Drilling & Marching

Skill Level 1
Recreation
General Conference
See also Drilling & Marching - Advanced Year of Introduction: 1976

Contentss
This chapter of the Adventist Youth Honors Answer book is intended to help you teach or learn the
Drilling and Marching honor. It is not to be considered the authoritative source or the final word on
the Pathfinder way of drilling and marching. For that, we refer you to the Pathfinder Club Drill
Manual published by the NAD.
1. Explain five or more objectives of drilling.[edit]
1. Order: It helps maintain an organized unit.
2. Morale: Training discipline and group unity.
3. Enjoyment: Fun activity, promotes use of imagination.
4. Fellowship: Helps one learn to take orders, and follow them.
5. Leadership: Helps one learn to give orders and build confidence.
6. Self Control: Pay attention to leader.
7. Respect: Regard for the rights of others.
8. Obedience: Learn to follow rules and regulations.
2. Define the following:[edit]
a. Formation[edit]
Formation is the arrangement of the elements of a Pathfinder drill formation in any prescribed
manner.
b. Line[edit]
Line is a formation in which the elements are side by side or abreast of each other. In a club line the
Pathfinders in each unit are abreast of each other with the units one behind the other.
c. Rank[edit]
A rank is a line that is only one element in depth.
d. Interval[edit]
An interval is the distance between persons standing next to each other.
e. Column[edit]
A column is formed when people stand one behind one another.
f. File[edit]
A file is a single column.
g. Distance[edit]
Distance is the space between people within a column (front to back).
h. Cover[edit]
The cover command is used to align yourself with the person in front of you while maintaining correct
distance.
i. Flank[edit]
Flank is the right or left side of any formation from the point of view of someone within that formation.
j. Cadence[edit]
Cadence is the uniform rhythm in which a movement is executed, or the number of steps or counts
per minute at which the movement is executed.
3. Explain the actions in each of the following groups: [edit]
a. At Ease, Stand At Ease, and Parade Rest[edit]
 Parade, REST is the most "strict" of these three commands. It may be called only from the
position of Attention. On preparatory commands, the position of Parade REST should be
assumed when at STAND AT EASE, AT EASE, or REST. Pathfinders execute Parade REST by
moving the left leg out (so feet are about 8 inches apart) and placing both hands in the small of
the back, with the right hand on top of the left and thumbs locked together. The head and eyes
are to be kept looking straight ahead, because Parade REST is simply a more relaxed form of
Attention. STAND AT EASE, AT EASE, or REST and the directive for PRAYER ATTENTION
may all be given from this position.
 STAND AT EASE is slightly more relaxed than Parade REST. To do this command, execute
parade rest as described above; however, the head and eyes are to follow the commander at all
times. Some clubs may allow the hands to relax during STAND AT EASE, but this is not
permissible according to the NAD Drill Manual. AT EASE and REST may be commanded from
this position.
 AT EASE is more relaxed yet. The right foot must stay "glued" in its place to the ground.
Pathfinders are allowed to move around (except for the right foot!), but you must remain silent
and standing. REST may be commanded from this position.
 An additional command, REST, is an even more relaxed command. The right foot must still
remain "glued" to the ground, and pathfinders must remain standing; however talking is
permitted at this position. AT EASE may be commanded from this position.
b. Mark Time, Quick Time, and Double Time[edit]
 Mark time is a command meaning to march in place. When a unit is in Mark time, they
should adjust and maintain their intervals and distances. To be proper, it should only be called
from Quick time or Half step (Not Double time or from the Halt). However, many clubs find it
helpful to use this command from attention for the purpose of instruction. MARK TIME, MARCH
can be called as either foot strikes the ground. When the command is given, take one more step
after the command of execution (MARCH), plant the trailing foot alongside your stationary foot
 and march in place. Each foot should be alternately raised approximately 2 inches off the ground
at the pace of Quick time. Allow your arms to swing naturally and adjust your alignment as
necessary.
 Quick time is marching to the cadence of 120 counts or steps per minute with appx. a 24-
inch step. Your arms should swing naturally 9 inches straight to the front and 6 inches to the rear
of the seams on your pants. The arms should not bend at the elbow and your fingers should be
curled as in the position of attention. Head and eyes should be fixed to the front. Younger
Pathfinders may find this hard to achieve at first, but with the help of an instructor, they should
be able to master this very quickly.
