Section 3 EO C308.01 – EXECUTE FLAG DRILL
Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-803/PG-001, Chapter 4. Specific uses for said resources are identified throughout the instructional guide within the TP for which they are required.
Review the lesson content and become familiar with the material prior to delivering the lesson.
For further direction and information on cadet flags and banners, refer to CATO 12-05, Cadet Flags and Banners, Paragraphs 1 to 9.
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An interactive lecture was chosen for TP 1 to present basic background material on flags and flag parties.
Demonstration and performance was chosen for TPs 2 to 6 as it allows the instructor to demonstrate and explain the skills the cadets are expected to acquire while providing an opportunity for the cadets to practice flag drill under supervision.
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By the end of this lesson the cadet, as a member of a flag party, shall have executed flag drill.
It is important for cadets to execute flag drill so they are able to take part in ceremonies and parades as members of the flag party at the squadron, cadet summer training centre (CSTC) and other community events as required. Colours and flags have many meanings and are symbols of such things as achievements, nationality and identity. It is considered an honour to be a member of the flag party.
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Teaching point 1
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Explain Details of Flags, the Pike, the Colour Carrying Belt and the
Composition of a Flag Party
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Time: 10 min
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Method: Interactive Lecture
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Flags. As a generic term (including colours), flags are pieces of bunting or other material, attachable to a pike, staff or halyard, and used as a means of identification or for signalling.
Canton. The upper half of the hoist. It is also called the First Quarter and sometimes the Upper Hoist. The canton is considered the place of honour on a flag.
Hoist. The half of the flag nearest to the halyard.
Halyard. The rope that raises or lowers a flag.
Fly. The half of the flag furthest from the halyard.
Staff (Flagstaff). A pole on which a flag is mounted for display.
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Colours are consecrated ceremonial flags carried to mark the identity of Canadian Forces (CF) formations and units. They belong to a separate class and are not paraded with other flags. Cadet flags are not consecrated (made sacred and devoted to service by the Chaplain General as symbols of honour and duty), therefore shall not be referred to as colours. |
Commanding Officers of cadet squadrons and CSTCs shall ensure that flags and banners are not referred to as colours, adorned with honours or consecrated and not issued at public expense.
Flags are used to identify individuals and groups. Many flags which originated as the insignia of individuals gradually came to represent the state or agencies within the state.
Authorized Flags and Banners
The following is a list of flags and banners that may be carried on parade by cadet squadrons:
1.the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Ensign,
2.the Royal Canadian Army Cadets Flag,
3.the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Ensign, and
4.the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron Banner.
The following is a list of flags and banners that should only be carried on ceremonial parades to indicate a cadet formation:
1.the Royal Canadian Army Cadets Banner,
2.the Royal Canadian Army Cadets Trumpet Banner,
3.the Royal Canadian Army Cadets Pipe Banner,
4.the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Banner, and
5.the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Pipe Banner.
Pike. A pole on which colours or other flags are mounted for carrying or displaying.
Pike Head. The decorative ornament (finial) on the top of a pike, staff or pole.
The colour carrying belt is worn over the left shoulder by members of the flag party carrying flags. The socket is the “pocket” where the pike base is placed while the flag is in the carry position.
 Director Cadets 3, 2008, Ottawa, ON: Department of National
Defence
Figure 3 Flag Party Legend
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 Director Cadets 3, 2008, Ottawa, ON: Department of National
Defence
Figure 4 Flag Party for One Flag
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 Director Cadets 3, 2008, Ottawa, ON: Department of National
Defence
Figure 5 Flag Party for Two Flags
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The composition of a flag party carrying one flag (as illustrated in Figure 8-3-3) consists of the flag party commander (cadet carrying the flag) and two escorts (cadets on either side of the flag).
The composition of a flag party carrying two flags (as illustrated in Figure 8-3-4) consists of one senior escort (cadet between the flags), the flag party commander and one flag bearer (cadets carrying the flags) and two senior NCOs (cadets directly behind the flags).
The flag party commander and/or flag bearer is appointed to carry, handle and protect the flags.
The senior escort and/or escort are appointed to safeguard the flags. They remain with the flags and may or may not carry drill-purpose rifles.
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When a cadet flag party carries the national flag and either the Air Cadet Ensign or the Squadron Banner, the national flag occupies the position of honour on the right (on the left from the spectators view) and is normally carried by a senior cadet. |
Normally, the national flag does not have an escort. It may be given an escort with a drill-purpose rifle if the cadets on parade are carrying drill-purpose rifles.
What is a pike?
Over which shoulder is the colour carrying belt worn?
How many members are in a flag party with only one flag?
