Note: Entries are sorted from oldest to newest.
Left from right, oh, what can I do?? April 2001
Dear Dr. Drill,
I always face left instead of right. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Cadet Joey Bagadonuts
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How do I Give Drill Commands April 2001
You've barely begun pointing out the various shortcomings of your people and their relatives, ancestors and pets going back fourteen generations when this one troublemaker in the back drags out the D&C manual and says, "I think we would have been okay if Sergeant Smith had been following the manual."
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Commander Confusion! May 2001
Dr. Drill:
I am having trouble finding in the AFMAN 36-2003 drill manual where the person in command of the flight should march. I know it used to be centered on either side of the flight, however I was told that this changed when the manual was updated.
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How do I Correct Mistakes? May 2001
Cadet Staff Sergeant Smith is leading drill practice after the squadron inspection. His flight is at ease. He faces his flight stands at attention and commands, "Flight, Right, FACE".
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Clues from the Clueless! June 2001
Dr. Drill,
I am trying to establish a color guard in my squadron, and I am in charge of teaching it. The only problem is I can't teach something that I or anyone else in the squadron doesn't know. Is there some kind of instructional video, or someone in one of the local military units that might be able to help me?
C/Maj. Lee Confused
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How do I Fall In? June 2001
It’s the middle of your first day at summer encampment. In your flight are cadets from nearly every squadron in the wing. As a new CAP cadet, you’re amazed at all of the "interesting" ways cadets from other squadrons do things. Your first formation was certainly amazing! When the flight sergeant gave the command for the flight to fall in, a cadet from a unit near your own shoved his way to the front, aligned himself on the flight sergeant, then took several steps to the right, faced the front, and shouted “RIGHT GUIDE!!” at the top of his lungs.
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Color Guard Confusion July 2001
Dr. Drill,
I have a problem, I am the Commander of the [wing name deleted] Wing Color Guard and I was told that the position of Attention while in ranks as a color guard was shoulder to shoulder. We have won wing for 5 years and this is the first time that it has been brought to our attention. Which is the correct way: Shoulder to Shoulder or Close Interval when you are in a color guard?
XX Wing Color Guard Commander
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How do I Align the Flight? July 2001
Cadet Staff Sergeant Smith is leading drill practice after the squadron inspection. You're pretty new to the squadron, but you think you're starting to get the hang of this "drill" thing. After a particularly heinous attempt at a column movement, the flight is pretty much a mess. Interval and distance are completely shot. C/SSgt Smith sighs - the way he always does when something so obvious and simple as a column movement proves to be beyond the comprehension of your primitive brains - and say "Dress Right, DRESS."
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How do I Size the Flight? August 2001
C/SSgt Smith is your height and, while you aren't the shortest member of the flght, you sure aren't the tallest. There are plenty of people taller than you are and it seems like most of them are between you and Smith! You try to lean around the guys in front of you but it's hard - C/SSgt Smith is moving around while he's demonstrating. When he's done, you really aren't sure exactly what he talked about...
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How do I Take Command? September 2001
The flight sergeant has to go indoors to help a new Cadet get his gear from supply. He calls Cadet Staff Sergeant Smith front and center. Smith reports and the flight sergeant tells him to take charge and conduct drill practice. The flight seargeant leaves. C/SSgt Smith turns to face the flight and says, "Flight, BY MY COMMAND, ATTENTION".
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Getting Your Fill of Drill! October 2001
Doctor Drill,
I went to an activity this weekend, and during the drill instruction, this crazy major from some other wing told us that we were falling in wrong. I know for a fact that I'm falling in right, since my old cadet commander, C/2Lt Joe Squaredaway, taught me the right way.
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You flunked flank? November 2001
Dear Dr. Drill,
My flight sergeants are pretty good at clearing up confusion about facing movements, but flanking movements are definitely not our strongest points. My flight commander and flight sergeant say two different things about flanking movements. My problem isn't with marching and them calling the movements, but it's from a stationary position that I don't get. How are you supposed to do a left and right flank from a stationary position?
