Manual of Drill and Ceremonial | Chapter 6 Sword, pace stick and cane drill

A-DH-201-000/PT-000

How squad members should stand, move and wield swords, pace sticks and canes in a drill. Diagrams show the positions and movements of both the members and their equipment.

SECTION 1 SWORD DRILL

GENERAL

1. The sword (Figure 6-1-1) is one of the traditional badges of rank for those who hold Her Majesty’s commission or warrant. It is worn as a ceremonial weapon by officers and chief warrant officers. It may also be worn by non-commissioned members of units which by custom have armed personnel with swords, such as horse-mounted cavalry and horse artillery.
2. The sword is worn for the following occasions:
   1. on formal ceremonies or parades;
   2. at state ceremonies;
   3. in attendance on or as escorts to Royal or Vice-Regal personages;
   4. for ceremonial guards, including guards of honour;
   5. for church services or parades;
   6. for military or state funerals;
   7. at formal inspections by flag and general officers who are reviewing officers, or their aides de camp;
   8. as a representative of the Canadian Armed Forces at formal civilian functions;
   9. at investitures in accordance with the investing dignitary’s customs and wishes; and
   10. for social occasions, less dinners and dances, for which No. 1, 1B or 1C order of dress is appropriate.
3. Accuracy and swift but graceful movements are the hallmarks of good sword handling.
4. There are two methods of wearing the sword:
   1. hooked-up, which may be used by anyone and is always used by personnel who must keep the left hand free for use, e.g., Colour bearers, band conductors and drum-majors; and
   2. slung.
5. The sword may be drawn and returned when either in the hooked-up or slung position. Once the sword is drawn the actual sword movements are the same for all.
6. In the interest of uniformity, parade commanders may issue instructions for scabbards to be either hooked-up or slung.

Figure 6-1-1 Sword and Accoutrements

7. When parading under their own arrangements, commanding officers may order slung scabbards to be hooked-up under jackets once swords are drawn. If so, the parade must pause while personnel are given a few moments to hook-up or unhook scabbards.
8. Colour bearers will wear the sword hooked-up. If the sword belt is worn under the tunic, jacket or overcoat, this is achieved by having a slit made in the coat and lining at the pocket opening so that the drawn sword blade can pass down through the garment slit and into the mouth of the scabbard which is hooked-up underneath.
9. When on the march, the sword is always held at the carry position with three exceptions:
   1. when troops are ordered to sling weapons, swords will be returned to their scabbard;
   2. when Colours are sloped or when troops are marching at ease, swords will be sloped; and
   3. when arms are reversed during funeral processions, swords will be reversed.
10. At the halt, the sword is normally at the carry when personnel are at attention or at the shoulder arms position.
11. When officers are ordered to fall in, they will come to attention and draw their swords before stepping off. When ordered to fall out, they will salute the senior officer, return their swords and fall out behind that officer.
12. Except where otherwise noted, non-commissioned members do not draw their swords on parade unless they are members of horse-mounted cavalry or artillery.

POSITION OF ATTENTION

Figure 6-1-2 Attention (slung), Carry, Recover

13. Sword Hooked-up. When the sword is worn in the hooked-up position, i.e., hung on the belt hook (Figure 6-1-2), it is allowed to hang at its natural angle, hilt to the rear behind the left elbow, guard to the rear, shoe and rings of the scabbard forward; the left hand to the side in the normal position of attention. The belt hook should be positioned just to the rear of the point of the left hip so that the sword will sit naturally, without colliding with the left arm. Practice will reveal the best spot on the hip.
14. Sword Slung. The scabbard is held in the left hand with the left arm straight, hand gripping the scabbard at the upper ring index finger pointed down, fingers and thumb curled around the back, and the thumb in line with the seam of the trousers (Figure 6-1-2). The scabbard shall be held vertical, rings to the rear (thus, if the sword is in the scabbard, the guard is forward).

THE CARRY

15. In the carry position (Figure 6-1-2), the sword is held in the right hand with the:
    1. point up;
    2. blade perpendicular, edge to the front:
    3. grip held lightly between the forefinger and thumb, fingers together, extended to give balance and slightly cupped, hilt resting, balanced, on top of the hand;
    4. forearm horizontal to the ground and to the front;
    5. right elbow close to the body; and
    6. scabbard in the position of attention, as for hooked-up or slung position.

