DRILLS

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION

“Troops who march in an irregular and disorderly manner are always in great danger
of being defeated.” – Vegetius: De Re Militari: A.D. 378

1.1 Purposes and Scope. This portion of the manual provides guidance for AFP-
wide uniformity in the conduct of drills. It includes methods of instructing drills,
teaching techniques, individual and unit drills, manual of arms for infantry weapons
and various other aspects of basic drill instruction. This is designed for use by soldiers
of all military occupational skill, including cadets and recruits in the initial training
environment. So as to maintain consistency throughout the AFP, the procedures
prescribed herein shall be adhered to as closely as possible.

1.2 General. The AFP prescribes its own drill regulations with the end goal of
cultivating to the full alertness and the presence of mind of each military personnel
not only during drills but at all times. These attributes of character are essential to the
members of the AFP. All movements in this manual are precision movements
designed to foster proper coordination among military personnel. Teamwork is the
final result. In the military service, we help attain teamwork through drill and
ceremonies. Drills consist of certain movements by which the squad, platoon,
company or battalion is moved in an orderly manner from one formation to another.
These movements are executed with smartness, order and precision. Each individual
in the squad, platoon or company does his part exactly as how he is supposed to
perform. The primary purpose of drill is to teach a precise and orderly way of doing

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things. As drills increase skill and coordination, they accustom a soldier to respond to
commands. Drills also promote teamwork. It is important for a soldier to know and
understand a drill; otherwise, its value is lost. It must be remembered that a drill is
conducted with precision. Hence, perfection is the only accepted standard. Drill
periods are frequent and of short duration. Finally, everyone gets a certain amount of
pleasure from doing anything well in joint effort with others. A military ceremony
provides the same reaction. After every successful ceremony, every soldier-
participant can proudly claim: “I was there”. To help understand the meaning of drill
terms, the following definitions are included:

a. Alignment (Linya). A straight line upon which several elements or

terms are formed. It is the dressing of several elements upon a straight
line. A unit is aligned when it is dressed.

b. Arms Swing. The swinging of arms must be 6 inches straight to the

front and 3 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams, with
knuckles out facing forward and fingers formed into a fist with the
thumb over the forefinger.

c. Base. The elements on which a movement is regulated. For instance, in

executing right front into line, the leading squad is the base.

d. Cadence. The uniform rhythm by which a movement is executed or the

number of steps or counts per minute of which movement is executed.
Drill movements are normally executed at the cadence of quick time or
double time.

e. Center (Gitna). The middle point or element of a command. In a

platoon of three squads in line, the second squad from the right is the
center. With four squads in the platoon, the second squad from the
right is the center squad, the rule being that when these are even
number of squads (platoons), the right-center squad (platoon) is the
center squad (platoon).

f. Column. A formation in which the elements are placed one behind

another. Example: a column of files (men placed one behind another);
column squad (squads one behind another); and column platoon (one
behind another).

g. Depth (Lalim). The space from front to rear of any formation or

position. This includes the front and rear elements. The depth of a man
is assumed to be 12 inches.

i. Distance (Layo). The space between elements when the elements are
one behind the other. Between units, it varies with the size of the

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formation; between individuals it is an arm’s length to the front plus

six inches or about 40 inches, measured from chest of one man to the
back of the man immediately to his front.

j. Double Time (Takbong Hakbang). Cadence at a rate of 180 steps per

minute.

k. Echelon. One of a series of elements formed one behind another. This

is also a modification of line formation in which adjacent elements are
disposed one in the rear of the other.

l. Element. An individual, squad, platoon, company, or larger body,

forms a part of still another larger body.

m. Eyes Right (Handa, Tingin sa Kanan, Na). The direction of the face
during the eyes right should be 45 degrees to the right side.

n. File (Tudling). Two men, the front-rank man and the corresponding
man of the rear rank. The front-rank man is the file leader. A file,
which has no rear-rank man, is not a file. The term file applies also to a
single man in a single rank formation. It is a single column of men one
behind the other.

o. Flank (Panig). The right or left extremity of a unit, either in line or in

column; the element on the extreme right or left of the line; a direction
at a right angle to the direction where an element or a formation is
facing.

p. Formation (Hanay). Arrangement of the elements of a unit in line, in

column or any other prescribed manner.

q. Front (Harap). The direction in which a command faces.

r. Frontage (Harapan). The space occupied by an element measured

from one flank to the opposite flank. The frontage of a man is assumed
to be 22 inches, measured from the right to the elbow and therefore
does not include the 12 inches between all men in line. The frontage of
a squad, however, includes the intervals between men.

s. Guide (Gabay). The man with whom the command or element thereof
regulates its march. This is often the case in battle or on practice
marches. In a squad drill, a private (number 1 front rank) is often the
guide.

