Drill and Ceremonies Manual (United States Army)

Drill and Ceremonies Manual (United States Army)
Title	Drill and Ceremonies Manual (United States Army)
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Manual
Introduced	1911
Current revision	2016

Drill and Ceremonies Manual (United States Army) is the principal field manual used by the United States Army to prescribe marching, formations, salutes, and ceremonial functions for units and organizations. It codifies procedures adopted across institutions such as the United States Military Academy, Fort Benning, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, and units from I Corps to 3rd Infantry Division. The manual informs practices observed at events like the Presidential Inauguration, Arlington National Cemetery ceremonies, and state functions involving the United States Congress and the Department of Defense.

History and Development

The manual traces lineage to early American predecessors used during the American Revolutionary War and formalized under figures such as George Washington and Nathanael Greene, with influences from European systems like those of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Prussian Army. Nineteenth-century reforms tied to the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War led to standardized drill texts used at institutions including West Point and Fort Leavenworth. Twentieth-century consolidations reflected lessons from the Spanish–American War, World War I, and World War II, influenced by doctrine at the Combined Arms Center and guidance from leaders such as John J. Pershing. Cold War-era updates paralleled doctrine changes during the Korean War and Vietnam War, while post‑9/11 revisions integrated experiences from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Purpose and Scope

The manual's stated purpose is to establish uniform procedures for company, battalion, and regiment-level formations, aligning unit discipline with ceremonial obligations to authorities including the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the United States Congress. It prescribes routines for events at locations such as The White House, Capitol Hill, and national memorials like the World War II Memorial. Scope covers execution standards taught at training centers like Fort Jackson and evaluated during exercises by commands such as United States Army Europe and United States Army Pacific.

Organization and Content

Contents are arranged into sections covering fundamentals, company- and battalion-level maneuvers, rifle and color details, and special ceremonies involving elements like the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery and military bands from the United States Army Band. Chapters detail responsibilities for commanders, noncommissioned officers, and specialists trained at schools like the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and Hohenfels Training Area. Annexes include material on equipment, drill commands used by units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, and protocols mirrored in allied manuals from NATO partners.

Drill Movements and Procedures

Detailed descriptions instruct execution of movements including inspection, formation, march, halt, rear march, and wheel maneuvers used by formations from platoon to brigade. Procedures reference standards taught at Fort Benning, practiced by units such as the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Infantry Division, and demonstrated during international events like bilateral exercises with United Kingdom and Canada. The manual codifies command language, timing, cadence, and footwork standards consistent with training at institutions such as the Infantry School and oversight by Training and Doctrine Command.

Ceremonial Practices and Honors

Ceremonial protocols address honors for dignitaries including the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, foreign heads of state, and congressional delegations. It prescribes conduct for color guard presentations, military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, parades during the Presidential Inauguration, and state arrival ceremonies at venues like the Pentagon and Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall. The manual coordinates roles for units such as the United States Army Band, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and military honor guards operating alongside the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy ceremonial detachments.

Training and Implementation

Implementation relies on cadre at training installations including Fort Sill, Fort Jackson, and Fort Gordon, with instruction delivered by NCOs and officers trained at Fort Leavenworth and the United States Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Units validate proficiency during ceremonies, inspections, and evaluations overseen by higher headquarters like FORSCOM and the Army Service Component Commands. Related professional military education at the Command and General Staff College and performance measures for bands and drill teams are incorporated into unit readiness metrics used by commands such as U.S. Army Europe.

Revisions and Current Editions

The manual has undergone periodic revisions to reflect changes in doctrine, customs, and technology, with notable editions published in the aftermath of major conflicts including World War I, World War II, and the Global War on Terrorism. The most recent comprehensive update aligns with doctrine reviewed by Training and Doctrine Command and published to standardize practice across active, reserve, and National Guard components such as the Army National Guard. Future revisions typically incorporate feedback from institutions like the United States Military Academy, operational units returning from deployments, and joint ceremonial requirements with the United States Air Force and allied partners.

Category:United States Army doctrine Category:United States military handbooks