Professional Documents
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Drills and Ceremonies
Drills and Ceremonies
HEADQUARTERS
ARESCOM TRAINING SCHOOL
ARMY RESERVE COMMAND, PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp Riego De Dios, Tanza, Cavite
1. Historical Background
Reviews in the Armed Forces of the Philippines were patterned after the
United States Army’s. This is due to the fact that the Americans greatly
influenced the Philippine government’s educational system and the military
during their occupation of the country right after the Spanish regime.
US military reviews were outlined in the Regulations for the Order and
Discipline of the troops of the United States commonly known as the Blue Book
written in 1779 by Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a former Prussian Officer under
Frederick the Great. He was commissioned by General George Washington to
develop the revolutionary forces into a well-organized and highly disciplined
army.
The origin of military reviews may be traced back to as early as the Middle
Ages when rulers were likely to have military ceremonies as a way of showing
strength.
At the turn of the century, armies all over the world began adopting the
regimental system. Regiments were assigned a specific color or number for easy
identification and positioning on the battlefield. In battle, the color (flag) party
marched in front and center of its unit as a point for the unit to dress on. Since
victories in those days were expressed in terms of the number of enemy colors
captured, the color party was the logical priority target and thus suffered heavy
casualties.
In the US Army, the Colors have been historically placed in the center of
the formation and considered to be part of the company on the immediate
right of the Colors. This company is still called the Color Unit.
Musical elements (usually drums and fifes, and sometimes a band) were
used during actual battle and marched 12 to 15 paces to the rear of the
formation. By 1892, US infantry drill regulation posted bands and field music on
the right of the formation or at the head of the formation when it moved in
column.
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heat of battle. On the other hand, the presence of the band represents the
significant role that the drum, fife and other musical instruments have played
throughout military history for signaling in camp or on the battlefield.
a. Formation of troops.
c. Inspection.
e. Remarks.
f. Pass-in-Review.
g. Conclusion.
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Most drill commands have two parts: the preparatory command and the
command of execution. Neither is a command itself, but the parts are termed
commands to simplify instruction. The command HANDA (READY), SIPAT (AIM),
PUTOK (FIRE) is considered to be a two-part command even though it contains
two pre-commands.
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To provide for uniformity, simplicity and preciseness and to suit the Filipino
commands in terms of voice control, distinctiveness, inflections and cadence,
the following guidelines are set forth. In general, the word NA is used to signal
the command of execution except for the following:
g. Combined commands
h. Supplementary commands
i. Mass Commands
j. Directives
Combined Commands
Supplementary Commands
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For example, the platoon is in column formation and the platoon leader
commands DALAWAHANG TUDLING SUNUDSURAN MULA SA KALIWA (pause),
KAD. The first and second TUDLING leaders command PASULONG; the third and
fourth TUDLING leaders command MANATILI (STAND FAST).
On the command of execution KAD, the first and second squads march
forward. At the appropriate time, the squad leader (third) nearest the moving
element commands LIKO HATING KALIWA, KAD (for both remaining squads). As
the third and fourth squad leaders reach the line of the march, they
automatically execute a LIKO HATING KANAN and obtain normal distance
behind the first and second squads.
Mass Commands
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Directives
Directives are described as all oral orders given by the commander that
direct or cause subordinate leader to take actions. The commander gives
directives rather than commands when it is more appropriate for subordinate
elements to execute a movement or perform a task as independent elements of
the same formation. Directives are given in sentence form and are normally
prefixed by the terms “IBUKA ANG TALUDTOD AT ITUNGKOD ANG SANDATA”.
Example: “ITANGHAL ANG SANDATA”. “PAMUNUAN ANG INYONG PANGKAT O
TILAP, PULUTONG, BALANGAY” is the only directive with which a commander
relinquishes his command and with which salutes are exchanged. A subordinate
commander, upon receiving a directive, will resort to the normal two-part
command.
Voice Control
The best posture for giving commands is the position of attention. Soldiers
in formation are prone to adopt the posture of their leader. If the posture is
unmilitary (relaxed, slouched, stiff or uneasy), the subordinates will imitate it. The
most important muscle used in breathing is the diaphragm - the large muscle
that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm
automatically controls normal breathing and is used to control the breath in
giving commands. The throat, mouth and nose act as amplifiers and help to
give loudness (resonance) and projection to the voice.
