CTS 04 - 1.1 Basic Drill at the Halt - P

CTS 04 - 1.1 Basic Drill at the Halt - Positions of Attention, at Ease, Stand Easy

1 Period (45 Minutes)

The approach should be using the Presentation and Practical Activity methods. WHAT

1. Parade deck
2. NL (225) NLC Drill Manual

What - Cadets will learn (a) the position of attention, (b) attention to stand at ease, (c) stand at ease to stand easy, and (d) stand at ease to attention.

Why - Learning these basic movements will help the cadets grasp the concept of drill and are the foundation for other movements.

Expectations - The cadet is required to perform the movements as part of the corps’ nightly routine.

THE POSITION OF ATTENTION

The position of attention is one of readiness for a word of command. Alertness and exactness in this position is important, and therefore personnel should not be kept at attention longer than necessary.

The position of attention is the position adopted by all when addressing a superior.

The position of attention is as

a. heels together and in line;

b. feet turned out to form an angle of 30 degrees;

c. body balanced and weight distributed evenly on both feet

d. shoulders level, square to the front

e. arms hanging as straight as their natural bend will allow, with elbows and wrists touching the body;

f. wrists straight, the back of the hands outwards

g. fingers aligned, touching the palm of the hand, thumbs placed on the side of the forefinger at the middle joint with the thumbs and back of the fingers touching the thighs lightly and the thumbs in line with the seam of the trousers; and

h. head held erect, neck touching the back of the collar, eyes steady, looking their height and straight to the front.

No part of the body should be strained

NOTE: Although this is a still position, do not forget to breathe regularly! You may also wiggle your toes and bend your knees SLIGHTLY in order to keep comfortable. It is also important to be wearing your uniform properly, without being constricted by a tight belt or small cap.

* Are there any questions? *

POSITION OF STAND AT EASE

The position of standing at ease is an intermediate position between attention and standing easy. It allows no relaxation but can be maintained without strain for a longer time than the position of attention.

STAND AT EASE FROM ATTENTION

On the command STAND AT EASE BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members bend the left knee.

On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:

a. carry the left foot to the left, straightening it in double time, and place it smartly flat on the ground with the inside of the heels 25 cm apart;

b. simultaneously, with a quick motion, bring the arms behind the back, stretched to their full extent, and place the back of the right hand in the palm of the left, with thumbs crossed right over left, the fingers together and extended; and

c. balance the body with the weight evenly distributed on both feet.

On the command STAND AT – EASE, the two movements are combined.

* Are there any questions? *

STAND EASY

The position of stand easy is ordered when it is desirable to permit troops to relax. This command is only given when the squad is in the position of stand at ease.

On the command STAND – EASY, squad members shall:

a. close the hands and bring the arms to the position of attention;

b. observe a standard pause;

c. relax.

When standing easy, squad members may, with permission, move all but their feet and adjust clothing and equipment, but they shall not talk.

* Are there any questions? *

ATTENTION FROM STAND AT EASE

On the command ATTENTION BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall bend the left knee and shift their balance to the right foot.

On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall

a. straighten the left leg in double time, place the foot smartly on the ground, toe touching first, followed by the heel, and with heels aligned; and

b. simultaneously, with a quick motion, bring the arms and hands to the position of attention.
On the command ATTEN – TION, the two segments of the movements are combined as one.

CONCLUSION

These positions and movements that form the basis for all other movements. Timing is important, but will seem easier as you practice each movement. Remember that all of these positions are designed with comfort in mind, so if it doesn’t feel right, ask an instructor for assistance.

TESTING

Cadets are expected to perform drill during each training night. Before a cadet is promoted to New Entry, they will have to demonstrate the ability to perform each one of these movements, either during a muster or during a scheduled evaluation period.