Drill & Ceremonial

Drill is a useful tool to instil discipline and teamwork and gives a great sense of achievement when mastered correctly. When a group of cadets walk on to a parade square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team, following the orders given by one individual.

All cadets and uniformed staff are expected to achieve a reasonably good standard of Drill but many aspire to become experts and eventually instructors. With a few years’ experience you could pass on your knowledge and experience to other cadets, instructing them on how to participate in a drill squad, taking charge of a drill squad yourself, or even playing a major part in ceremonial drill. Being a Standard Bearer at a Remembrance Day parade is a real moment of pride and achievement for a cadet.

Other opportunities to participate in drill include:

Cadet Drill Course (CDC)         A 2 day intensive course aimed at Senior Cadets to improve drill standards and gain a better theoretical and practical understanding of Drill & Ceremonial. Cadets who have successfully passed this course often take on the role of Drill Instruction and development on their own squadrons and may be asked to take on specific roles on larger parades.

SNCO Staff Drill Instructors Course (SSDIC)    A week long course at RAF Cranwell covering static movements, quick time and slow time foot drill, Banner and Pace Stick drill. Candidates who successfully pass the course become qualified Drill Instructors.

Drill & Ceremonial Camp (D&C)         The National D&C week long camp attended by around 350 cadets and 65 staff is also supported by about 60 cadet and staff musicians who support the spectacular final parade. The camp also allows attendees to participate in areas of drill which aren’t always available at squadron level such as Rifle and Banner drill.

Drill Competitions       Annual Drill Competitions are held at Wing, Regional and Corps level. They are an excellent way of cadets demonstrating their teamwork, skills and a sense of pride. Competitions compose of Foot Drill, Banner Drill and Armed Continuity (Wing and above). The National competitions day, held at RAF Halton, also includes the Corps music competitions and attracts senior VIP guests.