 Double time is the cadence of 180 counts or steps per minute. The length of the steps is also
to be appx. 24 inches. The command DOUBLE TIME, MARCH is given either from a halt or as
either foot strikes the ground while marching at Quick time. When given from the halt, at the
command MARCH, raise your forearms up to a horizontal position with your fingers and thumb
closed, knuckles out, and step off with your left foot. Continue to march at the 180 steps per
minute cadence until further instructed. When marching at Quick time, at the command MARCH,
take one more step at Quick time and step off with your trailing foot at Double time in the same
manner as previously instructed. The only movements that can be executed at Double time are
Halt, Quick time, Column Right/Left, and Column Half Right/Left.
c. Hand Salute and Present Arms[edit]
 Present, ARMS is mostly used to salute the flag and is a one-count movement given only at
the position of attention. To execute this command, raise the right arm and bend at the elbow.
The fingers of the right hand should touch the eyebrow, or if glasses are being worn the rim of
the glasses, or if a cap or hat is being worn, the brim of the hat (if both glasses and a cap are
worn, touch the brim of the cap). The upper arm should be parallel to the ground, and the
forearm, wrist, and right hand/fingers should form a straight line (i.e. no bending at joints). The
elbow should be swung back so that it does not stick out in front of the body, but not so far that it
is behind the body. To Order, ARMS (a one-count movement), simply lower the right arm
smartly to your side and resume the position of Attention. There should be no slapping sounds
when executing this command.
 Hand Salute is exactly like Present, ARMS but without a command. When reporting or when
rendering courtesy, turn the head and eyes toward the person addressed as you salute. Upon
acknowledgment, terminate the salute like Order, ARMS, but without a command.
d. Right (Left) Flank and Column Right (Left)[edit]
 RIGHT/LEFT FLANK, MARCH - Both the preparatory command(RIGHT/LEFT FLANK) and
the command of execution (MARCH) are both given as the foot in the indicated direction strikes
the ground (i.e. Left foot for Left Flank). The interval between the preparatory command and the
 command of execution is one step. At the command MARCH, each Pathfinder takes one more
step, turns in the indicated direction on the ball of his leading foot, and steps off in the new
direction with his trailing foot. Once marching in the new direction, glance out of the corner of
your eye and dress to the right.
 COLUMN RIGHT/LEFT, MARCH - COLUMN RIGHT/LEFT, MARCH can be given from the
halt or while marching. From the Halt, the command COLUMN RIGHT/LEFT, MARCH is given
and the lead Pathfinder in the column nearest the direction given executes a 90 degree turn in
the indicated direction and steps off with their left foot in the new direction taking one 24 inch
step then continue at a Half step (12 inches) until the other columns catch up. The lead
Pathfinders in the other columns execute a 45 degree turn in the given direction and step off
with their left foot in the new direction taking 24 inch steps and continue in an arc. As they come
abreast of the other leaders they take up the Half Step. When all leaders are abreast, they step
off with a 24 inch step without command. All other club members march forward on the
command of execution and execute the column movement at approximately the same location
as their unit leaders and in the same manner. While marching, both the preparatory
command(COLUMN RIGHT/LEFT) and the command of execution (MARCH) are both given as
the foot in the indicated direction strikes the ground (i.e. Left foot for Column Left). The interval
between the preparatory command and the command of execution is one step. The execution of
the command from here is the same as described above.
4. Properly execute the following basic movements: [edit]
a. Attention[edit]
Standing at attention requires your feet to be together with the your toes at a 45 degree angle. Your
hands should be at your sides and curled as if you were holding a coin roll with the thumb over the
first knuckle of your index finger. Your eyes should be always facing forward. You are not allowed to
talk unless directed to do so. Most stationary commands, as well as the commands used to move a
group forward, are called from this position.
b. Parade Rest[edit]
Like ATTENTION, your eyes should always be facing forward. When called to PARADE REST, your
left foot moves away from your right foot and is set back down when your feet are about a shoulder
width apart. Your hands are now behind you at the small of your back with the left hand behind the
right hand. The command PARADE REST may only be given from ATTENTION.
c. Stand At Ease[edit]
STAND AT EASE is exactly like PARADE REST except for two things. The first is that each person's
eyes and head should follow the person instructing/addressing the group until the instructor has
moved beyond a marcher's shoulder at which point the marcher's head should revert to looking
forward until they can see the instructor again. The second is that a marcher's hands may be lower
than that of PARADE REST, though the hands must still be in the same order (back of right hand
against the left palm). STAND AT EASE may be called from ATTENTION or PARADE REST.
d. At Ease[edit]
AT EASE is much like PARADE REST. Though you must be quiet and keep your right foot in place,
you may otherwise move as needed. Your hands are also allowed to be lower than required for
PARADE REST, just like STAND AT EASE. The command "At Ease" may be given from
ATTENTION, PARADE REST, or STAND AT EASE.