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Wha-cha-ma-column... December 2001
Dr. Drill,
I'm going to be Charlie flight sergeant at encampment and I was at the encampment staff retreat this past weekend. All the encampment staff was there to talk about plans and procedures and the schedule and stuff. Anyway, there was a disagreement on how to do 'column of files' between a couple of the other flight sergeants.
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Half-baked Half Face... January 2002
Doctor Drill,
Is there such things as a half left and half right face still in existence in the United States Air Force Drill in Ceremonies manual?
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Line vs. Column Formation January 2002
 The element leaders, who are likely to be the most experienced individuals in a formation, are placed at the head of each column or file along with the guide. Since the element leaders are the flight sergeant or flight commander's "deputies," they assist in maintaining the correct direction of march, etc. With their leaders in front of them, the airmen merely "follow the leader.
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Report Right-er February 2002
Dear Dr. Drill,
Our squadron is having trouble with closing formation. It seems that everyone gets dizzy and is prone to vomiting because of all the about-faces and saluting thats going on.
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Fall out Two Step March 2002
Hey, yall... thanks for remembering that Dr. Drill would be back with a special installment of Part Deux (thats French for Zwei) to the February edition. Unfortunately, those ham-handed editorial types got lazy and forgot there were only 28 days in February. So... we're coming to you in March.
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Wait a minute, Mr. Postman! May 2002
Dear Dr. Drill,
Recently in my squadron, the point has come up as to where the Flight Commanderss are to be posted at the beginning of the formation as the NCOs are reporting (Element Leaders to the Flight Sergeants, Flight Sergeants to the First Sergeant, First Sergeant to the Cadet Commander, the whole bit). I have seen no provisions for this in the beloved AFM 36-2203 and we were wondering what is supposed to be done for this.
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Reviewing the PiR June 2002
 Dear Sir,
Well it has come that time of year again where we are preparing for the encampment and training cadet staff. One thing I want to train my staff on is the proper way to conduct pass-in-review.
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The Military Salute July 2002
 Dear Dr. Drill, Im going to be a squadron commander at my wings encampment this summer, and Im only a c/1st Lieutenant. My deputy commander is going to be a c/Capt by encampment. So you see, Ill be in a higher position, but my deputy will out-rank me. Who is supposed to salute whom?
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Eyes Scream, You Scream August 2002
 Hey Dr. Drill, When doing an "Eyes, RIGHT" at the reviewing stand on the march tell me if I am right. Right marker stays on course and does not turn his head right. All other members of the troop/platoon take the count of Check-Over on the command of "Eyes, RIGHT" which of course is given on the left foot. Are ya still with me? The members of the troop/platoon don't check their arms but keep on swinging. The Officer or NCO giving the salute turns his head to the right but checks his left arm. Am I right?
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You gotta fight, for your right... September 2002
Dr. Drill, I've been in CAP 3 1/2 years been to several wing and national level events, and have never seen a true right guide. I have seen that the flight guidon bearer generally does this duty when you have a bearer. In my home squadron we generally go off the front right person in the flight. However, as this changes with every flank and to the rear, it doens't all work real well. And as our normal flight size is about 4 people (give or take 1) I'm not sure that putting a true right guide in place will make things any easier, especially with the relatively small drill space we have. Any advice?
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Manual of Arms on the March October 2002
 Dr. Drill: On what foot do you call rifle manual movements? Is there a cheat sheet you have or can you refer me to the Marine Corps Drill Manual? Respectfully, LCPL S Romero, USMC
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Under arms deodorant... November 2002
 Dear Dr. Drill, I have been looking for an Air Force Manual of Arms, but have had no success. I have noticed that you are good at finding things like this (even for Marines like that LCPL). So could you please help me out?
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Drill Quiz Number 1 November 2002
You guys steal from CadetStuff all the time, well now it's our turn! Test your drill IQ against the first Drill Quiz from CadetStuff Labs. We stole this little gem from a couple of unsuspecting Cadets out in California; then ran it through some super-secret processes in our lab to CadetStuff-ize it into shape and now it's here! Plus: we're going to expand this initial offering into a certified CadetStuff Drill Expert Test that you can take online - neeto, huh? We'll be looking for more drill questions from the field pretty soon, so watch this space to find out how you can help!
