Purpose of Drill and Ceremonial

Aim

The aim of drill and ceremonial is to contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Canadian Forces by ensuring that the Forces efficiently march and manoeuvre together as one in duty and routine, and by promoting discipline alertness, precision, pride, steadiness and the cohesion necessary for success.  Drill is the basis of all teamwork.

Origins

At one time, drill and tactics were the same, much of the former being movements needed on the battlefield. Battle drills have existed since ancient times. The Romans are reputed to have used cadence marching for tactical formations. Although infantry supremacy and precise drills were eclipsed after the fall of the Roman Empire, and during the feudal era, mounted knights ruled combat, infantry drills were resurrected in the 14th Century and slowly developes and improved thereafter. Separate drill procedures for cavalry, artillery, infantry and others (except for equipment drill) were replaced by all-arms drill early in the 20th Century as the changed conditions of war gradually divorced tactics from barrack routine.

The foot and arms drill of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force were generally similar, being derived from the same tactical practices. When the three services were amalgamated in 1968, evolution continued by blending the drill detail back into one.

Drill is still used routinely to move troops in an orderly and efficient manner. It also forms the basis of the precise manoeuvres used in military displays and ceremonies (A-AD-201-000/AG-000 - Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial).