All drill movements will be the same as US Army standard in FM 22-5 with the following exceptions.

The band will use wheel turns rather than boxed turns. The entire rank will stay on line throughout the turn, the inside person taking smaller steps then those on the outside. When the command is given the Drum Major will execute a flank. The first rank will start to turn at the same time. This means the Drum Major must be as far in front of the band as half the width of a rank. All following ranks start the turn on the same spot the first rank started to turn. After the turn each rank marches at a half step until the entire band has completed the turn and then moves out at a full step.

The band will use a Turn-about and not a Cross-over to Counter March. On the command to counter march the drum major will march to the rear passing the file behind him on his right. The band will continue to forward march until the first rank reaches the point where the Drum Major came about. They will then execute a four count turn to the rear, clock-wise, and pass their file on their right. Each rank will execute on the same spot. The band will half step until the entire band has completed the counter march.

Although the band marches in a block it is customary to play in a circle when stationary. When the command for circling is given, the Drum Major executes a four count turn to the rear and marks time. The first rank breaks in half. The person on the outside marches around the Drum Major. The next person inside, in that rank, falls in behind and follows to form a circle. The outside person of the next rank falls in behind the last person in that half of the former rank. When the circle is complete everyone turns in and marks time. The drums hold ranks, move in and mark time to complete the circle in front of the Drum Major.

The horseshoe formation is formed the same as circling up except that a half circle is formed and the band faces the audience instead of the center of the circle.

This is the opposite of circling up. The Drum Major executes a four count turn to the rear and marches forward to clear the band. The bandsman turn to face the direction of march. each half of a rank comes on line almost like a wheel turn and marks time. The drums close up from the rear.

Commands

To begin tunes: name the tune; use the supplementary command By the Rolls to instruct the band to begin with a roll off; to begin marching at the beginning of the tune give the command Forward March; to begin without marching give the command Quick March.

In formation, the Pipe Major marches on the right of the front rank.

The carry is the basic position to hold the instruments in when not playing. The left forearm is parallel to the ground. Chanter and wind pipe held in the left hand with the drones tucked under the arm and parallel to the ground.

The port is the playing position for the instruments. The bass drone should not be canted either left or right. The pipes should be held with proper playing form.

This is the command to bring the pipes from the carry to the port.

This is the command to go from the port to the carry.

Weapons will never be worn to the dinner table except the skein-duhb.

The Ghurkan Kukri knife was addopted by British units after their encounters with the Ghurka’s. It has become a band tradition that drummers who have given at least one public performance with the band may wear the Kukri. It is worn from the waistbelt in the small of the back. Kukri’s will be of plain style in a black leather sheath. They will be an individual purchase item, optional, not obligatory and are kept by the drummer.

Sabers are worn by the officers of the band. They will be the standard Cadet Saber worn from the crossbelt. The Army Saber Manual will be used.

Rifles will be used for guard details and honor guards.

The mace is the symbol of the unit. It is carried with pride and dignity by the Drum Major and is used for signaling various commands to the band. Historically it was the Drum Majors weapon, used against the enemy and subordinates for discipline. The mace also adds to the Drum Majors showmanship. Impressive flourishes are often used while performing but care must be used to NEVER EVER drop the mace. It is a great indignity to the unit to do so.

The mace is 5 feet long. The bottom of the mace is the toe. The metal spike at the base is the Lower Ferrule. The chain is wrapped around the shaft or staff. The chain is held to the shaft at the upper end by the Upper Ferrule. At the top of the mace is a metal ball. The bottom half is sloped out like the bell of a horn and is called the Trumpet. Above this is the dome called the Bell. This is sometimes topped by an ornamental figure called a Crown or Final. Between the Trumpet and the Upper Ferrule is a part of the shaft that is the Hand Grip.

The Shaft is usually held at the balance point. This is the spot on the mace that it can be balanced and must be found on any mace before working with it because it is generally the best place to hold the mace.

Attention: Stand at attention. Toe of mace against toe of right foot. Mace held in right hand. Elbow against body. Right forearm parallel to the ground and perpendicular to shoulders.

Parade Rest: Feet shoulder width apart. Left hand flat and behind back along waist line. Toe of mace against toe of right foot. Right arm extended straight out at 45 degrees from body.

At Ease: Mace centered in front of body. Hands on top of ball.

Ready: Same as attention except mace not resting on ground and perpendicular to ground.

Trail: Mace held in left hand. Parallel to ground with ball forward.

Carry: Mace held in left hand. Elbow against body. Hand at level of chest. Mace at 45 degree angle.

Present arms: Right hand flat, palm down, holding Hand grip between thumb and forefinger. Left arm straight down. Left hand holding ferrule against side.

Hand Salute: A hand salute is executed with mace at Left carry. Do not beat time or flourish while saluting.

Prep: Mace against right side. Right arm down with hand holding Hand grip. Left hand across body holding shaft.

Exec: Thrust mace up, holding it with right arm extended and hand holding hand grip, ball down. on count 2 pull mace down so ball is against chest. count 3 extend again and hold as band steps off.

Mark Time

Prep: Hold mace above head, parallel to ground. Right hand holding hand grip, left holding ferrule.

Exec. Bring mace down keeping arms extended. on count 2 return to up position and back down on count 3. Return to carry.

Halt: Same as Mark Time. Unless part of a rehearsed routine the band always marks time before a halt.

Prep: Hold mace above head in right hand. Parallel to ground with ferrule pointing in direction of turn.

Exec.: Thrust mace in direction of turn. on count 2 pull mace back as body turns so hand is on right shoulder. count 3 return mace to carry.

Prep: Hold mace by balance with ball down at shoulder level. Ferrule in air

Exec: Thrust mace upwards and return on count 2. return mace to carry after clearing last rank.

Prep: Hold mace above head in right hand by ferrule with bell in air.

Exec: executed with bass drum count 1: extend arm to side keeping bell stationary and bring back to start position. count 3: repeat count 5: extend and do not return count 6: return and raise slightly count 7: drop to attention.

When given on the march band ceases to play and continues marching. When given while marking time the band halts on last beat.