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Counter-intuitive! November 2002
Dear Dr. Drill, I am a platoon leader in the NJROTC unit at Glenn Hills high school I was wondering how do you do a counter column. If you have anything that could help me, could you please send it as soon as possible.
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AFMAN 36-2203 for Palm OS November 2002
 A lot of you have Palms: this we know. A lot of you are experts at using your Palms. So, why not parlez that expertise into a little enhanced drill knowledge? Grab CadetStuff Labs' AFMAN 36-2203 for Palm OS. It's a nice, tight little file that will give you oodles of useful information (it includes Chapters 1-5 only) and won't take up a lot of space! And, if you don't have a .PDB (Palm Data Base) reader for your Palm, you can get a pretty good one here! Brought to you by CadetStuff Labs: Where imagination takes a hike!
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Dressed to kill... November 2002
Hello Dr. Drill, Couple Quick questions about aligning the flight: When exactly can dress right dress be called? Can it be called in column formation? If not how do you get to double arm interval in column formation. I looked in several D&C manuals, none of which give a clear cut answer which is what I need.
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Steppin' Out... December 2002
Dear Dr.Drill, I have a major drill problem. My squadron is continuing to grow larger. And there are a bunch of Cadets including myself that have been in a good while, we can drill and stay in step well (and on top of that are tall.) And we also have quite a few new cadets (and some older ones) that are very short. My point is, is that there is a problem with the short cadets staying in step.
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Yo, yo, yo! Recognize! February 2003
DR. DRILL, Being a USMC Veteran, I often have the desire to salute at ceremonies. What is the ruling - if any - on this subject? Respectfully, L. B. Sanford
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Post Cards From the Edge... February 2003
Dr. Drill, My squadron is having a formal dinner and I have been asked to prepare our color guard how to post the colors, the only problem is that I have no idea how to do this and it is out first such dinner. I was wondering, where the flags go and things such as that. Any help would be great. Thanks! C/2nd Lt Travis Baxter
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Who ordered the pizza with arms? March 2003
Dr Drill, I am a CAP composite-squadron commander, and an AFROTC Drill Team commander. Though I am well versed with Color Guard and exhibition drill, this is my first year commanding a regulation armed drill team, so I have several questions:
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Stacking the Deck in Your Favor March 2003
The flight commander disintegrates into a flailing mess, shouting Fix it! and Get it together, people, while the airmen and NCOs scramble to get back in some semblance of order.
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Sherman, set the Wayback Machine... April 2003
Yo Peabody! I was recently promoted to Flight commander at my squadron. At the same time, THe squadron commander promoted someone to Cadet Commander way out of turn (a SAmn when their are officers in the squadron), thus sending the entire squadron into chaos. In the two years since my promotion, I still have not been able to find answers to these two questions and/or no one knows the answers to these two questions. Where does the flight sergeant stand during formation? and What does the Flight Commander report to the First Sergeant during opening formation?
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Cue the valkyries! April 2003
Dr. Drill, I am the Leadership officer for my SQ. I had a couple of questions for you about four different drills. Can you give me the definitions for Quick Time, Right (left) Flank, Route Step, At Ease March. Thank You, 2nd Lt. Oden
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Column of Files, Column Right! May 2003
Dear Dr. Drill, I am extremely confused with the explanation of the Column of Files, Column Right movement in the AFMAN 36-2203. Thank you in advance.
Respectfully, C/1Lt John Falco
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I Love You Just The Way You Are... June 2003
I would just like to know, a visual explanation of performing a change step. There is a great controversy in that especially since all the Air Force Manuals and Air Force Junior ROTC leadership I text books fail to explain the exact movement properly. Or instant if there is a hop or a stop while this maneuver is being performed. C/TSgt Leo Cayanong
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Four Pete's sake! July 2003
Dear Dr. Drill,I have a few questions about some things I picked up in JROTC and I can't seem to find the answers in AFMAN 36-2203.
