PARADE AND DRILL

What’s the point of drill and parade? You may think it doesn’t have much to do with things like field training, or leadership. That’s not the case at all! It shows how disciplined and organized you can be as an individual, remembering instructions and carrying them out accurately. More importantly, it shows your ability to work in a team and is a way of displaying the high standards of dress and deportment.

Teamwork

When a group of 90 cadets walk on to a parade square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team, following the orders given by one person. Instead of ninety individual feet hitting the ground, there is only one sound. This is the result of practice and teamwork.

Drill is also used when you are moving around in large groups in a smart, orderly fashion. Whatever the occasion drill it’s an impressive sight and shows civilians and members of the Forces just how well disciplined you are.

With a few years experience, and once you become a senior NCO,  you are going to be in a position to pass on your knowledge and experience to other cadets, instructing them on how to participate in stationary drill and on the march, taking charge of a flight, or even playing a major part in ceremonial drill.