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Distinctiveness
Distinctiveness depends on the correct use of the tongue, lips and teeth
that form the separate sounds of a word into syllables. Distinct commands are
effective. Indistinct commands cause confusion. All commands can be
pronounced correctly without loss of effect. Emphasize correct enunciation
(distinctiveness) and enunciate clearly making full use of the lips, tongue and
lower jaw.
Inflection
Inflection is the rise and fall in pitch and the tone changes of voice. The
preparatory command is the command that indicates movement. Pronounce
each preparatory command with a rising inflection. The most desirable pitch
when beginning a preparatory command is near the level of the natural
speaking voice. It is possible to give the command execution with clarity or
without strain. It is good to remember to begin a command near the natural
pitch of the voice.
Cadence
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Position of Attention
4) Hold your hips level, your body erect, your chest lifted and
arched, your shoulders square and even.
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6) Keep your head erect and squarely to the front, your chin
drawn in so that the axis of your head and neck is vertical. Look straight to the
front (about 30 yards ahead).
7) Rest the weight of your body equally on the heels and the
balls of your feet.
Parade Rest
c. Stand at Ease
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1) At Ease
2) At Ease
3) Rest
4) Fall Out
At the command TIWALAG, you may leave the ranks but you
are required to remain in the immediate area. You resume your former place at
attention in ranks at the command HUMANAY. Being at any of the rests except
TIWALAG, to resume the position of attention the command is – TILAP,
HUMANDA.
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5) Dismiss
6) Eyes Right
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Keep the left leg straight without stiffness and allow the
right leg to bend naturally.
e. Hand Salute
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The outer edge of the hand is barely downward so that neither the
back of the hand nor the palm is clearly visible from the front.
The hand and the wrist should be straight, the elbow inclined slightly
forward, and the upper arm is horizontal to the ground with your forearm
inclined at 45 degrees.
When the rifle is slung to the right shoulder, the left hand shall
automatically hold the sling of the rifle across the body then execute the hand
salute in the same manner as described in sub-paragraph a.
f. Remove/Return Headgear
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1) Alis Kupya, Na
2) Balik kupya, Na
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All marching movements executed from the halt are initiated from the
position of Attention. Except for route step march and at ease march, all
movements are executed while marching at attention. Marching at attention is
the combination of the position of Attention and the procedures for the
prescribed step executed simultaneously. When executed from the halt, all steps
except right step begin with the left foot.
All marching movements are executed in the cadence of quick time (120
steps per minute), except the 36-inch step, which may be executed in the
cadence of 180 steps per minute on the command TAKBONG HAKBANG, KAD. A
step is the prescribed distance measured from heel to heel of a marching
soldier. All 15-inch steps are executed for a short distance only. Both the
preparatory command and the command of execution are given as the foot in
the direction of the turn strikes the ground. Normally, for a unit not larger than a
squad or platoon, the preparatory command is given as your left (or right) foot
strikes the ground and the command of execution is given when your left (or
right) foot next strikes the ground. For units larger than a platoon, time is allowed
for the unit leaders to repeat the preparatory command.
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Assume you are marching forward at double time and you receive
the command, SIGLANG HAKBANG, KAD. The command of execution may be
given as either foot strikes the deck.
The command will be given as the left foot strikes the deck. On the
command of execution, KAD, your next step will be a 30-inch step to the front
with your left foot (step). Thirty (30) inches are measured from the rear of your left
heel to the rear of your right heel. At the same time you will decrease the
cadence to 120 steps per minute, and lower your arms to the quick time
position. You will continue to march, taking 120, 30-inch steps per minute,
swinging your arms 6 inches straight to the front and 3 inches straight to the rear
of the trouser seams. Knuckles out facing forward and fingers formed into a fist
with the thumb over the forefinger.
c. Change Step
d. To March at Rest
At Ease March
To march with a 15-inch step from the halt, the command is HATING
HAKBANG, KAD. On the preparatory command, HATING HAKBANG, shift the
weight of the body to the right foot without noticeable movement. On the
command of execution KAD, step forward 15 inches with the left foot and
continue marching within 15-inch steps. The arms swing while marching with a
30-inch step.
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The halt while marching at the half step is executed in two counts,
the same as the halt from the 30-inch step.
