Stormwind Army Field Manual: Drill and Marching

The Drill and Marching chapter of the Stormwind Army Field Manual covers the drill commands and marching commands of soldiers of the Stormwind Army.

Acknowledgements:
Lord Maxen Montclair,
 * Duke of Westridge.
 * Marshal of the Stormwind Army.

Sir Jay Orcbane,
 * Knight of Northshire.
 * Captain of the Stormwind Army.

Sir Antegas Lemartes,
 * Knight of Stormwind.
 * Colonel of the Stormwind Army.

Drill Commands
A drill command is an oral order. Most drill commands have two parts, the preparatory command and the command of execution.

Preparatory Command
The preparatory command explains what the movement will be. Military Training Instructors often call this the thinking command. It allows the individual performing the drill movement to form a mental picture in their mind of the movement that is about to take place. In "Forward, MARCH," the command of preparation is Forward.

Execution Command
The command of execution follows the preparatory command. The command of execution explains when the movement will be carried out. In "Forward, MARCH," the command of execution is MARCH.

Note: In certain commands, the preparatory command and the command of execution are combined.

Basic Drill Commands
Remember that the members of any formation must respond in unison to the commands given.

All commands are to be carried out as swiftly as possible. Be efficient.

Calling Group
When a Non-Commissioned Member holding the rank of Corporal or higher, or an Officer holding the rank of Knight-Lieutenant or higher enters a room or the immediate area, the first soldier of lower rank to notice that NCM or Officer will call "Group!"

Upon calling Group, those soldiers not accompanying the NCM or Officer, and ranking below them, must come to attention where they stand. They must remain at attention until given orders by that NCM or Officer, or until the senior ranking member(s) leave the room or area.

Should further NCMs or Officers enter the room in the presence of the original arrival, additional "Group" calls are not to be ordered.

Note that this is not a command to fall in. It is a command to the stance of attention.

Group
A sudden and sporadic call to attention. Can be used during drills as a test of awareness.

Attention
A drawn out call to attention, where "Atten" is the preparatory command, and "tion!" is the execution command. Standard during drills and parade. This command is the basis upon which all other drill commands are issued.

- Heels together. - Feet at 45 degree angle. - Head, chest lifted. - Shoulders level. - Arms hang naturally. - Thumbs along trouser seams. - Fingers joined in natural curl. - Direct head, eyes to front. - Do not move or talk.

Parade Rest
The position of Parade Rest is a modified attention position. It is often called for in uniform inspections or presentations.

- Feet spread 1 foot. - Feet at 45 degree angle. - Head, chest lifted. - Shoulders level. - Join hands behind back. - Right hand inside left. - Fingers straight. - Direct head, eyes to front. - Do not move or talk.

At Ease
The position of At Ease is a more relaxed stance. This command may also be given when you are not in ranks, as in a classroom.

- Keep right foot in place. - Relax, able to shift about. - Do not talk.

Draw Arms
On the command of DRAW ARMS, unsheathe your weapon and prepare yourself for combat.

Present Arms
On the command of PRESENT, ARMS, you are to unsheathe your weapon and hold it against your right shoulder. In an unarmed drill, this is taken as an order to salute.

Order Arms
On the command of ORDER, ARMS, you are to sheath your weapon.

Covers On
Equip your headgear.

Covers Off
Remove your headgear.

Remove your headgear in the following circumstances unless appointed as a guard:

-Seated in attendance of a court or board. -Entering a place of divine worship. -In attendance of an official reception. -Entering a Junior or Officer Ranks Mess Hall.

Fall In
On the command FALL IN, the squad forms in lines at attention, filling in the formation from the right. For every five soldiers, begin a new line behind the formation. For every five lines, begin a new formation.

Fall Out
(This command is not a dismissal order.) Upon the command FALL OUT, leave your position in ranks but remain nearby. On the command FALL IN, resume your place in ranks, and come to attention.

Dismissed
An order dictating an end to the drill or parade session, whereupon soldiers are free to carry out their business.

Platoon Order
A platoon is made up of between 20 and 25 soldiers and a knighted officer. Each platoon is responsible for maintaining a standard. Platoons are to assemble in formation as such:

T X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

About-Face
An order executed by the right-hand side for units to make a one-hundred-eighty degree turn to face the opposite direction, followed by automatic resumption of the stance of attention.

Right/Left Face
An order to make a ninety degree turn in the indicated direction, followed by automatic resumption of the stance of attention.

Dress and Cover
The command dress and cover signifies that the alignment of the current formation needs to be adjusted. Always dress to the right and cover to the front.

Dress
Alignment with the person to the side.

Cover
Alignment with the person in front.

Interval
Space between the person(s) to the side.

Distance
Space between the person in front.

Open Order
A command to widen the distance between ranks by three paces, with the center rank remaining stationary.

Close Order
A command to return to original distance between ranks, with the center rank remaining stationary.

Marching
Marching refers to the organized, uniformed, steady and rhythmic practice of walking forward, whether it be alone or in formation.

While marching, individuals must maintain their dress, cover, interval, and distance.

Row Examples:
Close Order by Section

X X X X X X X X X X

Open Order by Section

X X X X X

X X X X X

Column examples:
Single Column by Section

X X X X X

Double Column by Section

X X X X X X X X X X

Forward, March
The order to begin marching, covering on the soldier to the front. Soldiers in the front of the formation are to dress to the man to their immediate right.

(Unit), Halt
Orders the Section, Platoon, Company, etc... to cease marching. A halt order must be executed on the right foot. The stance of attention is to be automatically assumed following a halt order.

Double Time
Order given to initiate a jog in loose formation.

Right/Left Turn
Signifies a smaller, sharper turn in formation, with those on the inside edge reducing the distance of their movement to remain parallel with the rest of the formation.

Right/Left Wheel
Indicates a larger, gradual turn. The same inner-outer step adjustments as the turn must be observed.