Military Drill and Ceremonies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What distinguishes a 'command of execution' from a 'preparatory command'?
- The command of execution is always louder
- The command of execution is the word that triggers the movement (Correct answer)
- The preparatory command is spoken first and is shorter
- There is no difference — they are the same thing
Correct answer: The command of execution is the word that triggers the movement
The command of execution (e.g., 'March,' 'Face,' 'Arms') is the word that signals troops to actually perform the movement.
Question 2: How is the U.S. Army flag carried relative to the National Colors during a march?
- To the left of the National Colors (Correct answer)
- To the right of the National Colors
- Directly behind the National Colors
- Alternating left and right based on ceremony type
Correct answer: To the left of the National Colors
The Army flag is carried to the left of the National Colors, which always hold the position of honor on the right.
Question 3: What command brings a unit from 'Parade Rest' to 'Attention'?
- Fall In
- At Ease
- Attention (Correct answer)
- Company, Attention
Correct answer: Attention
The command 'Attention' is used to bring soldiers from Parade Rest to the position of attention.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the position of 'Parade Rest'?
- Feet together, hands at sides
- Left foot 10 inches to the left, hands clasped behind back (Correct answer)
- Right foot moved back, hands behind back at the small of the back
- Feet shoulder-width apart, arms crossed
Correct answer: Left foot 10 inches to the left, hands clasped behind back
Parade Rest requires moving the left foot 10 inches to the left and placing hands at the small of the back, right hand over left.
Question 5: What action should a driver take when Colors are being presented during a ceremony while sitting in a stationary vehicle?
- Exit the vehicle and render the hand salute
- Remain seated and render the hand salute (Correct answer)
- Remain seated and come to attention
- No action is required while inside a vehicle
Correct answer: Remain seated and render the hand salute
Personnel in vehicles remain seated and render the hand salute when Colors are presented during a ceremony.
Question 6: What is the purpose of 'Ruffles and Flourishes' in a military ceremony?
- To signal the end of retreat
- To honor high-ranking dignitaries or officials (Correct answer)
- To call troops to attention before a formation
- To begin the Pass in Review
Correct answer: To honor high-ranking dignitaries or officials
Ruffles and Flourishes are played to render honors to high-ranking military and civilian officials, with the number of repetitions indicating rank.
Question 7: When a unit is given 'Rest' during drill, what are soldiers permitted to do?
- Move freely anywhere on the drill pad
- Talk and move but must keep one foot in place (Correct answer)
- Stand at ease quietly with no movement
- Sit down if they choose
Correct answer: Talk and move but must keep one foot in place
At the command 'Rest,' soldiers may talk and move but must keep at least one foot in their original position.
Military Drill and Ceremonies 5
What distinguishes a 'command of execution' from a 'preparatory command'?