Section 3 EO M408.03 – COMMAND A SQUAD
Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-804/PG-001, Proficiency Level Four Qualification Standard and Plan, 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.
Photocopy and fold in half (laminate if possible) the Parade Sequence Aide-Mémoire Card located at Attachment A for each cadet.
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A demonstration and performance was chosen for this lesson as it allows the instructor to explain and demonstrate the skill of commanding a squad while providing an opportunity for the cadets to practice the skill under supervision.
The review for this lesson is from EO M408.02 (Identify Parade Sequence).
What is the sequence for the opening parade?
What is the sequence for the closing parade?
What is the general sequence of the Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) parade?
The sequence for the opening parade is as follows:
form up;
roll call;
inspection;
march past;
announcements; and
dismissal.
The sequence for the closing parade is as follows:
form up;
announcements;
advance in review order; and
dismissal.
The general parade sequence for the ACR is as follows:
form up;
reception of the reviewing officer (RO);
inspection by the RO;
march past;
awards and presentations;
advance in review order;
departure of the RO; and
dismissal.
By the end of this lesson the cadet shall have commanded a squad.
It is important for cadets to command a squad on parade as they will be placed in a team leader role and will need to know the formations and locations of all members on the parade square. Cadets also need to know how to deliver words of command in a clear and concise manner, with confidence and determination, which will affect how cadets in the squad respond to orders.
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Teaching point 1
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Explain, demonstrate and have the cadets command a squad.
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Time: 25 min
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Method: Demonstration and Performance
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This TP is intended to demonstrate to the cadet how to command a squad. For this skill TP, it is recommended that instruction take the following format: (1)
Explain and demonstrate the complete skill of commanding a squad while cadets observe, to include: (2)
Explain and demonstrate each step required to effectively command a squad while on parade. (3)
Have each cadet assume the role of team leader and practice each step. (4)
Have each cadet assume the role of team leader and practice the complete skill. Divide the team into two or three groups, if required, for all cadets to command a squad. This activity shall be conducted IAW A-PD-201-000/PT-000, The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial. Note: Assistant instructors may be required for demonstration purposes. |
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Position the cadets around the parade square, as required, so that they can see the movements required to command a squad. |
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Distribute a copy of the Parade Sequence Aide-Mémoire Card located at Attachment A to each cadet. Cadets may use the card when practicing the skill of commanding a squad. |
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The term squad is a generic name for a group of cadets, used to teach drill movements. This term can be interchanged with platoon, flight, division or any other applicable elemental or regimental term. The aim of flight drill is to enable the flight, when it takes its place in the squadron, to carry out any sequence of drill movements that the parade commander orders. |
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The parade format that is provided in this lesson is one way to conduct the parade. Cadet squadrons have some flexibility, as they may not have the number of cadets required or cadets may have not completed the required training to assume the role of every parade position. Refer to Annex A of PO 108 (Participate in an Annual Ceremonial Review Parade), for further information on the parade format. |
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The position of flight sergeant is abbreviated at Flt Sgt. The rank of Flight Sergeant is abbreviated FSgt. |
Falling In
When falling in as a flight sergeant (Flt Sgt), follow the required commands of the squadron warrant officer (Sqn WO) or the deputy parade commander.
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If there is no deputy parade commander, the parade commander would complete the required commands and actions. |
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When assuming the role of a flight commander (Flt Comd), the following additional steps for falling in are to be conducted: (1)
The commencement of the promenade begins after the squads have fallen in. The promenade continues until the deputy parade commander or the parade commander is ready to assume command. (2)
Flt Comds position themselves five paces in the rear of and centred on the deputy parade commander, at the front of the parade square. Dressing is automatic and Flt Comds are to stand at ease in succession from the right. (3)
On the command OFFICERS FALL—IN, by the deputy parade commander, Flt Comds come to attention, turn left and march to their respective squads, approaching their squads from the right flank front (as illustrated in Figure 1).  Note. From The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and
Ceremonial (p. 7-2-2), by Director History and Heritage 3-2, 2005,
Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
Figure 1 When Officers Fall In
(4)
Flt Comds halt two paces in front of the Flt Sgt, who reports the strength, condition, etc, of the squad. Flt Comds then march forward two paces to take their proper command position after the Flt Sgt has moved to their position behind the squad. |
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Figure 1 demonstrates the fall-in procedures when a Flt Comd and a Flt Sgt are on parade. Inform the cadets that if no Flt Comd is required to fall in, the Flt Sgt will maintain command of the flight. |
Regardless of frontage, when a squad is formed up in line the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt shall be positioned three paces in front and centre of the squad.
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Figure 2 demonstrates the command positions when a Flt Comd and a Flt Sgt are on parade. |
When on parade, each squad follows the same procedures to hand over command. Once the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt are in their new position(s), the command STAND AT—EASE, is given in succession from the front (right). On the executive word of command of the last Flt Comd / Flt Sgt ordering their squad to stand at ease, Flt Comd / Flt Sgts turn about and stand at ease together.