e. Dress Right Dress[edit]
When the command DRESS RIGHT DRESS is given, each person in the group (except for the
group's left most file) extends their left arm. Each person in the group also (except for the group's
right most file) turns their head to the right so that they may adjust themselves until they are just
touching the fingertip(s) of the person on their right. The group's right most file never moves as
everyone is to line up on them while executing DRESS RIGHT DRESS. Each member of the group
continues to stay with their left arm up and their head turned to the right (unless they are part of the
two files with exceptions) until the command READY FRONT (used to bring the group back to
ATTENTION from DRESS RIGHT DRESS) is called. No command other than READY FRONT may
be called from DRESS RIGHT DRESS.
f. Prayer Attention[edit]
PRAYER ATTENTION is exactly like PARADE REST, but goes one step further. When a group is
called to PRAYER ATTENTION, they must also bow their heads. Male Pathfinders & Staff should
take off and hold (behind their back) with their right hand, any headgear that they may have
on. At the end of the prayer (without commands) each person is to return to PARADE REST (Men
also put headgear back on). PRAYER ATTENTION may only be called from PARADE REST.
g. Present Arms[edit]
When the command PRESENT ARMS is given, each person is to raise their right hand to just above
their eyebrow. The upper arm should be out horizontal to the ground. The thumb and fingers should
be fully extended and should only just touching above your eyebrow, glasses rims, or hat bill. This
command can only be given from ATTENTION.
h. Order Arms[edit]
The command ORDER ARMS is used to bring a person or persons back to ATTENTION from
PRESENT ARMS. All a person must do is to bring their arm down to their side from PRESENT
ARMS without slapping the arm against their leg.
i. Right Face[edit]
The command of RIGHT FACE is used to turn a person or persons to the (you guessed it) right.
When the command is given, those who are to execute the command should lift their right toes and
left heel and then pivot to the right on their right heel and left toes while turning to the right. The
command is given only from ATTENTION and when completed, everyone should again be at
ATTENTION.
j. Left Face[edit]
LEFT FACE is just like RIGHT FACE except that you lift your left toes and right heel and pivot on
your left heel and right toes while turning to the left.
k. About Face[edit]
The command ABOUT FACE is used to turn a person or persons around 180 degrees. To do this,
you put your right foot (toes pointed down) behind your left heel. Next, turn to your right (not too
quickly or you will fall over) until you have turned completely around to face the opposite way that
you were facing previously. This command is only issued from ATTENTION.
l. Fall Out[edit]
The command FALL OUT is one of the commands that dismisses a person or group of people.
When the command FALL OUT is given, you are free to break from formation (Yes. One person can
be a formation). Do not stray far from whoever is instructing you or your group though. FALL OUT
does not give you permission to walk off where ever you feel like. Only when the command
DISMISSED is given may you leave to wherever you want. The command FALL OUT can only be
given from ATTENTION.
5. Properly execute the following movements:[edit]
a. Mark Time[edit]
Mark time, march can be called when the unit is at attention or marching. The marchers will march in
place when the command is called, and they should correct their intervals and distances as
necessary. If halt is called after mark time, march, the unit should be able to dress right,
dress and cover without having to move the feet.
b. Forward March[edit]
When forward march is called, the unit steps out with the left foot and begins to march forward. If the
unit is marching to music (in 4/4 time) or calling a cadence, the left foot will always land on the "odd"
beat, and the right foot will always land on an "even" beat. In 4/4 time, the "count" goes 1, 2, 3, 4 and
then repeats:
1: Left 2: Right 3: Left 4: Right 1: Left 2: Right 3: Left 4: Right
If the unit is marching without music, the rightmost person in the front rank is by definition "in
step." Everyone else must be in step with that person.
c. Right Flank[edit]
When right flank is called, every person in the unit simultaneously pivots to the right by 90° and
continues marching in the new direction. After this command is executed, the file that was right-most
when it was called will become the front rank. The person who was last in that column will now be
the marker - meaning he will be the right-most person in the front rank.
Right flank should be called on the right foot (that is, the command of execution should be spoken
by the instructor when the right foot hits the ground). The unit then steps forward with the left, and
everyone pivots to the right on their toes. Following this, the unit will step out with the left foot.
 d. Left Flank[edit]
When left flank is called, every person in the unit simultaneously pivots to the left by 90° and
continues marching in the new direction. After this command is executed, the file that was left-most
when it was called will become the front rank. The person who was first in that column will now be
the marker - meaning he will be the right-most person in the front rank.
Left flank should be called on the left foot (that is, the command of execution should be spoken by
the instructor when the left foot hits the ground). The unit then steps forward with the right foot, and
everyone pivots to the left on their toes. Following this, the unit will step out with the right foot.
e. Column Right (with columns of three or four persons) [edit]
When column right, march is called, the person in the front rank on the right makes a tight pivot
turn to the right by 90°. As he turns, the other members in his rank also turn, but remain in a straight
line side by side of one another. When the entire rank is facing 90° to the right, they continue
marching forward in the new direction.
