113 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS DRILL AND CEREMONIES FUNDAMENTALS

Question 1

What is the first purpose of close order drill?

Answer 1

Move a unit from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner while maintaining the best appearance possible.

Question 2

How does close order drill help with combat readiness?

Answer 2

It provides simple formations from which combat formations can be readily assumed.

Question 3

What discipline-related benefit does close order drill offer Marines?

Answer 3

It teaches discipline by instilling habits of precision and automatic response to orders.

Question 4

How does close order drill enhance leadership skills?

Answer 4

It increases the confidence of junior officers and noncommissioned officers through exercising command and controlling drilling troops.

Question 5

What practical skill do Marines gain from close order drill?

Answer 5

It gives Marines an opportunity to handle individual weapons.

Question 6

How does close order drill enable a commander overall?

Answer 6

It allows a commander to move units efficiently, prepare for combat, enforce discipline, build leadership confidence, and train Marines in weapon handling.

Question 7

What does the term “element” mean in drill?

Answer 7

An individual, squad, section, platoon, company, or other unit that is part of a larger unit.

Question 8

What is a “formation” in the context of Marine Corps drill?

Answer 8

An arrangement of elements on line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner.

Question 9

How is a “line” formation defined?

Answer 9

A formation where elements are abreast, or for a section/platoon, squads are in line one behind the other.

Question 10

What constitutes a “rank” in drill?

Answer 10

A line of Marines or vehicles placed side by side.

Question 11

What is a “column” formation?

Answer 11

A formation where elements are placed one behind the other, or for a section/platoon, squads are in column and abreast.

Question 12

How is a “file” defined in drill terms?

Answer 12

A single column of Marines or vehicles one behind the other.

Question 13

What does “flank” refer to in a drill formation?

Answer 13

The right or left extremity of a unit, either on line or in column, or a direction at a right angle to the formation’s facing.

Question 14

What is the “normal interval” between individuals in drill?

Answer 14

One arm’s length between individuals.

Question 15

How is “close interval” measured in drill?

Answer 15

The horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow when the left hand is on the left hip.

Question 16

What does “alignment” mean in a drill context?

Answer 16

The dressing of several elements on a straight line.

Question 17

Who or what is the “guide” in a drill formation?

Answer 17

The individual (base) upon whom a formation regulates its march, controlling interval, direction, alignment, and cadence.

Question 18

How is the “center” determined in a formation?

Answer 18

The middle element in an odd-numbered formation or the left center element in an even-numbered formation, including the guide in the count.

Question 19

What is the “pace” in Marine Corps drill?

Answer 19

The length of a full step at quick time, 30 inches, measured from heel to heel.

Question 20

What are the distances of the half step and back step?

Answer 20

Both are 15 inches, measured from heel to heel.

Question 21

How long are the right and left steps in drill?

Answer 21

12 inches, measured from heel to heel.

Question 22

What are the step lengths for quick time and double time?

Answer 22

Quick time is 30 inches; double time is 36 inches, both measured from heel to heel.

Question 23

What does “cadence” refer to in drill?

Answer 23

A rhythmic rate of march at a uniform step, varying by slow, quick, or double time.

Question 24

What is “voice control” in giving drill commands?

Answer 24

Controlling the voice by opening the throat, shaping words with the mouth, and using the diaphragm for volume.

Question 25

How should loudness be adjusted when giving commands?

Answer 25

Adjusted to the number of Marines in the unit.

Question 26

What position must a commander be in to give drill commands?

Answer 26

The position of attention, demonstrating military bearing.

Question 27

What muscle is most important for breathing in command voice?

Answer 27

The diaphragm, which separates the chest and abdominal cavities.

Question 28

How do the throat, mouth, and nose contribute to command voice?

Answer 28

They act as amplifiers, giving fullness and projection to the voice.

Question 29

What does "distinctness" mean for a command voice?

Answer 29

Pronouncing commands correctly without loss of effect, using the tongue, lips, and teeth.

Question 30

How can a Marine develop distinct commands?

Answer 30

Practice giving commands slowly, prolonging syllables, then increasing speed while maintaining clarity.

Question 31

What is "inflection" in the context of command voice?

Answer 31

The rise and fall in pitch and tone of the voice.

Question 32

What does "cadence" mean when giving drill commands?

Answer 32

A uniform and rhythmic flow of words, with intervals allowing one step between preparatory and execution commands.

Question 33

Why is a uniform interval between commands important?

Answer 33

It ensures everyone understands the preparatory command and knows when to expect the execution command.

Question 34

What is a "preparatory command" in drill?

Answer 34

The command that indicates the movement to be executed.

Question 35

What is the beginning pitch of a preparatory command?