THE RECOVER

16. In the recover position (Figure 6-1-2), the sword is gripped in the right hand with the:
    1. point up;
    2. blade perpendicular, edge to the left;
    3. cross-piece in line with and 2 cm opposite the mouth;
    4. right elbow close to the body and the forearm perpendicular;
    5. thumb towards the mouth on the side of the grip; and
    6. left hand and scabbard in the position of attention.

STAND AT EASE

17. On the command STAND AT – EASE:
    1. bend the left knee and carry the left foot normally to the left; and
    2. if the sword is in the scabbard, keep the right hand at the side of the body; or
    3. if the sword is drawn, simultaneously keep the right forearm horizontal and allow the blade to rest on the right shoulder so that the back of the blade rests midway between the neck and the point of the shoulder. Keep the forearm and hand still, but release the grip with the last three fingers and put the little finger behind the handle. (This is called the slope position; see Figure 6-1-3. The slope is adopted only from the carry.)

STAND EASY

Figure 6-1-3 Stand at Ease

18. The body is relaxed. If the sword is drawn, its point may be lowered to the ground between the toes after a standard pause in order to rest the arm. Both hands on the sword in the same manner as for “Rest on your arms reversed” as shown in Figure 6-1-10 position 3.The sword is returned to the slope position on the command SQUAD.

ATTENTION FROM STAND AT EASE

19. On the command ATTEN – TION, bend the left knee and move the left foot sharply to the position of attention while, if the sword is drawn, simultaneously returning the sword to the carry position.

DRAW SWORDS

Figure 6-1-4 Draw Swords (sword hooked-up)

20. Sword Hooked-up. On the command DRAW SWORDS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE:
    1. with the left hand, grasp the top of the scabbard with an all-round grip above the upper ring, rotating the scabbard vertically to bring the guard forward, the left elbow to the rear (Figure 6-1-4); and
    2. simultaneously, reach across the body with the right hand and grasp the grip, with the back of the hand to the rear (with naval swords, release the catch with the right thumb).
21. On the command SQUAD – TWO, partially draw the blade vertically from the scabbard until the right forearm is parallel to the ground at shoulder level.
22. On the command SQUAD – THREE, draw the sword fully from the scabbard and come to the recover position. At the same time flick the scabbard to its natural position (rings to the front) and adopt the position of attention with the left hand.
23. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, bring the sword to the carry.
24. On the command DRAW – SWORDS, the four movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.
25. Sword Slung. On the command DRAW SWORDS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE:
    1. with the left hand, rotate the scabbard to bring the mouth forward, maintaining the grip with the left hand; and
    2. simultaneously, reach across the body with the right hand, forearm horizontal, and grasp the grip, with the back of the hand to the rear (with naval swords release the catch with the right thumb).
26. On the command SQUAD – TWO, partially draw the blade vertically from the scabbard, until the right arm is parallel to the ground at shoulder level.
27. On the command SQUAD – THREE, draw the sword fully from the scabbard and come to the recover position. Simultaneously, rotate the scabbard to the vertical position of attention.
28. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, bring the sword to the carry position.
29. On the command DRAW – SWORDS, the four movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