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Taps Dancin'! July 2003
Heres a question for you. When in uniform and evening Taps sounds, should one salute?
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Salute and Execute! July 2003
I'm hoping you can answer a question I have regarding flag etiquette. Specifically, when a ceremony is conducting in which military personnel salute during our National Anthem, what would the rules be when a territorial hymn follows... say the Guam Hymn for example? Would the U.S. military personnel be correct in holding their salute... or would they drop their salute upon the completion of the Star Spangled Banner?
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You got to ease on down, ease on down the road! October 2003
Dr Drill, Please give me the right execution on this "at ease" command since we're having different version on how to do it. What is the position of hands, feet and body while on at ease position. Thank you. CHIEF FELICIANO, USN
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Turn your head and cough... October 2003
Good morning. Got a quick question for you about the drill command Dress right dress. When you are standing in a line and you are the last person (not the first) in the line, what do you do?
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Movin' on up..! November 2003
You are correct in your article about "at ease" except for one thing. What my fellow midshipmen and myself have always been taught is that one MUST move on a command of "at ease." Nothing specific, but you have to move somehow. Platoons will be docked points if somebody doesn't respond to the command.
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Stomp in the name of love! December 2003
Dear Dr. Drill, I have a big problem. I am in my second year, and I'm on drill team. I have to do alot of marking time, but I am short and c'ant make loud bangs. I think short legs are what's causing the problem, because our drill team commander is really tall and has long legs can make bangs that sound like gun fire. Do you have any suggestions? Please answer quickly, I think compitions are in Febuary. Thanks. Tiny.
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You're breaking my heart, you're tearing it apart... January 2004
Dear Dr Drill, I am the Leadership officer at my Sq. and was wondering if you could answer a question. I read the question about dismissed and fallout and have long been aware of that reg. I have at my disposal a group of high speed Air Force NCOs and we raised the same question during one of our breaks but, there is no definition of break ranks. What is the definition of BREAK RANKS pertaining to the command FALLOUT and DISMISSED? I hope you can answer this question for me. TFO Claypool Wade D
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Palms Away! (Update) May 2004
Dr Drill,
I have often heard that the reason American Military Personnel salute palm down is signifying that we have never lost a war or lost a conflict on our home soil; moreover, the reason the British (and the French) salute with the palm facing outward is because they have. Is there any validity to this?
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Quicktime on the Uptake May 2005
Dear Dr. Drill,
In AFMAN 36-2203, paragraph 4.12 (Column Half Right/Left), after pivoting it says, "The airman then takes up the half step and continues in a half step until each member in his or her rank is abreast of each other. Then all members of that rank resume a full 24-inch step." It does not specify as to whether the flight resumes quick time on their own or the command forward march is to be given. Which is the correct way?
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On The Left or The Right? Just Stop! May 2005
Dr. Drill,
A new tech sergeant has come into our squadron. He is a very experienced drill kind of guy and told our flight sergeant that he was calling halt on the wrong foot. Our flight sergeant called it on the right, while the tech sergeant told him that he should call it on the left. Who is right?
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Blundering to Music? July 2005
Dr. Drill, Our church is have a color guard for a special July 4th celebration and we have a question. We have search the web for an answer, but to no avail. When a color guard enters, may they enter with music or is that a major blunder?
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Full Medal Saluting July 2005
Dr Drill
We're having a discussion in our office about saluting Medal of Honor recipients. Do you know the rules about this and where I can find them? Thanks.