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Throughout the parade it is important to remember that words of command are to be pronounced clearly and distinctly, with confidence and determination, since they convey an order which is to be promptly obeyed. Refer to A-CR-CCP-803/PF-001, Proficiency Level Three Instructional Guides, EO M308.02 (Deliver Words of Command), if further information is required on how to deliver proper words of command. |
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When paying compliments during the parade, all salutes must be acknowledged and conducted in a sharp manner. |
Greeting the RO to Complete the Inspection
Inspections are conducted one squad at a time, normally accompanied by the RO and the reviewing party. The parade commander will give the command NO. 1 SQUAD, STAND FAST, REMAINDER STAND AT—EASE before the inspection begins. The inspection commences with the squad ordered to stand fast.
As the RO approaches, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt turns right and marches to a position three paces in front of the marker, facing the RO. When the RO approaches, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt will salute (if required) and report the squad.
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The following is an example opening report from the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt to the RO, when the RO approaches the squad for the inspection. "Good evening (morning / afternoon) sir (ma'am), Sergeant Jones reporting for number one squad, 25 cadets on parade, ready for your inspection". |
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If the RO is a local government official, a civilian or a non-commissioned officer (NCO), a salute is not required. |
The Flt Comd / Flt Sgt will guide the RO through the front and rear of each rank, commencing at the right flank of the front rank and proceeding in a counter-clockwise direction around each rank in turn. When the RO has completed the inspection, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt will position themselves behind the rear rank marker, to acknowledge the RO's completion of the squad's inspection, ask permission to carry on and salute (if required).
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The following is an example response from Flt Comd / Flt Sgt to the RO, when the RO has completed the inspection of the squad. "Sir (ma'am), thank you for inspecting number one squad. Permission to carry on?" |
Once the RO has begun to move to the next squad, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt executes a right turn and marches, using a series of wheels, back to their command position facing the squad. When in position the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt shall give the commands CLOSE ORDER—MARCH and STAND AT—EASE. The Flt Comd / Flt Sgt will then turn about to face the front, stand at ease, and await further orders from the parade commander.
As the inspection is being completed, the remaining Flt Comds / Flt Sgts will observe the RO and as the RO inspects the rear rank of the preceding squad, the next Flt Comd / Flt Sgt shall turn about to face their squad, give the command ATTEN—TION and carry out the inspection sequence for their squad.
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Inspections are always carried out at the open order. |
Leading the Squad on the March Past
March pasts may be conducted in column of route or in column of threes, depending on time and space available, level of training and the occasion. The simplest march past is column of route in quick time.
Throughout the march past, when commanded by the parade commander, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt may be required to give the command EYES—RIGHT and EYES—FRONT to their respective squad.
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The commands EYES—RIGHT and EYES—FRONT, will be given on the left foot. |
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If there are turns on the march past, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt may be required to give the commands RIGHT—TURN (called on the left foot) and / or LEFT—TURN (called on the right foot), when directed by the parade commander. At the end of the march past, the command HALT (called on the left foot) may also be required to be given, when directed by the parade commander. |
Column of route. The Flt Comd / Flt Sgt is two paces in front of the centre single file of the squad. Column of route is the formation most commonly used to move squads on the march.
When halted in this position and given the command to turn, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt will turn in the appropriate direction, observe the standard pause and march, using a series of wheels, to their appropriate position(s).
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Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate the command positions when a Flt Comd and a Flt Sgt are on parade for the march past, in column of route. If there is no Flt Comd, the Flt Sgt will command the flight. |
Column of threes. A squad in column of threes is in the same formation as when in line, but facing a flank. Column of threes is another formation used to move a squad on the march.
When halted in this position and given the command to turn, the Flt Comd / Flt Sgt turn in the appropriate direction and maintain their position(s).
Falling Out
When falling out as a Flt Sgt, follow the commands of the Sqn WO or the deputy parade commander.
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When assuming the role of a Flt Comd, the following additional steps of falling out are to be conducted: (1)
On the command OFFICERS, FALL—OUT, which is given by the parade commander when the parade is at attention, the Flt Comd marches the most direct route and forms up in a line, five paces in front of, centred on and facing, the parade commander, at arm’s length interval (without raising the arm), the deputy parade commander on the right. (2)
When all Flt Comds are present and in line, the deputy parade commander takes a half pace forward. (3)
When ordered by the parade commander to DIS—MISS, the deputy parade commander will step back one half pace. All Flt Comds will observe the standard pause and march straight forward off the parade square, along with the deputy parade commander. |
The cadets' commanding a squad will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
The cadets' commanding a squad will serve as the confirmation of this lesson.
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This lesson is assessed IAW A-CR-CCP-804/PG-001, Proficiency Level Four Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 3, Annex B, 408 PC.
Commanding a squad on parade with confidence and determination, will affect how cadets respond to the orders given. Delivering words of command, in a clear and concise manner allows a squad to move as a team in an organized and efficient manner.
Where there are a large number of cadets, divide the group into two or three squads and rotate the cadets through as commanders.
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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