When the next rank reaches the same point at which the turn was made by the front rank, that
rank turns in the same manner that the first ran did. All ranks continue until the entire unit is
marching in the same direction.
This command is called only when the unit is in motion.
Some groups find it useful to practice this maneuver while each rank holds onto a broom stick or
pole. This helps keep the rank in a straight line.
f. Column Left (with columns of three or four persons) [edit]
When column left, march is called, the person in the front rank on the left makes a tight pivot turn
to the left by 90°. As he turns, the other members in his rank also turn, but remain in a straight line
abreast of one another. When the entire rank is facing 90° to the left, they continue marching forward
in the new direction.
When the next rank reaches the same point at which the turn was made by the front rank, that
rank turns in the same manner that the first ran did. All ranks continue until the entire unit is
marching in the same direction.
This command is called only when the unit is in motion.
g.To the Rear March[edit]
This command is called on the right foot. When To the rear, march is called, the marcher takes a
step with the left foot, then swivels to the right on the toes of the left foot until facing the opposite
direction, and then steps out again with the left foot (which should be at the rear after the marcher
turns around). This command should only be called when the unit is marching or marking time.
h. Halt[edit]
The command to halt should be called on the left foot. The marchers will then take a step with the
right foot as normal, and then take a half-step with the left foot, bringing it even with the right, and
stop, remaining at attention.
 6. Explain and demonstrate how to use, display, fold, and care
for the national flag.[edit]
Flag Protocol[edit]

The Brazilian flag being changed in a monthly ceremony that takes place in the Praça dos Três Poderes,
Brasília.
Flag protocol defines the proper placement, handling and use of flags. Some countries have
added certain protocols into their law system while others prefer to have "guidelines" without civil or
criminal consequences attached.
General guidelines
General guidelines are accepted practically universally.
Much of the flag protocol is derived from common sense. That is, using it as a table cover or
wrapping paper are inappropriate uses. It should be treated with respect. Many countries consider
signing a flag disrespectful, adding a border would be more appropriate. Pinning or sewing items to
a flag would also be ill advised.
On a mast or pole
The flag of honor, that is the nation's flag in most cases, is flown on the center mast if possible. It
is also correct to fly the flag on its own right. To an observer it would be on the far left. If more than
three flags are used, the proper position is as far left from the point of view of an observer. An
additional flag may be placed on the right side, but is not necessary.
When two poles are crossed, the position of honor is the flag that ends on the left side from the
point of view of an observer (the pole will therefore end on the right).
In a semicircle, the position of honor is the center. If a full circle is used outside an entrance to an
arena or stadium, the position of honor is directly opposite the entrance. If used to line the walls of
the arena, the flag should be placed directly opposite the entrance.
Hanging
 When flown horizontally, as from a flag pole, the flag should be oriented so that the canton is
closest to the top of the pole. If hung against a wall, the canton should be placed in the upper-left
corner from the point of view of the observer.
When hung vertically, flags should be rotated so the canton is again closest to the top of the pole.
If the flag is displayed against a wall, the canton should again appear in the upper-left corner, which
incidentally requires that the flag be both rotated and 'flipped' from its horizontal orientation.
Other places
On a vehicle the flag should be affixed securely to the front right of the chassis.
When placed with a podium or at a place of worship the flag should be hang directly behind or on
a pole to the right of the speaker, from the point of view of the audience.
When carried in single file the flag of honor leads.
Multiple flags
When flags of many nations are flown the flag of the hosting country should be placed on the left
with the rest following in alphabetical order using the language of the host country. On Memorial Day
the flag should be flown half-staff till noon.
Saluting the American Flag
Civilians should place their right hands over their hearts, except when wearing athletic
clothing, in which case they should remove their hats and stand at attention. No hand salute
is necessary. Civilian men wearing hats should remove the hat and hold it at their left
shoulder, with hand over heart. Non-nationals(tourists etc.) should simply stand at attention.
Of course, those in uniform (including the Pathfinder full dress uniform) should render the
military salute. When the flag is moving, as in a parade, it is proper to salute when it is six
paces in front of you and hold the salute until it passes six paces beyond.
Folding[edit]

1. Have two people stand on either end of the flag, holding a corner in each hand.
2. Fold the flag in half twice, length-wise.
3. Beginning at the striped end, fold one corner into the opposite side of the flag, forming a
triangle.
4. Repeat this triangular folding until only a small strip of the star field shows.
5. Tuck this strip into the triangle.
Be sure to keep the flag from touching the ground while folding.