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You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose... August 2005
Dr Drill, I was wondering, who should be picked to carry the squadron guidon, and what is his position when the Sq CC is facing the squadron in line formation, and column formation? Where does he go or what does he do when the Sq CC falls out? How does he change positions when the Sq CC does say, an about face? Just a few random Q's about the guidon bearer. Thanks! C/1st Lt John D. Pumphrey, CAP
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Firefighter Salute September 2005
Dr. Drill, I am a firefighter in California. We were having a discussion the other day about firefighters in uniform saluting when in uniform at certain ceremonies where the US flag is presented. Is it proper for firefighters or police officers to salute while in uniform. Are there any rules for this? I know Boy Scouts salute when they are in their Class A's. Victor Laveaga
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Forward to the Where? September 2005
Dr. Drill, This has been an element of much controversy at our squadron. At this year's encampment in early July the winner of the Individual Drill Competition won because the command "To the rear, Harch." was given and all other contestants but one thought the command was "Forward to the rear, Harch!" I've searched the AF-MAN 36-2203 and found nothing about a to the rear from a stationary position. Could you please tell me which is the correct command and where you found this information?
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Palms away! (Part Deux) September 2005
Dr. Drill, A friend of mine, who is a USMC JAG officer, once told me that the U.S. palm down salute comes from an interesting story involving a royal rescue.
(Unfortunately, I've lost touch with him, so I can't have him retell it.) The story goes something like this: ...
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Fleeced at Drill Comp... September 2005
Dear Dr. Drill, My name is Jason. I am with a cadet corps, we have a drill compition coming up. My cadets train really really hard every year, but they haven't won in a couple of years. I am just wondering if you have any drill maneuvers that will be exciting. Thank you
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Tell it to the Marines! September 2005
Dear Dr. Drill, Here are some questions for you, Dr. Drill, regarding our company formations (typically used for promotions and awards, not marching). ... 1stLt M. J. Butler
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How do I get to Carnegie Hall? September 2005
Dr. Drill, I am having trouble learning the color guard steps. When I do attention, carry colors, and present arms my commander says I am moving too much or I am adding extra steps. Wht can I do to stop this? CONFUSED AND FRUSTRATED
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Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport September 2005
Howdy from Australia, Doc. Re your answer to 'Jim': You Yanks are way off the mark. You never - and I say again 'never' - salute when not wearing a cap. Read up on your military history and please tell that to George. vinummy
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...and the kid says to the Sailor, "No sir, this isn't my hat." November 2005
Dear Dr. Drill, There was an article posted on the website regarding a movement to the rear from a halt. Although there may not be a reference in Air Force Drill Manuals, there is one in the Navy/Marine Corps Drill Manual.
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For the Byrds... November 2005
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?
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A major dilemma. November 2005
Dr Drill, Good day. I am a former DI (Ft. Dix, NJ) and now I am currently the G-1 SGM. A few of my Soldiers have asked me to confirm the following: If an enlisted Soldier is accompanying an officer, and another officer junior in rank approaches, does the enlisted Soldier render the hand salute to the junior officer?
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Happy trails, to you! November 2005
Dr. Drill, When I was in the Marine Corps we used the M-1 rifle. Can you do right, left or about faces when you are at order arms ( attention )? I was in the Korean War.
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Heads up! November 2005
Dear Doc, I was wondering where the liason officer(sorry if misspelled) should stand during closing and opening formation. At the moment he is standing in the senior member flight. I believe this is incorrect seeing as how he is NOT a senior member, just a big-headed major (with all due respect to the officer, of course) Please enlighten me if possible. Sincerely,SSgt Kate
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Google is your friend. November 2005
Dr. Drill, Excuse me sir, but I'm a member of the Jackson High School NJROTC Drill Team and we're having difficulties finding a complete, in depth, guide to drill. We would like to know the proper commands, movements, and times to execute these movements. Of course we have looked in our cadet field manuals, but it doesn't go into as much detail as we would like.