While marching at the half step the only commands that may be
given are: PATAKDA, KAD; PASULONG, KAD; PADALANG, KAD; and TILAP /
PULUTONG / BALANGAY / TALUPAD, TO.
f. Marching in Place
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straight) alongside the right foot as in the position of Attention. Continue this
movement, keeping the arms at the sides as in the position of Attention.
On the command of execution TO, take one more step with the
lead foot and then place the trailing foot alongside the lead foot, resuming the
position of Attention.
i. Backward March
The arms swing naturally to the front and rear with the forearms kept
horizontal (when armed soldiers come to Port Arms on receiving the preparatory
command TAKBONG HAKBANG). Guides, when at Sling Arms will double time
with their weapons at Sling Arms upon receiving the directive “MGA GABAY
SUMALUNAN” (GUIDES ON LINE).
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When you are marking time and you receive the command
TAKBONG HAKBANG, KAD, the command of execution may be given as either
foot strikes the deck.
Your next step will be a 36-inch step to the front with your left foot
(Step). Thirty-six inches are measured from the rear of your left heel to the rear of
your right heel. At the same time, increase the cadence to 180 steps per minute
and raise the forearms to a horizontal position along the waistline, fingers closed,
knuckles out. You will continue to march, taking 180, 36-inch steps per minute,
swinging your arms in their natural arc across the front of your body, until given
another command.
k. To Face in Marching
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Your next step shall be to face 180 degrees to the right about
by pivoting on the balls of both feet (Step). The legs remain straight without
stiffness and the arms continue their natural swing, but not allowing it to swing
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wide from the body. Your next step, without loss of cadence, will be a 30-inch
step in the new direction (Step). You shall continue to march quick time, until
given another command.
The arms shall continue their natural swing, but shall not be allowed
to swing away from the body. Your next, without loss of cadence, will be a 36-
inch step in the new direction with your left foot (Step). You will continue to
march at double time cadence until given another command.
On the command of execution, NA, and for the count of one, your
next step will be a 30-inch step to the front with your left foot. At the same time,
all files, except the right file, will smartly turn their head and eyes 45 degrees to
the right (Step).
The shoulders remain square to the front. The members of the right
file will keep their heads and eyes to the front. You shall continue to march until
given the next command.
At the same time, all men who have executed eyes right will then
turn their heads and eyes to the front (Step). You shall continue to march until
given another command.
Eyes Left: The movement of eyes left may only be executed while
marching and is normally done during street parades, when the reviewing stand
is on the left.
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At the command KAD, all members of the staff execute right face,
then the first man faces to the left and marches 4 steps, column left and halts on
the prescribed last count.
All members shall march forward and follow the first man turning at
the same pivot made by the first man. All members halt in the designated count
and face left altogether automatically facing the new direction.
“Feed ‘em and give ‘em hell. Teach them where they are. Make ‘em so
mad they’ll eat still rather than get dressing from you. Make ‘em hard but don’t
break them.” – Laurence Stallings
a. Manual of Arms
Execute HUMANAY with your rifle at Port Arms. Movements for short
distances are executed at the trail by introducing preparatory commands such
as BITBIT SANDATA, or BITBIT SANDATA, PASULONG, KAD. Take the trail position at
the command, KAD, and resume the order on halting.
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With your rifle at Order Arms, bring it to the trail while in motion when
executing the facing, alignments, opening and closing of ranks, side step, back
step or extending and closing. In each case, take the position of Trail Arms at the
command of execution. Push and pull your rifle smartly and resume Order Arms
position and adjust hands slowly. Facing movements are executed from Order
Arms or Sling Arms. When facing is necessary to establish the direction of march,
the facing movement is executed before the command for the manual of arms.
b. Order Arms
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position of attention with the rifle. Place the butt of the rifle on the marching
surface, with sights to the rear. The toe of the butt touches the foot on line.
Secure the rifle with the right hand in a "U" formed by the fingers (extended and
joined) and thumb. Hold the rifle on the upper hand, guard with the right thumb
and forefinger pointed downward, and in line with the flat surface of the
handguard. Keep the right hand and arm behind the rifle so that the thumb is
straight along the seam of the trouser’s leg.
c. Rest Positions
The rifle rest positions are commanded and executed in the same
manner as in the individual drill not under arms with the following conditions:
1) Parade Rest
Tikas Pahinga
Back
2) Stand at Ease
Execute Stand at Ease in the same manner as Parade Rest with the rifle but turn
the head and eyes toward the commander.
