Drill Terminology

Front

Alignment

Back

The dressing of several elements on a straight line.

Front

Cadence

Back

A rhythmic rate of march at a uniform step.

Front

Distance

Back

The space between elements in the direction of depth. In Cadet formations, the distance between ranks is 40 inches.

Front

Double Time

Back

Cadence at 180 steps (36 inches in length) per minute.

Front

Element

Back

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

Front

File

Back

A single column of cadets one behind the other.

Front

Formation

Back

Arrangement of elements of a unit in line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner.

Front

Interval

Back

The lateral space between elements on the same line.

Front

Line

Back

A formation in which the elements are side by side or abreast of each other. A section or platoon is in line when its squads are in line and one behind the other.

Front

Pace

Back

The length of a full step in quick time, 30 inches.