HEADQUARTERS

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS

SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

MILITARY DRILLS AND CEREMONIES

I. OVERVIEW
Far from understanding of every soldier, military ceremonies are often
the foundation that tells the state of discipline, training and strength of every
army. Done properly, they elicit pride in every soldier and boost the morale of
the organization as a whole.
The development of our armed forces was nurtured from the doctrines
of modern armies in the world. This did not spare our procedures for drill and
ceremonies. Somehow, though, we came to realize the need to come up with
our own-something based on international standards yet infused with cherished
Filipino values and culture. This lesson will help and cater every individual
cadets in projecting a strong, disciplines and unified ROTC units in the country.
II. OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. Know the importance, purpose, and meaning of military drills and
ceremonies.
2. Determine the positions and movements required of each individual in
forming elements.
3. Familiarize the commands to execute those positions and movements.
4. Appreciate key factors for a successful drill team.
III. LESSON PROPER

A. DEFINITION OF TERMS
 Military drill – training of soldiers and cadets to respond automatically
to commands so that they will perform their duties in battle despite
danger or disturbance. It involves the practice and rehearsals of
prescribed movements to mold individual soldiers into a team and seek
to develop self- control, discipline, and immediate obedience.
 Ceremonies – formations and movements in which a large number of
troops execute movements in uniform and with precision upon command
just as in drills.

B. COMMANDS
The Pilipino commands currently in use by the AFP in drills and
ceremonies had been evolved out of a presidential pronouncement and as a
part of a military policy. Way back on 30 December 1961, in his inaugural
address as the fifth President of the Republic of the Philippines, Diosdado F.
Macapagal announced in vivid terms his advocacy of a “Filipino First” policy.
He emphasized that all steps must be taken to Filipinize every structure and
activity of the government as a means to infuse into the minds of Filipinos a
more sincere pride and love for things Philippines. The move was taken with
nationalistic endeavor to wean the Philippines away from her colonial past.

1|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

Through constant practice in drills and ceremonies, the Pilipino

commands that had been coined were officially accepted, discarding in the
process the use of the erstwhile English military commands. This legacy,
bequeathed to the AFP by General Santos, has to this day lasting, enduring
effects. The noble traditions of the AFP had been enriched.

School of the Soldier without Arms

To help understand the meaning of certain words as used herein, the
following terms are defined:
1. Cadence is the uniform rhythm in which a movement is executed, or the
number of counts or steps per minute at which the movement is
executed.
2. Double Time is the cadence of 180 counts or steps per minute. It is also
the pace of the marching movement in which 80, 85- inch steps per
minute are taken.
3. Element is an individual or unit that forms a part of a large group.
4. Step is the prescribed distance measured from heel to heel of a
marching man.
The soldier without arms is expected to know instinctively his movements that
he will execute while in each of the positions described below.
1. Position of attention (see figure 1)
a. Assume this position at the command “humanay” (fall in) or “humanda”
(Attention).
b. Bring your heels together smartly on the same line.
c. Turn your feet out equally, forming a 45̊ - angle.
d. Keep your legs straight without stiffening or locking your knees.
e. Hold your body erects with your hips level, chest lifted and arched, and
shoulders square and even.
f. Let your sides with the back of your hands outward, your fingers curled so
that the tips of your thumbs touch the tips of your forefingers. Keep your
thumbs along the seams of trousers.
g. Keep your head erect and hold it squarely to the front of your chin drawn in
so that the axis of your head and neck is vertical. Look straight to the front.