A pike is a pole on which colours or other flags are mounted for carrying or displaying.
The colour carrying belt is worn over the left shoulder.
There are three members in a flag party with only one flag: the flag party commander and two escorts.
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Teaching point 2
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Demonstrate, Explain and Have the Cadets Practice Adopting the Order, Stand at
Ease From the Order, Stand Easy From the Stand at Ease, Stand at Ease From the
Stand Easy and Order From the Stand at Ease With a Flag
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Time: 15 min
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Method: Demonstration and Performance
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Develop and use a vocabulary of short, concise words to impress on the cadets that the movements must be performed smartly. For example, the words “crack”, “drive”, “seize” and “grasp” suggest the degree of smartness required. Profanity or personal sarcasm shall never be used. Proper drill movements shall be combined with a professional demeanour throughout the period of instruction. Check for faults and correct them immediately as they occur. |
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Each TP is to be conducted as follows: (1)
Have the cadets fall in, in an effective squad formation (eg, hollow square, semi-circle or single rank). (2)
Demonstrate and explain each movement, as time allows. (3)
Give the cadets time to practice each movement on their own. (4)
After all movements have been demonstrated and practiced, deliver commands and have all the cadets perform them as a squad. |
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Capitalization indicates the words of command for each movement. Cadence is to be maintained while completing these movements. |
To assume the position of the order (attention), the cadets shall:
1.Stand with heels together and in line, with the feet turned out to form an angle of 30 degrees.
2.Maintain balance and distribute weight evenly on both feet.
3.Keep the shoulders squared and to the front.
4.Hold the head erect with the neck touching the back of the collar, eyes steady, looking directly to the front.
5.Hold the pike vertical in the right hand, along the right side.
6.Keep the base of the pike on the ground at the right foot in line with the small toe.
7.Hold the pike and flag with an all-round grasp with the right hand, with the back of the hand pointed outwards at the point of the pike where the lowest corner of the flag hangs.
8.Ensure the flag hangs naturally down the pike and is not pulled taut.
9.Keep the right elbow at the side.
10.Hold the left arm at the position of attention.
On the command, STAND AT—EASE, the cadets shall:
1.bend the left knee and place the left foot smartly on the ground 25 cm (approximately 10 inches) to the left;
2.maintain the left arm in the position of attention; and
3.maintain the pike and flag in the position of the order.
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Timing for this movement is one. |
On the command, STAND—EASY, the cadets shall:
1.maintain the feet at the position of stand at ease;
2.keep the left arm at the side; and
3.relax the body.
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Timing for this movement is one. |
On the command, SQUAD, the cadets shall resume the position of stand at ease.
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Timing for this movement is one. |
On the command, ATTEN—TION, the cadets shall:
1.bend the left knee and bring the left foot to the position of attention, keeping the left arm at the side; and
2.maintain the pike and flag in the position of the order.
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Timing for this movement is one. |
The cadets’ practicing of the order, stand at ease and stand easy, with a flag, will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 3
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Demonstrate, Explain and Have the Cadets Practice Adopting the Carry From the
Order, Order From the Carry, Let Fly From the Carry and Catch the Flag From the
Let Fly
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Time: 25 min
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Method: Demonstration and Performance
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On the command, CARRY—FLAGS, the cadets shall:
1.on the first movement:
with the right hand, carry the flag to a vertical position in front of the centre of the body, keeping the right forearm along the side of the pike, and keeping the base of the pike just over the socket of the carrying belt; and
simultaneously, bring the left hand to the socket and guide in the base of the pike; and
2.on the second movement:
cut the left hand to the side in the position of attention; and
simultaneously, bring the right forearm parallel to the ground so that upon completion of the movement, the right hand is opposite the mouth with the back of the right hand facing out, the wrist straight and the forearm parallel to the ground.
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Timing for this movement is one-two-three, one. |
On the command, ORDER—FLAGS, the cadets shall:
1.on the first movement:
bring the right forearm from a horizontal to a vertical position along the pike and with the right hand, raise the pike clear of the socket of the carrying belt; and
simultaneously, bring the left hand to the socket to steady the pike and the carrying belt; and
2.on the second movement:
carry the flag with the right hand to the position of the order; and
simultaneously, move the left hand across the body to steady the pike with the forearm parallel to the ground, the back of the hand facing out, and the fingers of the left hand together, extended and pointing to the right; and
3.on the third movement, cut the left hand to the side in the position of attention.
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Timing for this movement is one-two-three, one-two-three, one. |
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Let fly is used either as a salute to dignitaries or to allow for the identification of the flag. |
On the command LET FLY THE—FLAG(S), the cadets shall:
1.maintain the grip of the pike; and
2.simultaneously release the flag with a downward movement of the right hand.