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You're not breaking ranks, you're breaking my shoes! February 2006
Dear Doctor Drill,
I was going through the old Doctor Drill columns looking for pearls of wisdom when I came across this from January 2004: ... I think you should pull this one out of the archives...or do I owe you an apology? Major Robert Haase
Michigan Wing
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Drill for Cops? March 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, I just started in a program that allows me to be a young police officer. While I am in this program we also have to drill and I don't know all my commands. I just wanted to know if you could send me a list of the drill commands. Thank you for your time. Kyairra Oldham
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The Question That Wouldn't Die... March 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, I have a question about a unique saluting situation that is probably not all that uncommon. If a 2Lt and a Col are walking together and an NCO passes then the NCO salutes, the Col returns the salute, and the 2Lt does nothing. What happens if a 2Lt and a Col are walking together and they pass a Capt? Does the Capt salute the Col, the Col return the salute and the 2Lt do nothing? Thanks, Roy Byrd, 2LT, USAF
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...for what you are about to receive. March 2006
Dr. Drill, Our church plans to present a special patriotic service for the Fourth of July. We plan to have a color guard. We also would like to have a special flag presentation using 20 or 30 American flags around the perimeter of the auditorium, brought in to music, then left in stands for the remainder of the service.
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I Pledge Allegiance to the United States of Love! April 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, There is a controversy in our troop. Should the pledge be said while the colors are still being held or after they are put in their holders (indoors)? If after put in holders, should the color guard salute or not salute?
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Saluting - The Final Chapter. (We hope!) April 2006
This question about who salutes when has generated more mail than anything I can remember for a long time...
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The eyes have it! April 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, My question is....at the command of dress right dress...how many degrees to the right are you suppose to look?
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Drop the salute and come out with your hands up... Err, down... May 2006
Hello, I'm in the Navy active duty and I'm assigned to NTTC Meridian, MS. I was fomerly at Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT. I have a question about saluting during colors:
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Elementary, My Dear... May 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, What is the proper way to execute a column of twos from a column of fours....and back again?
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Servants enter from the rear... May 2006
Dear Dr.Drill, My squadron is having a hard time diciding exactly how a "to the rear" is performed. Could you tell me step-by-step exactly how to do it?
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Sticky this! May 2006
Dr. Drill, Don't you have access to google? If so, why don't you put up some hyperlinks to NAVMC 2691, FM 3-21.5 and AFMAN 36-2203? Or, heck, even mirror the documents in the Dr. Drill section of Cadet Stuff. I hate always having to search for these things.
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That's not a joke! That is a severe emotional disorder. May 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, On 1 April, I was reading your great column when I saw this: ...
I guess my question is: Do I turn my head and look in that direction (1:30), or do I turn my head and look further over to my right (1:30, 3:00)? You seem to have told me to do both, which gives me eye strain. Or was this part of the annual CadetStuff April fool's joke?
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Drill Team Two-fer! June 2006
A Drill Two-fer: We have a competetive drill team at our NJROTC program, but it is having a problem keeping its members and gaining new ones. Any ideas on how to help us? Slightly Annoyed ... I have found myself in a fix. I have just been made first sergeant and I need to organize a drill team. What are the steps I need to take from ground zero to national champions?
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Kickin' Drill Old School... September 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, Approximately forty-three years ago I was a cadet on the California Wing Drill Team. We would perform all over the state doing exhibition drills in what was then called "Monkey Drill". We would do all types of routines.
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So, more flair? September 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, I am preparing a Flight Drill Instruction Guide for next year's encampment and came upon a question that I could not answer with confidence. What is the position of the guide when halted in inverted column formation?
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A Real American Hero! September 2006
Doc, I am a Patriot Guard Rider, and we are at military funerals with our American flags. Some of us hold the flags, some of us have longer poles so that we can set the pole on the ground, and still have flag in front of us (we may stand for long periods of time). I am not sure what about the attention command when holding a flag, and what might be correct when a flag is on a longer pole that is sitting on the ground. Any insight would be appreciated.
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Color Guard Confusion... October 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, Hi, my question is about color guard. While the guard is in forward march on which shoulder is it appropriate for the the Left Guardsmen to rest his rifle on?
