III MILITARY DRILLS AND
CEREMONIES
OBJECTIVES
● To determine and strengthen knowledge about drill instructions
● To perform and execute the various problems within the norms
of a Squad, Platoon, Company and a Battalion
● To perform all the possible drills such as the Basic commands,
Facing commands, and the Marching Drills.
● To install a high state of discipline which assures respect of
authority and instant and willing obedience to order, teamwork
and unity spirit
PURPOSE OF THE DRILLS
● Move his unit from one place to another in a standard,
orderly manner, while maintaining the best appearance
possible.
● Provide simple formations from which combat formations
may be readily assumed.
● Teach discipline by installing habits of precision and
automatic response to orders.
PURPOSE OF THE DRILLS
● Increase the confidence of his junior officers and of his
non-commissioned officers through the exercise of
command by the giving of proper commands and the
control of drill troops.
● Enhance morale by developing team spirit.
● Give troops an opportunity to handle individual weapons.
TERMS AND DEFINITION
● Alignment - the arrangement of an individuals or troops on a straight line in a
formation.
• Base- an element from which movement is regulated.
• Cadence - the correct step and timing in marching and physical conditioning
activities.
• Center- the middle point or element of a command.
• Column - a formation in which the elements are placed one behind the other.
• Depth- the space from front to rear of any formation or of a position, including
the front and rear elements.
• Distance - the space between elements in column formation.
• Double time- cadence at a rate of 180 steps per minute.
TERMS AND DEFINITION
• Element- an individual in a squad, a squad in a platoon, a platoon in a
company, etc.
• File- a single column of individuals.
• Flank - the right and left extremity of the unit.
• Formation- the arrangement of the elements in a prescribed manner.
• Front - the direction in which a command faces.
• Frontage - the space occupied by an element measured from one flank to the
opposite flank. The frontage of the squad includes the intervals between the
men.
TERMS AND DEFINITION
• Guide- the man whom the command or element thereof regulated the march.
• Head- the leading element of a column.
• Interval- the lateral space between elements on the same line.
• Left- the left extremity or element of a body of troops.
• Line- a formation in which the different elements are abreast or side by side
of each other.
• Oblique - an angle between 0 and 45 degrees either left or right.
• Pace- the length of a full step in quick time, which is 30 inches.
TERMS AND DEFINITION
• Post - the correct place for an officer or non-commissioned officer to stand.
This can be in front, behind or side of the unit.
• Quick time - a cadence at the rate of 120 steps per minute.
• Rank - a line of men placed side by side.
• Right- the right extremity of a body of troops.
• Slow time - a cadence at the rate of 60 steps per minute.
• Step - normal pace in marching. It is the distance measured from heel to heel
between the feet of a man walking.
COMMANDS
Commands are verbal orders given by a leader,
commander or a person on authority. Drill commands are
orders issued orally in the drill field and must be executed
properly.
TWO-PART COMMANDS
•Preparatory Command – states the movement to be
carried and mentally prepares the individual for its execution.
•Command of Execution – tells when the movement is
to be carried out or executed.
COMBINED COMMANDS
- In some commands, the preparatory command
and the command of execution are combined
- These are commands given without inflection and
at a uniform high pitch and loudness comparable to
that of a normal command of execution.
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 subordinate leader exercising control
over an element for he commands as a separate element within
the same formation.
MASS COMMANDS
Mass commands may be used to develop confidence
and promote enthusiasm.
DIRECTIVES
oral orders or instructions given by a commander that
direct or cause a subordinate leader to take action.
For example, the company commander calling his
platoon leaders and then commanding them to fall in
their respective troops.
COMMUNICATION MEDIUMS OF
COMMANDS
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 or
interchanged. The commander also opts to use what he thinks is
appropriate.
CEREMONIES
Ceremonies are formations and movements in which troops
execute movements in precise unison. Its main purpose is to
render honors, preserve tradition and stimulate Esprit de
Corps.
REVIEWS
A review is a military ceremony held in honor of a visiting
commander, official or dignitary. It may be also done for the
purpose of presenting decorations, awards or honors to
members or units of a command. It allows a commander,
official or dignitary to observe the state of training in a
command.
REVIEWS
A review may consist of the following six parts:
•Formation of troops
•Presentation and honors
•Retreat (if scheduled)
•Inspection (passing around the troops)
•Decorations and Awards (if scheduled)
•March in review
PARADES
- The parade is an alternate and more formal ceremony
than a review.
- The appearance and movement of troops in formation
are the primary considerations in a parade.
- The preparations for the organization of troops for a
parade are similar to those of a review.
PARADES
- The distance between the troops and the commander for
parade formations is greater than that for a review as the
troops commander is also a reviewing officer.