This drill movement is also used on the commands:
GENERAL SALUTE—SALUTE; and
EYES—RIGHT during a march past (the flag is let fly on the next left foot).
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Timing for this movement is one. |
On the command, CATCH THE— FLAG(S), the cadets shall:
1.on the first movement:
grasp the flag with the left hand and bring it in to the pike; and
simultaneously, grasp the corner of the flag with the right hand, back of the hand outwards, at the point of the pike where the lowest corner of the flag reached; and
2.on the second movement, cut the left hand to the side to the position of attention and raise the right forearm to the horizontal position.
This drill movement is also used on the commands:
ATTEN—TION following the General Salute; and
EYES—FRONT during the march past.
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Timing for this movement is one-two-three, one. |
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Depending on the wind direction, the flag may be grasped with the right hand after securing the pike in the left hand. If, because of wind strength, the flag cannot be caught, the flag shall be brought to the position of the order, the flag secured and returned to the carry. |
The cadets’ practicing of carry from the order, order from the carry, let fly and catch the flag will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 4
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Demonstrate, Explain and Have the Cadets Practice Marching and Halting in
Quick Time and Spiral Countermarching With Flags
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Time: 35 min
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Method: Demonstration and Performance
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On the command, QUICK—MARCH, the cadets shall:
1.shoot the left foot forward one half pace (35 cm [14 inches]), with the toe up;
2.strike the heel on the ground first and keep the toe pointed directly forward;
3.simultaneously, swing the left arm back waist high;
4.maintain the right arm in the position of the carry; and
5.continue to march with subsequent standard paces (75 cm [30 inches]).
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Timing for this movement is left-right-left. |
On the command, SQUAD—HALT, the cadets shall:
1.place the right foot flat on the ground naturally, using the heel as a brake;
2.simultaneously swing the left arm forward, breast-pocket high;
3.take a half pace (35 cm [14 inches]) with the left foot, placing it flat on the ground, swinging the left arm back;
4.bend the right knee and straighten it in double time; and
5.simultaneously, cut the left arm to the side as quickly as possible and assume the position of attention.
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The command SQUAD—HALT is given as the left foot is on the ground. |
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Timing for this movement is one-one-two. |
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Practice the movements with: •
the instructor calling the time; •
the squad calling the time; and •
the squad judging the time. Emphasize any movements that the cadets had difficulty with during the lesson. |
An adapted form of the spiral countermarch is used to reverse the direction that the flag party is facing without using as much space as is required for a double wheel by the flag party.
On the command, FLAG PARTY, SPIRAL COUNTER—MARCH:
1.all cadets shall maintain the same cadence;
2.the cadets in the file on the right shall perform two consecutive left wheel movements;
3.the cadets in the centre and the file on the left shall perform two consecutive right wheel movements; and
4.the escorts in the rear rank shall follow the flag bearer to their front into position while maintaining dressing.
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It is recommended to end this lesson here and teach TPs 5 and 6 during a second session. |
The cadets’ participation in practicing marching and halting, and spiral countermarching with flags will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 5
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Demonstrate, Explain and Have the Cadets Practice Forming to the Right and
Left With Flags
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Time: 40 min
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Method: Demonstration and Performance
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A form changes the direction faced by a flag party in line while maintaining its formation. |
To change direction by forming at the halt to the halt, the following movements shall occur:
On the command AT THE HALT, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT)—FORM:
1.the leading person on the directing flank turns right (left);
2.simultaneously, the remainder of the front rank makes a right (left) incline; and
3.the rear ranks stand fast.
On the command QUICK—MARCH:
1.the leading person of the directing flank marches forward five paces and halts;
2.simultaneously, the remainder of the squad steps off, wheeling as necessary to regain their original position to the left (right) of the directing flank; and
3.each successive file halts in succession from right to left (left to right), facing the new direction.
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The command CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT)—FORM is given as the left (right) foot is on the ground. |
To change direction by forming on the march, the following movements shall occur:
On the command CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT)—FORM:
1.the leading person of the directing flank makes a right (left) turn, marches forward six paces and marks time;
2.simultaneously, the remainder of the front rank makes a right (left) incline and steps off toward the new position in line with the right (left) flag;
3.the remainder of the squad wheels as necessary to regain their original position to the left (right) of the directing flank; and
4.each successive file marks time, in succession from right to left (left to right), facing the new direction.
On the command FOR—WARD or FLAG PARTY—HALT, the squad acts as ordered.
