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CHAPTER 8
DRILL WITH A CANE

8.1 This chapter contains Drill with a Cane and is contained in the
following lessons listed in Table 8–1.
Table 8–1: Drill with a Cane

Reference Subject

Lesson 1 Description of the parts of the Cane, Attention,

Stand at Ease, Stand Easy, Quick March and Halt
with the Cane at the Trail.
Lesson 2 Right and Left Turn at the Halt, Right and Left
Incline and About Turn in Quick Time with the
Cane, Drill with the Cane in Confined Spaces or
when on Stairs.

Lesson 3 Saluting at the Halt and on the March in Quick

Time.

Basic Lessons
8.2 The basic lessons for Drill with a Cane are contained in Annex
A to Annex C.

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Annexes:
A. Lesson 1 – Description of the Parts of the Cane, Attention,
Stand at Ease, Stand Easy, Quick March and Halt With the
Cane at the Trail
B. Lesson 2 – Right and Left Turn at the Halt, Right and Left
Incline and About Turn in Quick Time with the Cane, Drill
with the Cane in Confined Spaces or when on Stairs
C. Lesson 3 – Saluting at the Halt and on the March in Quick
Time With the Cane

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ANNEX A TO CHAPTER 8
LESSON 1 – DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTS
OF THE CANE, ATTENTION, STAND AT EASE,
STAND EASY, QUICK MARCH AND HALT
WITH THE CANE AT THE TRAIL

INSTRUCTOR NOTES

1. Timings. One x 40 minute period.

2. Stores.
3. Reconnaissance.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

4. Preliminaries.
5. Revision. There is no associated learning to this lesson.
6. Approach.

LESSON BODY

7. In certain circumstances, officers, WOs and senior NCOs may

carry canes as authorised by the Army Standing Orders for
Dress, Volume 1, 2000 and Volume 2, 2002. Drill with the cane
is to conform with the contents of this chapter.
8. The cane is no longer than 60 cm, from end to end. The parts
of the cane (see Figure 8–1) are as follows:
a. ferrule,
b. body, and
c. knob.

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Ferrule Body Knob

Figure 8–1: Parts of the Cane

Attention

9. ‘ATTEN – TION’. On the command ‘ATTEN – TION’, the

position of ATTENTION is adopted and the cane is held firmly
in the right hand, close to the right side in a vertical position with
the ferrule uppermost. The first joint of the forefinger of the right
hand is kept underneath the knob of the cane, pointing towards
the thigh, with the thumb down and to the front, and the
remaining three fingers grasp the cane (see Figure 8–2).

Figure 8–2: Attention

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Stand at Ease

10. ‘STAND AT – EASE’. On the command ‘STAND AT – EASE’,

the position of STAND AT EASE is adopted with the back of the
right hand in the palm of the left. The cane is held with the right
hand as for ATTENTION. The cane is held between the crook
of the right arm and the body, with the ferrule up and pointing
obliquely to the right front (see Figure 8–3 and Figure 8–4).

Figure 8–3: Stand at Ease with the Cane (Rear View)

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Figure 8–4: Stand at Ease with the Cane (Front View)

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Marching with the Cane – Quick Time

11. ‘QUICK – MARCH’. On the command by catchwords, ‘QUICK

MARCH – CANE’, as the left foot comes to the ground, both
hands are moved to grasp the cane in the middle still holding
the cane upright on the right side (see Figure 8–5).

Figure 8–5: Marching with the Cane (Quick March – Cane)

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12. On the command by catchwords, ‘QUICK MARCH – CHECK,
DOWN’, a check pace is taken with the right foot and as the left
foot comes to the ground the right arm is straightened with the
cane held horizontal. At the same time the left arm is cut to the
side (see Figure 8–6).

Figure 8–6: Marching with the Cane – Check, Down

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13. On the command by catchwords, ‘QUICK MARCH – CHECK,
SWING’, a check pace is taken with the right foot and, as the
left foot comes to the ground, the arms are swung. The cane is
held between the thumb and the first two fingers of the right
hand. The remaining fingers must be kept on top of the cane for
stability, in order to keep the cane parallel to the ground
throughout the swing, which is to be straight through from front
to rear. This position is known as the TRAIL (see Figure 8–7).

Figure 8–7: Marching with the Cane – Check, Swing

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Halt from Quick March

14. ‘HALT’. On the command, ‘HALT’, complete the halt as

previously taught, ensuring the arms are by the side of the body
and the cane is kept in the TRAIL position.
15. On the command by catchwords, ‘HALT – CANE’, observe the
regulation pause, then the cane is flicked upwards with the right
hand, the left hand grasps the cane at the centre bringing it to
a perpendicular position at the right side. At the same time, the
right hand is moved to the knob of the cane as for the position
of ATTENTION (see Figure 8–8).

Figure 8–8: Halt from Quick March – Halt, Cane

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16. On the command by catchwords, ‘HALT – DOWN’, the left
hand is cut to the side (Figure 8–9).

