Drill and Ceremony, Customs and Courtesies

Question 1

What are the three types of commands?

Answer 1

1. Two-part commands, which include a preparatory command (“FORWARD”) and an execution command (“MARCH”)
2. Combined commands, which are a single command containing both the preparatory and execution components (“HALT”)
3. Supplementary commands, which provide additional instruction in order to fully execute the execution command (“FILE FROM THE LEFT”)

Question 2

What are the three teaching stages of drill and ceremony?

Answer 2

1. Explanation
2. Demonstration
3. Practice

Question 3

What are the three teaching methods of drill and ceremony?

Answer 3

1. Step-by-step, used for marching movements
2. Talk-through, used for movements that require numerous or simultaneous actions by an individual or unit
3. By-the-numbers, used for movements that have two or more counts

Question 4

On which side of an officer should a subordinate walk?

Answer 4

The subordinate should walk on the left side, which is traditionally the unprotected side.

Question 5

Name at least three situations in which it IS NOT appropriate to salute.

Answer 5

• Indoors, unless reporting to an officer or on guard duty
• A prisoner
• If working underneath a vehicle
• If either the officer or the subordinate is wearing civilian clothing
• If either the officer or the subordinate has articles in both hands
• On road marches

Question 6

Name at least three situations in which it IS appropriate to salute.

Answer 6

• When in uniform
• When the National Anthem, Hail to the Chief, or foreign national anthems are played
• Funerals
• Change of command
• Retreat or Reveille
• Sounding of honors
• Pledging allegiance to the flag (outdoors only)
• When rendering reports
• Officers of friendly foreign countries

Question 7

What is a custom?

Answer 7

A custom is a practice not prescribed by law or regulation but by tradition and established practice. Examples include: never criticizing the Army or the Army’s leaders in public; never jumping the chain of command; never offering excuses; and never avoiding the render of the hand salute.

Question 8

What is a courtesy?

Answer 8

A courtesy is a rule of conduct required either by regulation or tradition including good manners, politeness, respect, and consideration. Examples include: rendering the hand salute; addressing COs and NCOs; and rendering honors to the flag and to specific national or military music.