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The commands FOR—WARD and FLAG PARTY—HALT are given as the left foot is on the ground. |
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Practice the movements with: •
the instructor calling the time; •
the squad calling the time; and •
the squad judging the time. Emphasize any movements that the cadets had difficulty with during the lesson. |
The cadets’ practicing of change direction by forming at the halt and on the march will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 6
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Demonstrate, Explain and Have the Cadets Practice Marching On and Marching Off
the Flags
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Time: 45 min
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Method: Demonstration and Performance
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The flag party shall march on and march off the parade from the same flank, either left or right. |
On the command, MARCH ON THE—FLAG(S), members of the flag party shall perform the following:
1.the flag party commander shall order the cautionary FLAG PARTY;
2.the parade commander shall order TO THE FLAG(S)—SALUTE; and
3.the flag party commander shall order BY THE RIGHT (CENTRE), QUICK—MARCH.
The flag party shall march to its position by a series of forms (as illustrated in Figure 8-3-14).
On the command, FLAG PARTY, SPIRAL COUNTER—MARCH:
The series of forms shall be conducted as follows:
1.On the command FLAG PARTY, QUICK—MARCH, the flag party shall move as a unit to a location on the parade square centred on the parade commander.
2.On the command FLAG PARTY, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT)—FORM, the flag party shall perform a right (left) form on the march. Upon completion of the form, the cadets shall mark time.
3.The flag party shall resume marching on the command FOR—WARD.
4.The flag party shall perform a spiral countermarch. On the command, FLAG PARTY, SPIRAL COUNTER—MARCH:
all cadets shall maintain the same cadence;
the cadets in the file on the right shall perform two consecutive left wheel movements;
the cadets in the centre and the file on the left shall perform two consecutive right wheel movements; and
the escorts in the rear rank shall follow the flag bearer to their front into position while maintaining dressing.
5.Upon completion of the spiral countermarch, the flag party shall move to a predetermined location on the parade square.
6.Upon halting in its parade position, the flag party commander orders FLAG PARTY, TO THE FLAG(S)—SALUTE.
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If the flag party is armed, the flag party commander will order FLAG PARTY, TO THE FLAG(S), PRESENT—ARMS. Once the flag escort is at the present, the parade commander will order SLOPE—ARMS, and the parade, now including the flag party will slope arms. |
Until the flag party is ordered off at the conclusion of the parade, it shall execute the parade commander’s commands rather than the flag party commander’s commands, except in the following circumstances:
During an inspection, the flag shall remain in the carry position when the parade commander orders the squadron AT—EASE.
When required to move to a flank independently, the flag party shall do so under command of its flag party commander by executing forms at the halt or on the march.
On the command, MARCH OFF THE—FLAG(S), members of the flag party shall perform the following:
1.the flag party commander shall order the cautionary FLAG PARTY;
2.the parade commander shall order TO THE FLAG(S)—SALUTE; and
3.the flag party commander shall order BY THE RIGHT (CENTRE), QUICK—MARCH.
The series of forms shall be conducted as follows:
1.On the command FLAG PARTY, QUICK—MARCH, the flag party shall move as a unit to a location on the parade square centred on the parade commander.
2.On the command FLAG PARTY, CHANGE DIRECTION LEFT (RIGHT), LEFT (RIGHT)—FORM, the flag party shall perform a left (right) form on the march. Upon completion of the form, the cadets shall mark time.
3.The flag party shall resume marching on the command FOR—WARD.
4.The flag party shall move to the left (right) flank and march off the parade square.
The cadets’ participation in practicing marching on and off as members of a flag party will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
Have the cadets execute flag drill on the march while judging the time.
Continue delivering commands as time allows, focusing on movements with which the cadets experience difficulty.
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Flag drill is the foundation for all other flag drill movements. Drill develops many qualities through self-discipline and practice. Drill that is well-rehearsed, closely supervised and precise is an exercise in obedience and alertness that creates teamwork.
It is recommended that this lesson be conducted in two separate sessions. Conduct TPs 1 to 4 in the first session and TPs 5 and 6 in the second session.
Squadrons wishing to deviate from the lesson structure for local/Air Force traditions may do so, but are limited to the six periods allocated.
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A0-002 |
A-PD-201-000/PT-000 Director History and Heritage 3-2. (2005). The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence. |
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A0-031 |
A-PD-202-001/FP-000 Director Ceremonial 2. (1993). Canadian Forces Military Bands and Marches: Band Instructions. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence. |
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A0-099 |
A-AD-200-000/AG-000 Director History and Heritage. (1999). The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence. |
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A0-102 |
Director Cadets 5. (1999). CATO 12-05, Cadet Flags and Banners. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence. |
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