a. Drill Terms and Definitions:
(1) Drill consists of certain movements by which a unit or individuals are moved in orderly, uniform manner from one formation to another, or from one to another. Movements are executed in unison and with precision.
(2) Ceremonies. Ceremonies are formations and movements in which a number of troops execute movements in unison and with precision just as drill; however, their primary value is to render honors, preserve tradition, and stimulate esprit de corps.
(3) Element. An element is an individual, squad, section, platoon, company, or larger unit formed as part of the next higher unit.
(4) Interval. Interval is the lateral space between elements.
(a) Normal Interval is the lateral space between men, measured from right to left by the man on the right holding his left are shoulder high, fingers and thumb extended and joined, with the trip of the middle finger touching the right shoulder of the man on his left.
(b) Close Interval is the lateral space between men, measured from right to left by the man on the right placing the heel of his left hand on his left hip, even with (top of) the belt line, fingers and thumb extended downward, with his elbow in line with his body, and touching the arm of the man to his left.
(c) Double Interval is the lateral space between individuals, measured from right to left by raising both arms shoulder high with the fingers extended and joined (palms down) so that the fingertips are touching of the man to the right and left.
(5) Distance . Distance is the space between elements when they are one behind the other.
(a) Distance between units varies with the size of the formation.
NOTE: Desired distance measurements accompany all diagrams in FM 3-21.5.
(b) Distance between individuals is an arm's length to the front plus 6 inches, or approximately 26 inches measured from the chest of one man to the back of the man immediately to his front.
(6) Formation . A formation is the arrangement of elements of a unit in a prescribed manner.
(a) Line Formation. A line formation is a formation in which the elements are side by side or abreast of each other. In a platoon line, the members of each squad are abreast of each other with squad leaders one behind the other.
(b) Column Formation . A column formation is a formation in which the elements are one behind the other. In a platoon column, the members of each squad are one behind the other, with the squads abreast of each other.
NOTE: To change a line formation to a column formation, the command is Right, Face. To change a column formation to a line formation, the command is Left, Face.
(7) Rank . A rank is a line which is only one element in depth.
(8) File. A file is a column which has a front of only one element.
(9) Alignment. The arrangement of several elements on the same line.
(10) Cover. Cover is aligning yourself directly behind the man to your immediate front while maintaining correct distance.
(11) Head. Head is leading elements of a column.
(12) Flank . Flank is right or left side of any formation as sensed by an element within the formation.
(13) Front . Front is the space from side to side of a formation including the front and rear elements,
(14) Depth . Depth is the space from front to rear of a formation including the front and rear elements.
(15) Base . Base is the element on which a movement is planned or regulated.
(16) Post . Post is the correct place for an officer or noncommissioned officer to stand in a prescribed formation.
(17) Guide . The guide is the person responsible for maintaining the prescribed direction and rate of march.
(18) Cadence . Cadence is the uniform rhythm in which a movement is executed or the number of steps or counts per minute at which the movement is expected. Those movements which may be executed at double time are explained in a paragraph number 3-14 of FM 22-5.
(a) Quick time is the cadence of 120 counts or steps per minute.
(b) Double time is the cadence of 180 counts or steps per minute.
(19) Step . A step is the prescribed distance measured from heel to heel of a marching individual.