EVENING PARADES
This parade is common in most Armed Forces camps
and bases. It is a parade with the retreat portion
synchronizes with the lowering of the National Flag
during the retreat.
DRILL COMMANDS
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.
BASIC COMMANDS and
COMMANDS WHEN AT HALT
ATTENTION | HUMANDA
● In coming to attention, bring your heels together smartly on the same line.
Hold them as near each other as the conformation of your body permits.
● Turn your feet out equally, forming an angle of 45 degrees.
● Keep your knees straight without stiffness.
● Hold your hips level, your body erect, your chest lifted and arched, your
shoulders square and even.
● Let your arms hang straight down without stiffness, thumbs along the
seams of your trousers. Hold the back of your hands out, with the fingers
held naturally so that the thumbs rest along the tip of the forefingers.
PARADE REST | TIKAS PAHINGA
● On the preparatory command, TIKAS, shift the weight of your body to
the right leg without noticeable movement.
● On the command of execution, PAHINGA, and at the count of one,
move the left foot smartly twelve inches to the of the right heel.
● The legs remain straight without stiffness, allowing the body weight to
rest equally on both legs.
● The left hand is placed at the small of the back, just below the belt,
and the right hand is placed inside the left.
● The thumb of the right hand interlocks the thumb of the left hand.
● All the fingers are extended and joined and the palms are to the rear.
● The elbows shall be in line with the body. Silence and immobility are
required.
STAND AT EASE | TINDIG PALUWAG
On the command of execution PALUWAG, execute PARADE REST, but
turn the head and eyes directly toward the person in charge of the
formation. AT EASE or REST may be executed from this position.
AT EASE | PALUWAG
On the command PALUWAG, the soldier may move, however, he must
remain standing and silent with his right foot in place. PAHINGA may be
executed from this position. Which also could be executed while in Tikas
Pahinga position. In doing so the soldier may move however his hands
should be place behind his back.
REST | PAHINGA
On the command PAHINGA, the soldier may move or talk, keeping his
right foot in place, unless otherwise directed. At ease may be executed
from this position.
FALL IN | HUMANAY
● This command is a combined command and may be prefixed with
words such as PLUTONG, UNANG PLUTONG, and other words that
would indicate the people who would fall in formation.
● After the command has been said, the commander initiating the
command may count from ten (10) to one (1) either in English or
Filipino depending the communication medium used in order to alert
the troops to make haste in the soonest possible time.
● Otherwise, if the troops are in place as soon as the command has
been said, the commander may proceed without counting.
FALL OUT | TUMIWALAG
● At the command TUMIWALAG, the units of the formation may
leave the ranks but are required to remain in the immediate area.
● A unit will resume his/her former at the command HUMANAY.
DISMISS | LUMANSAG
At the command LUMANSAG, the troops shall execute about face and
leave the immediate vicinity, unless instructed otherwise.
EYES RIGHT/LEFT | .
TINGIN SA KANAN/KALIWA
This is used as a courtesy to reviewing officers and dignitaries during
parades and ceremonies. It is a one-count movement and the command is
given while halted at attention or marching at quick time. The commands
are HANDA TINGIN SA KANAN (KALIWA), NA and HANDA, RAP.
READY FRONT | HANDA HARAP/RAP
This command is used as transition from a dressing command, a hand
salute and the eyes right/left command to attention position. At the
command HANDA, the units will face front from the right (when in a
TUNTUN SA KANAN). At the command RAP take the position of
attention for dressing commands and face front for eyes right/left
command.
HAND SALUTE | PUGAY KAMAY
● The hand salute is a one-count movement. The command is
PUGAY KAMAY, NA.
● On the command of execution NA, raise the right hand sharply,
fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm facing down, and
place the tip of the right forefinger on the forehead to that point
on the glasses where the temple frame meets the right edge of
the right eyebrow.
● 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 the forearm inclined at 45 degrees.
ORDER ARMS | ATTENTION
The command is BABA, KAMAY, NA. On the command of execution
NA, return the hand sharply to the side resuming the position of
attention.
REMOVE HEADGEAR | ALIS KUPYA
To remove a headgear is a two-count movement. The command is
ALIS KUPYA, NA. On the last note of the preparatory command ALIS
KUPYA, hold the visor with the right hand (with the left hand if under
arms) including the chinstrap if making use of it. At the command of
execution NA, remove the headgear from the head and bring the cap to
the side.
RETURN HEADGEAR | BALIK KUPYA
In returning the headgear, the command is BALIK KUPYA, NA. On the
last note of the preparatory command BALIK KUPYA, place the headgear
on the head (if making use of a chin strap, fix the strap in the chin and
hold the visor again) holding the visor. At the command of execution NA,
bring down the hand smartly to the position of Order Arms/Attention.
