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Ceremonial Drill...
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Ceremonial Drill is used for military ceremonies such as inspections by senior officers,
presentation of awards and for honouring visitors.
Most Ceremonial Drill follows a similar format, regardless of the size of unit being
paraded. This format for Air Training Corps parades is an abbreviated version of that
used by the Royal Air Force for similar occasions. The main differences ensure that cadets
are not on parade for anything like the length of time that would be required of them with
an RAF parade.
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Monthly ceremonial practice takes the form of Flight Reviews for "OC's Parade". At this time each
cadet Flight Commander will parade their Flight for inspection by the Officer Commanding.
The sequence followed for the parade is that laid down for Flight Drill in chapter 8 of ACP 19 Drill
and Ceremonial.
Each flight is marked by the OC on its uniform standard and the overall impression created by the
review. Technical details are marked by the SWO.
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OC's Parade can also take the form of a Squadron Review (ACP 19 Chapter 9) with the senior cadet
NCO's taking post as Squadron Executives. Squadron Reviews are marked in the same way as Flight
Reviews. Those SNCO's who are not part of the flight structure are given feedback on their
performance.
This type of review is often used at Annual Camp for the final parade of the week.
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Other ceremonial parades include the two major annual parades in recognition of Battle of Britain
Sunday and Remembrance Sunday. On each of these occasions the Squadron parades as a whole led by
the OC. This is when we can appreciate the high standard achieved by the squadron and that the
drill training has really paid off.
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Cadets from 2499 recently formed part of the Banner Party parading the Thames Valley Wing Banner
for a review of the wing by our Regional Commandant, Group Captain Remlinger.
Cadets who are working towards an award for DEAS can undergo further training in ceremonial drill for
their skill section. This also involves the participant researching an aspect of foot drill and
presenting their findings to the SWO and the Squadron as a whole.
If you are interested in using ceremonial drill for you skill section then contact the SWO, either at
the Squadron or by email. An email address for the SWO can be found on the Contact Us
page.
Additional information on both foot and ceremonial drill can be found on the website of the
Queens Colour Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment. A link is provided on the Links page.
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Overall it must be remembered that drill of all types is intended to improve your teamwork, not grind you down.
Carrying out a sequence of movements well as a squad does give a feeling of satisfaction.
As does completing a parade and knowing that you and your flight have done well, looked smart and
met the standard.
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