at the barrel. This is the rifle version of ATTENTION.

"Port, ARMS": Rifle is held upright at an angle across the torso with the muzzle pointed up and to the left. The left hand is on the handguard and the right hand is on the small of the stock, with the right forearm parallel to the ground/deck. The weapon is held at a distance of one fist width away from the chest.

"Right Shoulder, ARMS": Rifle is moved to the right shoulder, rifle making a 45° angle to the ground, and right forearm parallel to the deck/ground.

"Left Shoulder, ARMS": Rifle is moved to the left shoulder, rifle making a 45° angle to the ground, and left forearm parallel to the deck/ground.

"Present, ARMS": Unarmed Members render a hand salute. While armed members will render a rifle salute.

"Secure, ARMS": Rifle is turned upside down placed under the right shoulder.

"Inspection, ARMS": Lock open the bolt of the rifle, then glance quickly into the chamber to ensure that the weapon is empty.

Marching Commands:

"Forward, MARCH": forward marching movement in cadence.

"Double time, MARCH": commence jogging at 180 steps per minute.

"Half step, MARCH": marching forward at half steps.

"Route step, MARCH": You no longer need to maintain cadence.

"Column Right (left), MARCH": A turn to the right(left) while marching.

"(By the) right (left) flank, MARCH: Every member in the marching movement turns Right (left) at the same time.

"Column half right (left), MARCH": A half turn to the right (left) while marching.

"(By my) right (left) oblique, MARCH": Every member in the marching movement makes a half turn to the right (left) at the same time.

"Squad/Platoon/Company (or appropriate formation designation), HALT": Take one more step then freeze.

"Rear, MARCH": On the next footfall, pivot 180° and begin marching in the opposite direction.