2. Rest at the Halt – The following rests is executed at the halt: parade rest,
stand at ease, at ease, rest, and fall out.
h. Rest the weight of your body equally between heels and balls of your feet.
a) At the command “tikas, PAHINGA” (parade rest), move your left foot
smartly 12 inches to the left of your right foot. Keep your legs straight so that
the weight of your body rest equally on the heels and balls of your feet. At the
same time, let your arms hang behind your back just below the belt line. Keep
the fingers of both hands extended and joined, interlocking your thumbs so that

2|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

the palm of your right hand is outward. Hold your head and eyes as at the
position of attention. Remain silent and do not move. (see figure 2)
b) At the command, “tindig, PALUWAG” (stand at ease) execute parade
rest as described above, but turn your head and eyes directly towards the
commander.
c) At the command, “paluwag” (at ease), keep your right foot in place.
You may move, but must remain silent.
d) At the command “pahinga” (rest), keep your right foot in place. You
may talk and move.
e) At the command “tumiwalag” (fall out), you may leave your position in
the formation, but remain in the immediate area. Resume your position at the
command “humanay” (fall in).

FIGURE 1. POSITION OF ATTENTION

Figure 2. PARADE REST

3. Facing at the Halt

3|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

a. Face to the Flanks – At the command “Harap sa kanan, RAP” (right face),
slightly raise your left heel and right toe, turn 90̊ to the right on your right
heel, assisted by slight pressure on the left ball of your left foot on one count.
Hold your left leg straight without stiffness. At the second count, place your
left foot smartly beside your right foot. Hold your arms as at attention when
executing this movement. This procedure applies inversely when executing
“harap sa kaliwa, RAP” (left face).
b. Face to the Rear – At the command “harap sa likod, RAP” (about face),
move the toe of your foot to a position touching the ground one- half of the
length of your foot to the rear and slightly to the left of your left heel. Keep
your right leg straight without stiffness, resting most of your body’s weight
on the heel of your left foot. On the second count, face to the rear, turning
180̊ to the right on your heel and the ball of your right foot so that your feet
are as at attention you complete the turn. Hold your arms as at attention
when executing this movement.
School of the Soldier with Arms
1) Order Arms- Order Arms is assumed on the command “humanay”
(fall in). At order arms, maintain the position of attention, except for
your right arm and rifle. Place the butt of the rifle on the ground with
the barrel to the rear and the toe of the rifle butt againts your right
shoe, in line with the front of your right shoe. Grasp the front hand
guard with your right hand in a “V” formed by your fingers extended
and joined, and your thumb. Hold the tip of your index finger and
thumb on line with the forward edge of the front hand guard. Keep
your right hand and arm behind the rifle so that your thumb is along
the seam of your trousers. (see figure 3 and figure 4)

2) Right Shoulder Arms- At the command “kanang balikat, TA” (right

shoulder arm), execute the first count of port arms. Hold your right
elbow down without strain. On the second count, regrasp the rifle at
the butt with your right hand, the heel of the butt between the first two
fingers and the thumb and fingers closed around the stock with the
thumb and index finger touching. On the third count, place the rifle on
your right shoulder with the grasp of your right hand unchanged.
Release your left hand from the balance and use it to guide the rifle to
your shoulder by placing your left hand at the small of the stock, thumb
and fingers extended and joined, palm toward your body, and the first
joint of your left forefinger touching the rear of the reciever. Keep your
left elbow down. On the fourth count, cut your left hand smartly back
to its position by your side as at attention. At the command “baba,
SANDATA” (order arms), press the rifle butt down quickly and move
the rifle diagonally across your body, turning the butt so as to keep
the barrel up. Grasp the rifle smartly at the balance with your left hand,
retaining the grasp of your right hand on the butt. On the second
count, move your right hand up and across your body and grasp the
4|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

front hand guard. The third and fourth counts are executed in the
same manner as the second and third counts in executing order arms
from port arms. (see figure 5)

FIGURE 3. ORDER ARMS

FIGURE 4. ORDER ARMS AND PARADE REST

5|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

3) Port Arms- is the only command that may be given from inspection
arms. On the preparatory command, with your fingers extended and
joined, palm in, place the rear edge of your right hand againts the
operating rod handle and move it slightly to the rear. Then depress
the follower with your right thumb and allow the bolt to move forward
slightly, overriding the rear portion of the follower. At the command
“baba, SANDATA” (order arms), remove your right thumb from the
reciever and at the same time release the operating rod handle. Pull
the trigger with your fore finger and regrasp the small of the stock in
the position of port arms. (see figure 6)

FIGURE 5. RIGHT SHOULDER ARMS

C. FORMATIONS AND FIGURE

DRILLS 6. PORT ARMS
1. Formations.