Figure 8–9: Halt from Quick March – Halt, Down

Notes for Instructors

17. The instructor is to consider that this lesson is best taught with
the squad facing the opposite flank to the instructor.
Common Faults

18. The following are the common faults identified for this lesson:
a. the cane not vertical at the ATTENTION;
b. the cane not horizontal at the TRAIL;
c. the left hand not in the correct position on the cane
during first movement of QUICK MARCH and the
second movement of HALT;
d. the fingers of the right hand not in the correct position on
the knob; and

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e. the cane not in the crook of the right elbow/arm during
the STAND AT EASE.

LESSON CONCLUSION

19. End of Lesson Sequence. The end of lesson sequence is to

include:
a. clarification of doubtful points;
b. a test of objectives;
c. a summary;
d. the statement of relevance;
e. safety precautions (if applicable);
f. a preview of the next instruction; and
g. dismissal.

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ANNEX B TO CHAPTER 8
LESSON 2 – RIGHT AND LEFT TURN AT THE
HALT, RIGHT AND LEFT INCLINE AND
ABOUT TURN IN QUICK TIME WITH THE
CANE, DRILL WITH THE CANE IN CONFINED
SPACES OR WHEN ON STAIRS

INSTRUCTOR NOTES

1. Timings. One x 40 minute period.

2. Stores.
3. Reconnaissance.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

4. Preliminaries.
5. Revision. Description of the parts of the Cane, Attention, Stand
at Ease, Stand Easy, Quick March and Halt with the Cane at
the Trail.
6. Approach.

LESSON BODY

Turns at the Halt with the Cane

7. For turns at the HALT the cane remains in the position of

ATTENTION.

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Turns and Inclines in Quick Time with the Cane – Right and Left
Turn/Inclines in Quick Time

8. When executing a right/left turn or incline in quick time with the

cane, the arms are cut to the sides on the first movement of the
respective turn/incline and commence swinging on the first
pace after the turn is completed.
Turns and Inclines in Quick Time with the Cane – About Turn in
Quick Time

9. ‘ABOUT – TURN’. On the command by catchwords, ‘ABOUT

TURN – CHECK, UP’, a check pace is taken with the right foot
and the arms are cut to the sides. Then on the first movement
of the turn, as the left knee is raised, the cane is brought to a
vertical position in front of the right shoulder. The upper part of
the arm is close to the side and the forearm is horizontal with
the hand in line with the waist belt, the ferrule uppermost (see
Figure 8–10).

Figure 8–10: About Turn – Check, Up

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10. On the command by numbers, ‘ABOUT TURN – TWO,
THREE’, the next two movements of the about turn are
completed.
11. On the command by catchwords, ‘ABOUT TURN – DOWN’, as
the right foot is forced forward on the fourth movement of the
about turn, the cane is returned to the TRAIL position.
12. On the command by catchwords, ‘ABOUT TURN – SWING’, on
the next pace with the left foot the arm swing is commenced.
Cane Drill in Confined Spaces or When Moving on Stairs

13. When carrying a cane at the TRAIL in confined spaces or when

on stairs, where a possibility of damage to property or person
exists, the cane is brought to a vertical position in front of the
right shoulder. The upper part of the arm is close to the side and
the forearm is horizontal with the hand in line with the waist belt,
the ferrule uppermost (see Figure 8–11).

Figure 8–11: Cane Drill in Confined Spaces or when Moving on Stairs

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14. If there is a requirement to pay a compliment in a confined
space, while carrying the cane, then adopt the ATTENTION
position with the cane remaining at the right side at the TRAIL.
Notes for Instructor

15. The instructor is to consider that this lesson is best taught with
squad facing the opposite flank to the instructor
Common Faults

16. The following are the common faults identified for this lesson:
a. the cane not vertical on the turns;
b. the cane not horizontal at the TRAIL; and
c. the left hand not in the correct position on the cane
during first movement of 'QUICK - MARCH' and the
second movement of 'HALT'.

LESSON CONCLUSION

17. End of Lesson Sequence. The end of lesson sequence is to

include:
a. clarification of doubtful points;
b. a test of objectives;
c. a summary;
d. the statement of relevance;
e. safety precautions (if applicable);
f. a preview of the next instruction; and
g. dismissal.

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ANNEX C TO CHAPTER 8
LESSON 3 – SALUTING AT THE HALT AND ON
THE MARCH IN QUICK TIME WITH THE CANE

INSTRUCTOR NOTES

1. Timings. One x 40 minute period.

2. Stores.
3. Reconnaissance.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

4. Preliminaries.
5. Revision. Turns at the Halt, Right and Left Turn, Right and Left
Incline and About Turn in Quick Time with the Cane.
6. Approach.

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LESSON BODY

Salute to the Front at the Halt

7. ‘SALUTE TO THE FRONT – SALUTE’. On the command by

catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE FRONT SALUTE – CANE’, the
cane is moved from the ATTENTION position and forced up
under the left armpit so the centre point of the cane is under the
arm (see Figure 8–12).