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t. Head (Unahan). The leading element of a column. To understand this

definition, one must remember that an element is a file squad platoon,
company or larger body forming a part of still another larger body.

u. Interval (Pagitan). The lateral space between elements on the same

line. An interval is measured between individuals from shoulder to
shoulder; and between formations, from flank to flank. Unit
commanders and those with them are not considered in measuring
interval between elements of the unit with which they are posted.
Normal interval between individuals is one arm’s length. Close interval
is the horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow when the left
hand is placed on the left hip.

v. Left (Kaliwa). The left extremity or element of a body of troops.

w. Line (Linya). A formation in which the different elements are abreast.

The expression “abreast of each other” means on the same line. The
other vital part of this definition centers on the word “element”. A
section may be an element. Therefore, if the leading elements of
several sections are on the same line, it becomes a line formation.

x. Loose Pieces. Rifles and automatic rifles not used in making stacks.

y. Oblique (Lihis). An angle between 0 and 45 degrees. (Right/Left

oblique - march is at an angle of 45 degrees.)

z. Order Close. The formation in which the units, in double rank, are
separated by intervals greater than that in close order.

Aa. Pace. 30 inches is the length of the full step in quick time. The pace at
double time is 36 inches.

Ab. Piece. The term piece as used in this text means the rifle or automatic
rifle.

Ac. Point Of The Rest. The point at which a formation begins, especially
the point toward which units are aligned in successive movements. For
instance, in executing “ON RIGHT INTO LINE”, the point of rest is
the place where the leading squad halts.

Ad. Quick Time (Siglang Hakbang). Cadence at a rate of 120 steps per
minute.

Ae. Right. The right extremity or element of a body of troops.

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Af. Sword Swing. The swinging of sword must be 6 inches to the front and
3 inches to the rear of the trouser seams.

Ag. Slow Time. Cadence at a rate of 60 steps per minute.

Ah. Step (Hakbang). The distance measured from heel to heel between the
feet of a man walking. A step maybe any prescribed number of inches.
The half step and back step are 15 inches. The right step and left step
are 12 inches. The steps in quick and double time are 30 and 36 inches,
respectively.

Ai. Successive Movement (Sunud-sunurang galaw). A maneuver in which

the various elements of a command execute a certain movement one
after another as distinguished from a simultaneous movement.

Aj. To Revoke A Command. To cancel a command that has not been

carried out or to start a movement improperly begun from halt, the
command MANUMBALIK is given. On this command, the movement
of troops and men resumes its former position.

Ak. Partial Changes Of Direction. To change the direction of a column by

45 degrees to the left or right the command is LIKO HATING-
KANAN (KALIWA), KAD. To execute a slight change of direction, the
command PAGAWING KANAN (KALIWA) is given. The guide or
guiding elements move/s in the indicated direction, and the rest of the
unit follows.

Al. Numbering Units. For drill purposes, platoons within each company
are numbered from right to left when the company is in line and from
front to rear when the company is in column. Squads within each
platoon are numbered from right to left when the platoon is in line and
from front to rear when the platoon is in column.

Am. Post. Post means the correct place for an officer or non-commissioned
officer to stand. This can be in front, behind or by the side of a unit.
When changes in formation involve changes of posts, the new post is
taken by the most direct route and, as soon as practicable, after the
command of execution. Officers and non-commissioned officers who
have prescribed duties in connection with the movements take their
posts when the duties are completed. In executing a movement or
facing, and when moving from one post to another, officers and non-
commissioned officers maintain a military bearing and move with
smartness and precision.

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1) In movements after the first formation, guidon bearers and

special units maintain their positions with respect to the flank
or the end of the unit to which they were originally posted.

2) In all formations and movements, non-commissioned officers

commanding an element take the same post as prescribed for an
officer. When giving commands, making or receiving reports
(except squad leaders in ranks) or drilling a unit, a non-
commissioned officer armed with rifle carries it at the right
shoulder.

3) When acting as an instructor, the officer or non-commissioned

officer goes wherever his presence is needed to correct
mistakes and supervise the performance of the men in ranks.

An. Counting Cadence. Except at the beginning of basic training, the

commander or instructor does not count cadence to acquaint the men
with cadence rhythm. When a man gets out of step, the commander
who halts the unit and then moves everybody off in the step corrects
him. Counting cadence by the group helps to teach group coordination,
cadence, and rhythm. To help a man keep in step, the commander
encourages him to keep his head up and watch the head and shoulders
of the man in front of him. The command is BILANG HAKBANG,
KAD.

1) The command of execution is given as the left foot strikes the

ground. The next time the left foot strikes the ground, the group
calls the cadence for 8 steps in a firm and vigorous manner as
follows: ISA, DALAWA, TATLO, APAT… However, this
command must not be executed in a boisterous manner. The
good instructor holds his counting to a minimum.