6|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

a. Squad Formations. The squad has three (3) prescribed formations: a

line column, and a column of two’s. When the squad forms a line, the
squad leader is on the right. The squad normally marches in column, but
it may march in line for short distances only. When it is a part of a larger
unit, ithe squad normally marched in column. (see figure 7)

b. Platoon Formations. The platoon has two prescribed formations:

column and a line. The platoon forms in line with the squad leaders on
the right of their squads. The platoon sergeant forms the platoon from
his post three (3) steps in front of and centered on the platoon. In line
with the platoon leader in command, the platoon sergeant’s post is to the
right of the right flank of the front rank at the normal interval. The platoon
leader’s post is six (6) steps to the front of and centered on the platoon.
(see figure 8)

c. Company Formations. The company has four (4) prescribed

formations: company in line with platoons in line, company in column
with platoons in column, company in columns with platoons in line (used
primarily for ceremonies) and company mass formation. However, the
company may be formed into a column of two’s in the same manner as
the platoon. (see figure 9)

7|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

FIGURE 7. SQUAD FORMATIONS

8|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

FIGURE 8. PLATOON FORMATIONS

9|SLSU-NSTP-ROTC
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

FIGURE 9. COMPANY FORMATIONS

10 | S L S U - N S T P - R O T C
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

D. ALIGNMENT

The man to the immediate left of the right flank comes to the position of
attention, turns his head and eyes to the right, and raises his left arm in the
same manner as the flank man. He obtains proper alignment by taking short
steps forward or backward until he is on line with the right flank man. He then
obtains exact interval by taking short steps left or right until his shoulder touches
the extended fingertips of the right flank man. (See figure 10 and 11). As soon
as the man to the left has obtained normal interval, each man individually lowers
his arm to his side, sharply turns his head and eyes to the front and assumes
the position of attention.

FIGURE 10. NORMAL INTERVAL

FIGURE 11. CLOSE INTERVAL

11 | S L S U - N S T P - R O T C
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

E. MARCHING PARADES AND OTHER CEREMONIES

While a parade and review are similar, it is conceded that there is a

great difference between the two terms. A parade is more formal than a review.
In a parade, the general appearance and movement of troops in formation are
primary considerations to give it a more formal atmosphere.
The review, on the other hand, is a military ceremony held to honor a
visiting higher commander, official or dignitary. It may also be held to present
decorations, awards, or honors to members or units of a command. Finally, it
also affords a higher commander, official, or dignitary, the opportunity to
observe the state if training in a command.
F. PROCEDURES AND FORMATIONS

A. Review- 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); and march in review.

a. Formation of Troops- Troops are formed and pre- positioned in their

pre- designated areas. They are immediately called to attention by the
commander of the troops as soon as the reviewing party arrives and
occupies its place.

b. Presentation and Honor- The commander brings the troops to present

arms as soon as the reviewing officer takes his post. Honors are
rendered the reviewing officer, if entitled to the same.

c. Retreat- This portion of a ceremony is scheduled to allow for the

coordinated lowering of the national colors and the firing of gun salutes,
if necessary. Otherwise, the band in the review plays the national
anthem.