Answer 35

The commander’s normal speaking voice.

Question 36

What inflection is used for a preparatory command?

Answer 36

A rising inflection.

Question 37

What is the "command of execution" in drill?

Answer 37

The command that indicates when a movement is to be executed.

Question 38

How does the beginning pitch of the execution command differ?

Answer 38

It is higher than the last pitch of the preparatory command.

Question 39

What inflection is used for the command of execution?

Answer 39

None; it is given sharply and succinctly with a snap.

Question 40

How many Marines make up a standard color guard?

Answer 40

Four: two color bearers and two color guards.

Question 41

What is the role of the color bearers in a color guard?

Answer 41

Two noncommissioned officers; one carries the national color and commands the guard, the other carries the organizational color.

Question 42

Who are the color guards in the color guard formation?

Answer 42

Two Marines junior to the color bearers who assist and protect the colors.

Question 43

Which color bearer commands the color guard?

Answer 43

The bearer of the national color.

Question 44

Where is the organizational color positioned relative to the national color?

Answer 44

Always on the left of the national color.

Question 45

What happens to the color guard if only the national color is carried?

Answer 45

It includes only one color bearer.

Question 46

What is the purpose of a "wet down" event?

Answer 46

A party thrown by a newly promoted Staff NCO or officer to celebrate their new rank.

Question 47

When should a wet down typically be held?

Answer 47

Soon after promotion, usually within a month, often at the Staff NCO Club.

Question 48

How much money is typically spent on a wet down?

Answer 48

One month’s pay raise, spent on beverages and sometimes food.

Question 49

Who is usually invited to a wet down?

Answer 49

Fellow Marines of equal or superior rank to the promoted Marine.

Question 50

What tradition is rarely followed at modern wet downs?

Answer 50

Dousing the promotion warrant with alcohol.

Question 51

What is the dual purpose of a "hail and farewell" event?

Answer 51

Introduce new SNCOs and their spouses and say goodbye to departing SNCOs.

Question 52

How often can hail and farewell events be scheduled?

Answer 52

Periodically (monthly or quarterly) or on a case-by-case basis.

Question 53

What is typically included in the "hail" portion of the event?

Answer 53

A brief introduction of new SNCOs, mentioning their origin and assignment.

Question 54

What happens during the "farewell" portion of a hail and farewell?

Answer 54

Mentions the departing Marine’s section and destination, presents plaques, and allows comments.

Question 55

Who pays for the departing Marine’s meal at a farewell luncheon?

Answer 55

The other attendees, as the departing Marine is the guest of honor.

Question 56

When were the first Staff Sergeant promotions recognized in the Marine Corps?

Answer 56

Spring of 1923.

Question 57

What are the required ceremonies for promotions and reenlistments?

Answer 57

Ceremonies to recognize milestones in a Marine’s career, held with a designated time, date, and place.

Question 58

In what order are awards, promotions, and reenlistments presented?

Answer 58

Personal awards first, promotions second, reenlistments third.

Question 59

How do Marines to be recognized form up for the ceremony?

Answer 59

In one rank behind the unit formation, according to precedence of award.

Question 60

What command does the senior enlisted give after "POST" during the ceremony?

Answer 60

"PERSONNEL TO RECEIVE AWARDS, PROMOTIONS, etc., CENTER, MARCH."

Question 61

What actions follow the reading of a citation during the ceremony?

Answer 61

The commander hands or attaches the award, shakes hands, and the Marine salutes.

Question 62

What is the purpose of a "dining-in" event?

Answer 62

To recognize new or departing members, honor dignitaries, celebrate achievements, or build camaraderie.

Question 63

How does a dining-in differ from a mess night?

Answer 63

A dining-in allows spouses and non-military guests; a mess night is a stag affair.

Question 64

Who is considered a guest at a dining-in?

Answer 64

Spouses of Mess members and official guests of honor, ideally a notable military or civilian couple.

Question 65

What attire is expected for ladies at a dining-in?

Answer 65

Formal dresses, with bare shoulders considered inappropriate.

Question 66

How should seating be arranged at a dining-in?

Answer 66

Ladies should not be placed at the end of the table.

Question 67

What decorative element may be provided at a dining-in?

Answer 67

Flowers for each lady attending.

Question 68

What is the purpose of the Marine Corps Birthday ceremony?

Answer 68

To celebrate the Marine Corps’ establishment with a formal procedure.

Question 69

What uniform is ideally worn at the Marine Corps Birthday ceremony?

Answer 69

Evening dress or blue dress uniform.

Question 70

How is the birthday cake presented during the ceremony?

Answer 70

Mounted on a serving cart covered with scarlet and gold bunting.