2) As soldiers begin to master the art of drills, instructors try to

create a spirit of competition among individuals and between
units. Although repetition is necessary when teaching drills,
instructors must use competitive drill exercises to ensure that
drills do not become boring or monotonous.

3) Mass commands are used to develop confidence and promote

enthusiasm. These are effective in developing a command
voice when instructing a leadership course. Procedures for
using mass commands are discussed in Chapter 2.

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CHAPTER 2

COMMANDS AND THE COMMAND VOICE

“The spirit of discipline, as distinct from its outward and visible guises, is the result of
association with martial traditions and their living embodiment.” – B.H. Liddell Hart,
Thoughts on War, 1944

Section 2-1 Commands

2.1 General

a. A drill command is an oral order of a commander or leader. The

precision of a movement is affected by the manner in which the
command is given.

b. The following rules for giving commands apply to the commander

when the unit drills as a separate unit and not as a part of a larger
formation.

(1) When at halt, the commander faces the troops when giving
commands. On commands that set the unit in motion (marching
from one point to another), the commander moves

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simultaneously with the unit to maintain correct position within

the formation.

(2) When marching, the commander turns his head toward the
direction of the troops to give commands.

(3) Exceptions to these rules occur during ceremonies.

c. When elements drill as a part of a larger unit, the rules of

supplementary commands apply (see supplementary commands).

d. The commander gives the command MANUMBALIK (AS YOU

WERE) to revoke a preparatory command that he has given. The
command MANUMBALIK must be given prior to the command of
execution. The commander cannot cancel the command of execution
with MANUMBALIK. If an improper command is not revoked, the
personnel execute the movement in the best manner possible.

2.2 Two Part Commands

a. 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.

1) The preparatory command states the movement to be carried

out and mentally prepares the soldier for its execution. In the
command PASULONG KAD, the preparatory command is
PASULONG.

2) The command of execution tells when the movement is to be

carried out. In PASULONG KAD, the command of execution is
KAD.

b. To change the direction of a unit when marching, the preparatory

command and the command of execution for each movement are given
so they begin and end in the direction of the turn. KANANG PANIG,
KAD (RIGHT FLANK) is given as the right foot strikes the marching
surface, and KALIWANG PANIG, KAD (LEFT FLANK) as the left
foot strikes the marching surface. The interval between the preparatory
command and the command of execution is normally one step or
count.

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2.3 English Version to Filipino Version. The AFP commands are derived from
English and subsequently translated to Filipino. This attempt to localize the English
version has brought about varied interpretations as to the preciseness of the terms
being used. In the command of execution, for example, the words RAP, NA, KAD,
TA and others are often misused/interchanged. The commander also opts to use what
he thinks is appropriate. 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:

a. TA (abbreviated SANDATA). Manual of arms for rifles and pistols

except for KALIS and TALIBONG, which fall under general rule.

b. KAD (abbreviated LAKAD). from at rest to motion and all subsequent

commands in motion, e.g.: PASULONG, KAD.

c. TO (abbreviated HINTO). from motion to rest.

d. RAP (abbreviated HARAP). In HANDA HARAP as literal translation

of READY FRONT. They are also to be used in the commands left
face, right face and about face.

e. DA (abbreviated HUMANDA). For attention.

f. NGA (abbreviated PAHINGA). In TIKAS PAHINGA or PARADE

REST.

g. Combined commands

h. Supplementary commands

i. Mass Commands

j. Directives

2.4 Combined Commands. In some commands, the preparatory command and

the command of execution are combined, for example, HUMANAY (FALL IN),
PALUWAG (AT EASE), LUMANSAG (DISMISS). The commands are given
without inflection and at a uniform high pitch and loudness comparable to that of a
normal command of execution.

2.5 Supplementary Commands. Supplementary commands are oral orders given

by a subordinate leader to reinforce and complement a commander’s orders. They
ensure proper understanding and execution of a movement. They extend to the lowest

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subordinate leader exercising control over an element for he commands as a separate

element within the same formation.

a. A supplementary command may be a preparatory command, a portion

of a pre-command, or a two-part command. It is normally given
between the pre-command and the command of execution. It is used
when a command requires an element of a unit to execute a movement
different from other elements within the same formation, or the same
movement at the time prescribed by the procedures covering that
particular movement. 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 forth
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.

b. A subordinate leader gives all supplementary commands over his right

shoulder except when his command is based on the actions of an
element on his left or when the sub-element is to execute a LIKO SA
KALIWA, LIKO HATING KALIWA or KALIWANG PANIG. Giving
commands over the left shoulder occurs when changing the
configuration of a formation, such as forming a file or a column of four
and reforming.

