Section 1 EO M308.01 – PREPARE A SQUAD FOR PARADE

The term squad is a generic name for a group of cadets. This term can be interchanged with flight, platoon, division or any other applicable elemental or regimental term.

The squad formation should be implemented when there is a parade strength of less than 32 cadets.

Squad formations are essential to maintain control and ensure uniformity. The instructor shall determine the formation to be used, based on the number of cadets present, to include:

Single Rank. A single rank shall be formed when there are five or fewer cadets.

Two Ranks. Two ranks shall be formed when there are six to nine cadets.

Three Ranks. Three ranks shall be formed when there are 10 or more cadets.

A-PD-201-000/PT-000 (p. 2-2)

Figure 1  Squad Formations

When there are not enough cadets to form complete files, a file shall be left blank (as illustrated in Figure 8-1-1). The file blank shall be the second file from the left. In two ranks, this blank file is without a rear rank cadet, and in three ranks, this blank file is without a centre and/or rear rank cadet.

Director Cadets 3, 2008, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence

Figure 2  Parade Appointment Symbols

A squadron consists of two or more flights. The aim of squadron drill is to manoeuvre the flight as one under the command of a parade commander and assistance of a parade deputy commander. Other senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) not directly involved with the flights, shall be supernumeraries and form supernumerary ranks as directed by the parade commander. There shall be seven paces between flights for all formations.

When space is limited, intervals and distances between flights may be decreased.

There are three squadron formations used by cadets, to include:

Line. A squadron is formed in line when flights are formed up side-by-side, seven paces apart and aligned facing the front, with parade appointments located in the front and rear of the formation (as illustrated in Figure 8-1-3).

To be formed in threes and in line is the common formation when a squad forms up.

Director Cadets 3, 2008, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence

Figure 3  Squadron in Line

Column of Threes. A squadron is formed in column of threes when flights are turned to the right or left of the front, with parade appointments located in their positions in the front and rear of the formation and turned to the right or left with the flight (as illustrated in Figure 8-1-4).

Director Cadets 3, 2008, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence

Figure 4  Squadron in Column of Threes

Column of Route. A squadron is formed in column of route when flights are turned to the right or left, with parade appointments positioned to lead or follow the formation (as illustrated in Figure 8-1-5).

Director Cadets 3, 2008, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence

Figure 5  Squadron in Column of Route

The unique nature of the cadet squadron allows for the adjustment of parade positions to be filled by cadet WOs and cadet senior NCOs. The following parade positions are normally filled by cadets when conducting a formal parade:

Parade Commander (Pde Comd). With a squadron in line or in column of threes, the Pde Comd is centred three paces in front of the line of flight commanders, facing the same direction as the flights except when addressing the squadron. With a squadron in column of route, the Pde Comd is centred four paces in front of the leading flight.

Parade Deputy Commander (DComd). The DComd is an appointment that is seldom assigned in a cadet squadron. If applicable, the DComd is centred three paces in front of the second single file from the right flank of the squadron and in line with the Flt Comd.

Squadron Warrant Officer (SWO). With a squadron in line or in column of threes, the SWO is located one pace to the right of the No. 1 Flight marker, in line with the front rank. With a squadron in column of route, the SWO is located one pace in front of the directing flank of the leading flight.

Flight Commander (Flt Comd). With a squadron in line or in column of threes, the Flt Comd is centred three paces in front of the flight. With a squadron in column of route, the Flt Comd is centred two paces in front of their flight.

Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt). With a squadron in line or in column of threes, the Flt Sgt is centred three paces in rear of the flight. With a squadron in column of route, the Flt Sgt is centred two paces in the rear of their flight.

Prior to handing over to the Flt Comd, the Flt Sgt will be centred three paces in front of the flight. After handing over to the Flt Comd, the Flt Sgt assumes their position as stated above.

Flight Marker (Marker). The marker is the individual placed in the first rank of the first file to indicate the position which a body of cadets will occupy when covering and falling in. In all squad and squadron formations, the marker remains in the same location.

When preparing a squad for parade, the team leader, acting as the Flt WO, is responsible to ensure the squad is ready for parade by:

1.having the squad on the parade square by falling in a squad;

2.knowing who is present or absent by calling the roll;

3.ensuring uniformity of the squad by sizing in single rank and reforming threes (twos);

4.ensuring the squad is properly spaced by dressing a squad;

5.ensuring all cadets are well turned out by inspecting a squad; and

6.continuing with the parade by handing over the squad.

The purpose of this TP is to aid the cadets’ comprehension of the process they have executed during Proficiency Level One and Two when preparing for parade during a training sessions.

If the time allotted is not sufficient for all cadets to assume the role of a team leader in preparing a squad for parade, additional time during nightly opening and closing parades shall be used to provide all cadets the opportunity for performance.

The cadets’ participation in the activity will serve as the confirmation of this TP.

The cadets’ participation in preparing a squad for parade will serve as the confirmation of this lesson.