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First on foot and right of the line. October 2006
Dear Dr. Drill, Hey, You know Your Drill. I say the words AFMAN everybody is like, "what's that". I have read that so many times. GOT A QUESTION THOUGH. When you salute the AFMAN 36-2203 doesn't say where a lower ranking Cadet should stand if by a higher ranking person. Though I know it's on the Honor side to the left. Show me were it say it in the AFMAN 36-2203. CADET
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Dr. Drill bites it hard... November 2006
Esteemed Dr. Drill, I just thought I'd drop you an email to let you know that NAVMC 2691 has been superseded by MCO P5060.20. Also, this new MCO states that color guards will carry their rifles on opposite shoulders.
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Any port in a storm... November 2006
Dr. Drill: I joined a VFW post and was watching their color guard at a football game. As the national anthem was playing I noticed that the color guard went from right shoulder arms to present arms. I believe this is a incorrect movment. Should they have first gone to port arms, then to present arms? Then from present arms back to port arms then to shoulder arms? I used to drill troops in the Corps, but it's been a long time.
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Tell it to the Marines... November 2006
Hi Kids! The Doctor was nosing through an old copy of the Guidebook for Marines (14th Edition, ca. 1981), when he came across the following tidbits regarding saluting...
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21 Gun Saluting..? November 2006
Dr. Drill, In uniform and in formation, do you salute for a 21 gun salute? Also, you all run a great website. Keep up the good work.
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Ceremonial Confusion... March 2007
Hello Dr. Drill, A quick question. I am the Cadet Commander for my unit, and there is some confusion about opening ceremonies. Can you go over this real quick? Christian Chung
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Visualize a 40 Inch Distance... March 2007
Dr. Drill, What is the proper way to teach cadets how to "visually establish a 40-inch distance" when the flight is in falling into formation? Some Air Force drill instructors require the element leader to hold up their right arm and touch the shoulder blade of the element leader in front of them to establish the distance; however the measurement of this distance is not 40 inches.
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Counter march? March 2007
Dear Dr. Drill, Is the command Counter, MARCH, ever given in the Civil Air Patrol? I think it is also referred to as Counter Columns March. Sincerely, Cadet Ethan Zitzman
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Passing on the left... March 2007
Dear Dr. Drill, I have been asked to call commands for a parade this weekend for a state militia, (army division). I was involved with a marching unit in the US Air Force about 30 years ago. I have forgot most of what the people in my command will ever know, however, the more I read the more confused I am.
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When In Doubt... June 2007
I am a ticket puller at a baseball park. We are outside in the open and when the national anthem is played are suppose to stop pulling tickets and salute the flag? Also, is the saluting of the flag restricted to those inside the facilities or are the people outside buying tickets suppose to stop and salute?
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Cover me! June 2007
Dr. Drill, My question to the above answer from a previous question is... Would Firefighters or Police officers (in uniform and without a cover) render a salute while indoors and/or outside when it's appropriate to do so or if ordered to do so? Also, how does the different branches of the military handle saluting without a cover or saluting while indoors?
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The Forbidden Dance... June 2007
Dr. Drill, In my squadron, at the command FLIGHT (squadron) FALL, OUT, we take one step backward and face about, last night a senior member from another squadron pointed out that we were doing it wrong. He said that was the movement for dismissed. What is the proper way to fall out of a flight formation?
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It's a book about a Spanish guy named 'Manual'... June 2007
Dr. Drill, What is a good manual for drill and ceremony that civilians can easily obtain? I am specifically looking for correct D&C commands for the Color Guard, both indoor, and in outdoor flag raising ceremonies.
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The sounds of silence... June 2007
Dr. Drill, Besides the 7 basic responses and "Hooah," what is the proper way to give the cadets in my flight the ability to speak freely or to explain themselves while in formation?
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We who are about to drill... June 2007
Dr. Drill, How many ways are there to salute? There is a way with a cover, without a cover, a way with glasses... HOW MANY WAYS ARE THERE?
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Drill the Dano Way... September 2007
 The CAP cadet program seems to spend a rather lot of time on drill and ceremonies. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that as an activity it doesn't have a lot of overhead, and it is seen by the cadets as something military, "cool!!!" However, it is pretty rampant throughout
cadet organizations to see drill being done improperly both in execution and in theory.
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