
You can submit your questions to Dr. Drill via e-mail to : DrDrill@CadetStuff.org.
Dear Doctor Drill,
I am Cadet Kinman with the Boise Squadron. I have lots of problems with the facing of drill. I know how to do it, but turning is not my thing. Cadet Cuslidge is helping me, but in order for her to that, I have to be in formation with the new airman basics. I am already in Bravo Flight and I would like to practice formation in Bravo Flight like I should be doing. I guess I have a lot to work on. Will you please help me?
Sincerely,
Cadet Kinman
Boise Squadron
Dr. Drill responds:
Dear Cadet Kinman,
My first inclination, of course, was to toss of some sort of smart-alecky answer. I know that you'd expect no less from Dr. Drill. However, it turns out that fortune has smiled on you: you're not the first Cadet to come to the Doctor with this particular problem.
Without further ado, I refer you to my very first CadetStuff column, where I fixed Cadet Bagadonuts little red non-turning wagon.
But, seriously folks, there's only one answer to your question and you already know it: practice, practice, practice. You said that you're practicing with someone else in their Basic flight instead of in your flight. My question to you is, why are you only practicing on meeting nights? If you're having a little trouble going in the right direction when the time comes, practice as often as you can. Tape Cadet Cuslidge giving a minute's worth of facing movements and practice in your room at home. Be creative! But above all: practice!
I hope this helps. And if it doesn't, well, then you might just as well sing along with Dr. Drill, kids!:
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season) - The Byrds
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to build up,a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
Yeah, yeah, I know: "The Who?" Not The Who you little weasels! The Byrds. And no remarks from the peanut gallery, because it could have been far worse!
Dr. Drill