d. Inspection- On completion of the presentation and honors, the

reviewing officer and his party move forward and halt six steps in front
of the post of the commander of troops. The two exchanged salutes. The
commander of troops then guides the reviewing officer around the
formation, beginning with the rank on the right of the line, passing in front
of the line, and then around the rear of the formation. After the
inspection, the commander of troops and his staff move directly to their
post facing the reviewing officer.
12 | S L S U - N S T P - R O T C
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

e. Decorations and Awards- After the reviewing officer has inspected the
troops and resumed his post, the commander of troops, from his post,
commands “mga watawat at taong pararangalan, pumagitna, KAD”
(persons to be decorated and all colors, center, march). At the command
“NA” (march), the persons to be decorated and all colors move to the
center and halt directly behind the commander of troops who then
“pasulong, KAD” (forward march) for the presentation of decorations and
awards. The commander of troops, the persons decorated, and all colors
return to their respective places in preparation for the final portion of the
ceremony.
f. March in Review- At the command “pasamasid” (pass in review), the
band is faced to the right and march to position that enables it to move
straight out in the route of march without changing direction. The
commander of troops and his staff take position 12 steps in front of the
band and move forward on the route of march toward the reviewing
stand. They (commander and staff) execute “tingin sa kanan” (eyes right)
and salute six (6) steps in front of the reviewing officer. They end the
salute six (6) steps beyond the front of the reviewing officer and take
positions directly to the right of the reviewing party. They remain in this
position until the ceremony is over.

IV. EVALUATION:

Practical Test In Manual Of Arms

Instruction to the Examiner: Please read and understand the criteria before
giving the test.

Guide for Scoring

5 points – a cadet will get a score of five if he executes all the criteria.
4 points – a cadet will get a score of four if he fails in one of the criteria.
3 points- a cadet will get a score of three if two elements are not met during
the execution.
2 points- a cadet will get a score of two if three elements are not met during
the execution.
1 point- a cadet will get a score of one if he has the deficiency of the four
elements.

Evaluative Tool

13 | S L S U - N S T P - R O T C
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

1. Tanghal, TA (Present, ARMS)

A. Bearing-
1. Fatigue uniform with name strip and head gear.
2. Prescribed military haircut/clipped hair for girls.
3. Black combat boots/black shoes.
4. Paraphernalia’s properly polished
5. Clean fingernails.
B. Execution -
1. 4/4-time signature counting
2. Rifle vertically raised with right hand
3. Rifle in front and at the center of the body.
4. Proper grasping at the balance of the rifle.
5. Without changing the position of the rifle, bring the right hand down
at the small stock.
C. Smartness -
1. Eyes looking straight in front.
2. Quick movement of the arms
3. Left and right shoulder level.
4. Proper tapping of the rifle.
5. No extra movement after complete execution.

D. Carriage –
1. Weight of the rifle with the left hand.
2. One fist distance from the body.
3. Bayonet stud at the level of the eyes.
4. Left forearm close to the body
5. Right hand slightly grasping the small of stock.
6.
2. Agap, TA (Port, ARMS)

A. Execution –
1. 4/4- time signature counting.
2. Rifle carried diagonally across the body.
3. Right hand in front and slightly to the left of the face.
4. Grasping the rifle at the balance with the hand, wrist straight, palm
toward the body and fingers joined.
5. Moving the right hand to the small of the stock at count two.

B. Smartness –
1. Eyes looking straight in front.
2. Automatic forming of an angle of the right hip and barrel between
the left shoulder and neck.
3. Quick movement of arms.
4. Proper tapping of the rifle.

14 | S L S U - N S T P - R O T C
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT (ACTIVATED)
Lucban, Quezon

5. No extra movement after complete execution.

C. Carriage –
1. Weight of the rifle with left hand.
2. One fist distance from the body.
3. Upper band ferrule at mouth level.
4. Left forearm close and horizontal to the body.
5. Left elbow resting against the body.

3. Sa kanang Balikat, TA (Right shoulder, ARMS)

A. Execution –
1. 4/4 -time signature counting
2. Carry the rifle in front of the body when TA is given for count 1.
3. Grasp the heel of the butt between the forefinger and middle finger
count 2.
4. Placing the trigger guard on the hollow of the right shoulder at count
3.
5. Drop the left hand on the side at count 4.

15 | S L S U - N S T P - R O T C