Note: When in formation at present arms and the preparatory command of

order of arms is given, the subordinate leaders terminate their salute before
giving their supplementary commands.

c. Supplementary commands are not given by a sub-leader for the

combined commands HUMANAY, PALUWAG, TIWALAG or for
mass drills when his element forms part of a mass formation. However,
supplementary commands are given when forming a mass or when
forming a column from a mass.

d. Except for commands while in mass formation, platoon leaders give

supplementary commands following the commands of the commander.
When the preparatory command is BALANGAY, the platoon leaders
immediately come to attention and command PULUTONG. The
company commander allows for all supplementary commands before
giving the command of execution.

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e. When no direction is given, the response is understood to be forward.

When no rate of March is given, the response is SIGLANG
HAKBANG (QUICK TIME). This normally happens when a direction
or rate of March is included in the pre-command, or the direction or
rate of March is given as a supplementary command.

2.6 Mass Commands. Mass commands may be used to develop confidence and
promote enthusiasm. (They are definitely effective in developing a command voice
when instructing a leadership course.)

a. When the commander wants the unit to use mass commands, he

commands SA AKING PAG-UTOS (AT MY COMMAND). The
commander gives preparatory command describing the movement to
be performed. For example, face the platoon to the right. The
command of execution is RAP (COMMAND). When the commander
orders HARAP SA KANAN, RAP (COMMAND), all personnel in the
unit execute the command HARAP SA KANAN (RIGHT FACE) in
unison.

b. To give mass commands while marching, the commander gives the

preparatory command for the movement and substitutes KAD
(COMMAND) for the command of execution KAD (MARCH), for
example, LIKO SA KANAN, KAD (COLUMN RIGHT
COMMAND); PABALIK KAD (REAR COMMAND).

c. Mass commands for the execution of the manual of arms are given in
the same manner as described in sub-paragraphs a-c.

d. When the commander wants to stop mass commands, he commands

SA AKING PAG-UTOS (AT MY COMMAND). The normal method
in the conduct of drills is then resumed.

2.7 Directives. Directives are described as all oral orders given by the commander
that direct or cause subordinate leader to take actions.

a. 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.

b. 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

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commander relinquishes his command and with which salutes are

exchanged.

c. A subordinate commander, upon receiving a directive, will resort to the

normal two-part command.

Section 2-2 The Command Voice

2.8 General. Everyone in the unit will easily understand a correctly delivered
command. Correct commands have a tone, cadence, and snap that demands willing,
correct, and immediate response.

2.9 Voice Control. The loudness of a command is adjusted to the number of

soldiers in the unit. Normally, the commander is in the front and at the center of the
unit and speaks facing the unit so that his voice reaches everyone.

a. It is necessary for the voice to have carrying power, but excessive

exertion is unnecessary and harmful. A typical result of trying too hard
is the almost unconscious tightening of the neck muscles to force the
sound out. This produces strain, hoarseness, sore throat and worst of
all, indistinct and jumbled sounds instead of clear commands. Ease is
achieved through good posture, confidence, proper breathing and
correct adjustment of throat and mouth muscles.

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. The throat, mouth and nose act as amplifiers and help to give loudness
(resonance) and projection to the voice.

2.10 Distinctiveness.

a. 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

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pronounced correctly without loss of effect. Emphasize correct enunciation

(distinctiveness) and enunciate clearly making full use of the lips, tongue
and lower jaw.
b. To develop the ability to give clear and distinct commands, practice
giving commands slowly and carefully, prolonging the syllables. Then
gradually increase the rate of delivery to develop proper cadence, still
articulating each syllable distinctly.

2.11 Inflection. Inflection is the rise and fall in pitch and the tone changes of voice.

a. 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.

b. The command of execution is the command that indicates when a

movement is to be executed. Give it in a sharper tone and in a slightly
higher pitch than the last syllable of the preparatory command. It must
be given with plenty of snap. The best way to develop a command
voice is to practice.

c. In combined commands such as HUMANAY (FALL IN) and

TIWALAG (FALL OUT), the preparatory command and commands of
execution are combined. Give these commands without inflection and
with the uniform high pitch and loudness of a normal command of
execution.

2.11 Cadence.

a. Cadence in commands means a uniform and rhythmic flow of words.

The interval between commands must be uniform in length for any
given troop unit. This is necessary so that everyone in the unit will be
able to understand the preparatory command and will know when to
expect the command of execution. For the squad or platoon in
marching, except when supplementary commands need to be given, the
interval of time is that which allows one step (or count) between the
preparatory command and the command of execution. The same
interval is used for commands given at halt. Longer commands, such
as KANANG PANIG, KAD (RIGHT FLANK MARCH), must be
started in such a way that the preparatory command will end on the
proper foot, and leave a full count between the preparatory command
and the command of execution.

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b. When the supplementary commands are necessary, the commander

should allow for one count between the preparatory command and the
subordinate leaders’ supplementary command, and an additional count
after the subordinate command but before the command of execution.

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