Figure 8–12: Salute to the Front Salute – Cane

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8. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE FRONT
SALUTE – DOWN’, after observing the regulation pause the
right arm is cut to the ATTENTION position.
9. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE FRONT
SALUTE – SALUTE’, after observing the regulation pause
salute as previously taught (see Figure 8–13).

Figure 8–13: Salute to the Front Salute – Salute

10. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE FRONT

SALUTE – DOWN’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right arm is straightened by the side of the body.
11. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE FRONT
SALUTE – CANE’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right hand grasps the cane around the knob as for the
ATTENTION position.
12. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE FRONT
SALUTE – DOWN’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right arm is straightened by the side and the cane is held
vertically as for ATTENTION.

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Salute to the Flank at the Halt – (Salute to the Right)

13. ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT – SALUTE’. On the command by

catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT SALUTE – CANE’, the
cane is moved from the ATTENTION position and forced up
under the left armpit so that the centre point of the cane is under
the arm.
14. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
SALUTE – DOWN’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right arm is cut to the ATTENTION position.
15. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT –
SALUTE’, after observing the regulation pause, salute as
previously taught (see Figure 8–14). Complete the salute, head
to the front.

Figure 8–14: Salute to the Right at the Halt with the Cane – Salute

16. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT

SALUTE – CANE’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right hand grasps the cane around the knob as for the
ATTENTION position.

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17. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
SALUTE – DOWN’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right arm is straightened by the side and the cane is held
vertically as for ATTENTION.
Salute to the Flank at the Halt – (Salute to the Left)

18. ‘SALUTE TO THE LEFT – SALUTE’. On the command by

catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE LEFT SALUTE – CANE’, the
cane is moved from the ATTENTION position and forced up
under the left armpit so that the centre point of the cane is under
the arm.
19. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE LEFT
SALUTE – DOWN’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right arm is cut to the ATTENTION position.
20. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE LEFT
SALUTE – SALUTE’, after observing the regulation pause,
salute as previously taught (see Figure 8–15).Complete the
salute, head to the front.

Figure 8–15: Salute to the Left Salute with the Cane – Salute

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21. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE LEFT
SALUTE – CANE’, after observing the regulation pause, the
right hand grasps the cane around the knob as for ATTENTION
position.
22. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE LEFT
SALUTE – DOWN’, after observing the regulation pause the
right arm is cut to the ATTENTION position and the cane is held
vertically as for ATTENTION.
The Salute to a Flank on the March in Quick Time with the Cane

23. ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT) – SALUTE’. The command

is given as the left foot strikes the ground.
24. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
(LEFT) SALUTE – CHECK, CANE’, a check pace is taken with
the right foot and the arms are cut to the side. As the left foot
next comes to the ground, the cane is forced up under the left
armpit, with minimum movement of the left arm, and with the
fingers and thumb of the right hand curled around the cane (see
Figure 8–16).

Figure 8–16: Salute to the Flank with the Cane in Quick Time

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25. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
(LEFT) SALUTE – CHECK, DOWN’, a check pace with the
right foot is taken and, as the left foot next comes to the ground,
the right arm is cut to the side.
26. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
(LEFT) SALUTE – CHECK, UP’, a check pace with the right
foot is taken and, as the left foot next comes to the ground, a
salute to the right (left) is made as previously taught.
27. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
(LEFT) SALUTE – FIVE’, the salute is maintained for a further
four paces. The catchwords, ‘TWO’, ‘THREE’, ‘FOUR’, ‘FIVE’,
are used. The soldiers end up in the left foot front position.
28. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
(LEFT) SALUTE – DOWN, CANE’, as the right foot comes to
the ground on the fifth pace, the head and eyes are turned to
the front and the right hand is cut to the side. As the left foot
comes to the ground the cane is grasped with the right hand.
29. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
(LEFT) SALUTE – CHECK, DOWN’, a check pace is taken with
the right foot and, as the left foot next comes to the ground, the
cane is returned to the TRAIL position.
30. On the command by catchwords, ‘SALUTE TO THE RIGHT
(LEFT) SALUTE – CHECK, SWING’, a check pace is taken
with the right foot and, as the left foot next comes to the ground,
the arms commence swinging.
Notes for Instructor

31. The following are to be considered by the instructor when

presenting this lesson:
a. The lesson for saluting at the halt is best taught at the
incline. The salutes on the march are best taught with the
squad facing the opposite flank to the instructor.
b. Saluting with the cane follows the same procedure as
saluting at the halt and on the march without the cane,
but movements are added to transfer the cane to and

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from the right hand. All movements are carried out at the
rate of 40 beats per minute.
c. The above drill procedure is also used when the
commands ‘EYES – RIGHT/LEFT’ and ‘EYES –
FRONT’, are given.
Common Faults

32. The following are the common faults identified for this lesson:
a. faults as for saluting, and
b. those detailed in Annex A and Annex B of Chapter 8.

LESSON CONCLUSION

33. End of Lesson Sequence. The end of lesson sequence is to

include:
a. clarification of doubtful points;
b. a test of objectives;
c. a summary;
d. the statement of relevance;
e. safety precautions (if applicable);
f. a preview of the next instruction; and
g. dismissal.

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