3) Rest
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At the command of LAYANG HAKBANG, KAD rest the flat side of the
stock on your shoulder, with your right arm clipped to your sides, and your
forearm forming a 45degree angle to the sides.
d. Port Arms
On the second count, remove the left hand from the balance
and lower the rifle to the right side until it is about three inches from the
marching surface. Guide the rifle to the side by placing the forefinger of the left
hand at the flash suppressor, fingers and thumb extended and joined, and palm
to the rear.
On the third count, move the left hand sharply to the left side,
lower the rifle gently to the marching surface, and resume position of Order
Arms.
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e. Present Arms
The barrel is to the rear and vertical. Then grasp the rifle at the
balance with your left hand, the forearm horizontally resting against your body
with your fingers joined.
At the count of two, place your right hand at the small of the stock.
Hold the small of the stock in a "U" formed by the fingers (extended and joined)
and thumb. The distance of the rifle from the body is about a fist away and the
front sight is at the level of the eyes.
Order Arms from Present Arms is executed in three counts with the
command BABA, TA.
On the second count, release the grasp of your left hand, lower the
rifle to the right so that the butt is three inches from the ground, barrel to the
rear. Guide it to the side by placing the forefinger of the left hand at the flash
suppressor, fingers and thumb extended and joined and palm to the rear.
On the third count, move the left hand sharply to the left side, lower
the rifle gently to the marching surface, and resume the position of Order Arms.
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second count, regrasp the rifle with your right hand at the small of the stock in
the position of Port Arms.
At the same time, grasp the butt with your left hand, heel of the butt
between the first and second fingers, thumb and fingers closed on the stock, left
forearm horizontal, and left elbow against your side. Drop your right hand quickly
to the side.
Left Shoulder Arms may also be ordered when rifles are at the Order,
Right Shoulder or Present. On the command TA, execute Port Arms and continue
in cadence to the Left Shoulder.
h. Trail Arms
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Assume that you are at trail arms and you receive the command, BABA, TA. On
the command of execution, TA, gently and quietly lower the butt of the rifle to
the deck and assume the position of Order Arms.
i. Sling Arms
From Order Arms with the sling(s) loose, the command for Sling Arms
is ISAKBAT, TA. On the command of execution TA, grasp the rifle barrel with the
right hand and raise it vertically. Grasp the sling near the upper sling swivel with
the left hand, and release the right hand. Place the right hand and arm
between the sling and rifle and place the sling over the right shoulder. Regrasp
the sling with the right hand so that the wrist is straight, the right forearm is
horizontal, the elbow is tight against the side, and the rifle is vertical. Release the
grasp of the left hand and move it sharply to the left side as in the position of
attention.
From Order Arms with sling(s) tight, the command is ISAKBAT, TA. On
the command of execution TA, grasp the rifle’s barrel with the right hand and
raise the rifle vertically. With the left hand, place the rifle’s butt on the right hip,
cradle the rifle in the crook of the right arm, and use both hands to adjust the
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sling. Grasp the sling with the left hand near the upper sling swivel and execute
Sling Arms.
To return the rifle to Order Arms with the sling tight, the command is
AYUSIN ANG SAKBAT. On the command AYUSIN ANG SAKBAT, remove the rifle
barrel with the right hand and raise it vertically. With the left hand, place the butt
of the rifle on the right hip and cradle it in the crook of the right arm. Use both
hands to tighten the sling on the ejection port side. Grasp the rifle barrel with the
right hand and guide the rifle to the position of Order Arms.
To return the rifle to Order Arms with the sling loose, the command is
LIHIS, SANDATA. On the command of execution TA, reach across the body with
the left hand and grasp the sling at the right shoulder. Release the right hand
grasp of the sling and remove the rifle from the shoulder. Grasp the rifle’s barrel
with the right hand, release the left hand grasp of the sling, and guide the rifle to
the position Order Arms.
On the command of execution TA, grasp the sling near the upper
sling swivel with the left hand. Release the right hand and swing the rifle back
onto the shoulder by placing the right arm between the sling and the rifle.
Immediately resume the position of Sling Arms.
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grasping the sling with the right hand, release the left hand and return it sharply
to the left side as in the position of Attention.
m. Inspections
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