DRESS RIGHT DRESS | .
TUNTUN SA KANAN
● This command is of two count execution. At the command TUNTUN
SA KANAN, prepare for the command of execution.
● At the command NA, execute the first count by facing at the right (if
not a squad leader or in the first element) and at the count of two,
raise the left arm with its level parallel to the shoulder and the tip of
the finger should touch the person to the left.
DRESS FRONT DRESS | .
TUNTUN SA HARAP
At the command TUNTUN SA HARAP, prepare for the command of
execution. At the command NA, raise the left arm to the front with its level
parallel to the shoulder and the tip of the finger should by about 4 inches
from the person in front.
AT CLOSE INTERVAL DRESS RIGHT DRESS |
MASINSINANG PAGITAN TUNTUN SA KANAN
● This command is of two count execution. At the command
MASINSINANG PAGITAN TUNTUN SA KANAN, prepare for the
command of execution.
● At the command NA, execute the first count by facing at the right (if
not a squad leader or in the first element) and at the count of two,
place the left hand on the left hip, with level of (or top of) the belt
line, fingers and thumb joined and extended downward, with the
elbow in line with the body, and touch the arm of the man to the left
with the use of the body.
DOUBLE INTERVAL | IBAYONG DALANG
● This command changes the interval into double interval. At the
command IBAYONG DALANG prepare for the command of execution.
● At the command NA, extend both arms leveled with the shoulder. The
tip of the finger should touch the tip of the finger of the person at both
left and right. The first elements should not move from their post.
BUKANG TALUDTOD
● This command changes the distance to times the normal. At the
command BUKANG TALUDTOD prepare for the command of
execution.
● At the command KAD, the first rank will move two steps forward,
the second rank will move one step forward, the third rank will
remain as is and the last rank will move one step backward. As
soon as the moving is finished, perform the dress right dress.
MASINSINANG TALUDTOD
● This command changes the distance to the normal. At the command
MASINSINANG TALUDTOD prepare for the command of execution.
● At the command KAD, the first rank will move two steps backward,
the second rank will move one step backward, the third rank will
remain as is and the last rank will move one step forward. As soon as
the moving is finished, stand in attention.
COUNT OFF | ISANG BILANG
● This command is used primarily to count off the number of men in
the formation but may also be used to group men. At the command
ISANG BILANG all the men in the formation will face at their right
except for the squad leader or the person in the first element.
● At the command NA, the first person shall count off then the person
to the left to him/her and so on.
● While saying the number, face front. The last element in a line will
shout his/her number to the first element of the next line to notify the
him/her.
● The last person who will count shall say AT ANG HULING BILANG
PO after saying his/her number to notify the end of the counting.
COUNT OF IN COLUMN | .
SABAYANG BILANG
● This command is used to count off men in a formation by means of
column. At the command SABAYANG BILANG, all the men in the
formation will face at their right except for the squad leader or the
person in the first element.
● At the command NA, the first column will start the count and so will
the next column afterwards.
● While saying the number, the column will synchronously face front.
● The last column to count will say AT ANG HULING BILANG PO after
saying their number to notify the end of the counting.
AS YOU WERE | MANUMBALIK
● 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.
FACING COMMANDS
FACE RIGHT/LEFT FACE | .
HARAP SA KANAN/KALIWA
● Facing to the flank is a two count execution. The command is HARAP
SA KANAN (KALIWA), RAP.
● On the command of execution, RAP slightly raise the right heel and
left toe, and turn 90 degrees to the left on the left heel, assisted by a
slight pressure on the ball of the right foot.
● Keep the left leg straight without stiffness and allow the right leg to
bend naturally.
● On the second count, place the right foot beside the left foot resuming
the position of attention. Arms remain at the sides, as in the position of
attention, throughout this movement.
ABOUT FACE | HARAP SA LIKOD
● Facing to the rear is a two-count movement. The command is
HARAP SA LIKOD, RAP.
● On the command of execution RAP, move the toe of the right foot
to a point touching the marching surface about half the length of
the foot to the rear and slightly to the left heel.
● Rest most of the weight of the body on the heel of the left foot and
allow the right knee to bend naturally.
● On the second count, turn to the right 180 degrees on the left heel
and ball of the right foot, resuming the position of attention.
● Arms remain at the sides, as in the position of attention, throughout
this movement.
HALF RIGHT/LEFT FACE | .
HARAP SA HATING KANAN/KALIWA
This command is the same as HARAP SA KANAN/KALIWA only that
the direction will only be forty five degrees (45°) to the direction
specified.
