JLBC Cadet Corps Close Order Drill: The Art of Military Precision

JLBC Cadet Corps Close Order Drill: The Art of Military Precision

Close order drill is a cornerstone of military discipline and organization, and it is deeply ingrained into the training regime of the Junior Leaders Battalion Cadet (JLBC) Corps. This practice hones discipline, teamwork, coordination, and attention to detail – all essential attributes for young cadets. Here, we will detail some fundamental movements in close order drill: Open/Close Ranks and the Left/Right/About Face.

Please note that the following instructions assume right-handedness, as is standard in most military drills.

Open/Close Ranks

Open Ranks

1. Command: The drill instructor will command, "Open Ranks, MARCH."

2. Action: Upon hearing the command, each rank does the following:

   • The first rank takes two steps forward.

   • The second rank takes one step forward.

   • The third rank stands fast.

   • The fourth rank takes two steps backward.

   • Additional ranks alternate between standing fast and two steps back.

3. Execution: All steps are made with a standard 30-inch step.

Close Ranks

1. Command: The command given is "Close Ranks, MARCH."

2. Action: Upon the order, each rank performs the following:

   • The first rank stands fast.

   • The second rank takes one 30-inch step forward.

   • The third rank takes two 30-inch steps forward.

   • The fourth and subsequent ranks take three 30-inch steps forward.

3. Execution: Cadets must maintain alignment and cover during these movements.

Left/Right/About Face

Left Face

1. Command: The command given is "Left, FACE."

2. Action: Upon hearing this command, the cadet does the following:

   • With the body's weight mainly on the right foot, the cadet pivots 90 degrees to the left on the heel of the left foot and the ball of the right foot, turning the body whole.

   • The cadet then places the right foot beside the left one.

Right Face

1. Command: The command given is "Right, FACE."

2. Action: Similar to the Left Face, but pivoting 90 degrees to the right, the cadet does the following:

   • With the body's weight mainly on the left foot, pivot 90 degrees to the right on the ball of the left foot and the heel of the right foot, turning the body as a whole.

   • The cadet then places the left foot beside the right one.

About Face

1. Command: The command given is "About, FACE."

2. Action: Upon this command, the cadet does the following:

   • With the body's weight mainly on the right foot, pivot 180 degrees to the right on the ball of the right foot and the heel of the left foot, turning the body as a whole.

   • The cadet then places the left foot beside the right one.

Each of these movements must be executed with precision, speed, and the correct posture. The body remains erect, and the head and eyes are fixed to the front. The pivot takes place on the heel and ball of the foot, not the whole foot.

Close order drill may appear simple, but its importance in instilling discipline and team cohesion is invaluable. It's not just the action but the precision and unity that matters. The JLBC Cadet Corps use these drills to reinforce their values of discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail, preparing the cadets for future roles.