RETURN SWORD FROM THE CARRY

Figure 6-1-5 Return Swords from the Carry

30. Scabbard Hooked-up. On the command RETURN SWORD BY NUMBER, SQUAD – ONE:
    1. with the right hand carry the hilt smartly to the hollow of the left shoulder, with the guard to the left and in line with the left shoulder, the blade perpendicular, right forearm horizontal and back of the hand and elbow to the front (Figure 6-1-5); and
    2. simultaneously, grasp the scabbard with the left hand, in an all-round grip above the upper ring, rotating the scabbard clockwise so that the rings are to the rear.
31. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. lower the head to glance at the scabbard; and
    2. rotate the point of the sword to the rear outside the left shoulder until the blade is parallel to the left side of the body, turning the fingers so that the guard is facing the front. Then, raise the sword and insert the point into the mouth of the scabbard and force the blade down to assume the relative position of the second movement of draw swords. Keep the shoulders square to the front.
32. On the command SQUAD – THREE, force the sword fully home into the scabbard to assume the relative position of the first movement of draw swords.
33. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, assume the position of attention. As the left hand returns to the side give the scabbard a flick to ensure that the sword twists back to the correct position.
34. On the command RETURN – SWORDS, the four movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.
35. Scabbard Slung. On the command RETURN SWORD BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE:
    1. with the right hand, carry the hilt smartly to the hollow of the left shoulder, with the guard to the left and in line with the left shoulder, the blade perpendicular, right forearm horizontal, and back of the hand and elbow to the front; and
    2. simultaneously, with the left hand, pivot the mouth of the scabbard forward.
36. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. lower the head to glance at the scabbard; and
    2. rotate the point of the sword to the rear outside the left shoulder until the blade is parallel to the left side of the body, turning the fingers so that the guard is facing the front. Then, raise the sword and insert the point into the mouth of the scabbard and force the blade down to assume the relative position of the second movement of draw swords. Keep the shoulders square to the front.
37. On the command SQUAD – THREE, force the sword fully home into the scabbard to assume the relative position of the first movement of draw swords.
38. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, assume the position of attention.
39. On the command RETURN – SWORDS, the four movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

MARCHING WITH SWORD IN/OUT OF SCABBARD

40. Quick March. On the command QUICK – MARCH, step off normally and:
    1. Scabbard Hooked-up. Swing both arms if sword is sheathed (Figure 6-1-6A).
    2. Scabbard Slung. Rotate the shoe of the scabbard forward, with the guard up when the sword is sheathed, until the scabbard is held at an angle of 45 degrees, and change the left hand to an all-round grip at the upper ring. Swing the right arm when sword is sheathed (Figure 6-1-6). The left arm shall be kept still at the side.
    3. March at Ease. When the sword is drawn, change the position of the sword from the carry to the slope position, or return the sword if rifles are ordered slung. On the command MARCH AT ATTEN – TION, return to the carry.
    4. Colours Sloped. When Colours are ordered to the slope, drawn swords shall also be ordered to the slope.
41. Slow March. On the command SLOW – MARCH, step off normally. If the scabbard is slung, rotate the shoe of the scabbard forward and hold the scabbard with the left hand as in subparagraph 40.b. above. Swords are never sloped during the slow march.

HALT

42. On the command SQUAD – HALT:
    1. halt normally; and
    2. if the scabbard is slung, as the right knee is straightened into attention, bring the scabbard to the vertical position and assume the position of attention.

SALUTING AT THE HALT

Figure 6-1-7 Saluting with the Sword

43. On the command TO THE FRONT SALUTE BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, bring the sword to the recover (Figure 6-1-7).
44. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. lower the sword sharply to the right side to the full extent of the right arm, sword angled downward straight to the front, thumb flat along the handle, fingers gripping it, so the point is 15 cm above the ground;
    2. the edge of the blade is to the left and in line with the outside of the right foot; and
    3. the right arm is straight, with the right hand just behind the thigh.
45. On the command SQUAD – THREE, return the sword to the recover.
46. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, return the sword to the carry.
47. On the command TO THE FRONT, SA – LUTE, the four movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.
48. Salute Coordination with Other Armed Personnel. When the salute is executed in conjunction with personnel armed with rifles or carbines, the timing is as follows:
    1. on the first movement of the present arms from the shoulder arms, bring the sword to the recover; and
    2. on the third movement of the present arms, lower the sword to the salute.
49. Returning the Salute of a Junior
    1. When an officer at the halt with sword drawn receives a salute, the salute is acknowledged by bringing the sword to the recover and then returning it to the carry. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements. The movement is coordinated with the last two movements of the subordinate’s salute. When the sword is sheathed, salutes shall be given and returned with the hand as in drill without arms.
    2. The recover is used as an acknowledgement only when returning the salute of a junior. It is never used as a replacement for the full salute at other times (see also paragraph 58).

SALUTING ON THE MARCH IN SLOW TIME

Figure 6-1-8 Saluting on the March in Slow Time

50. On the command EYES RIGHT (LEFT) BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE given as the left foot is forward and on the ground (Figure 6-1-8):
    1. take a check pace with the right foot and, when the left foot next touches the ground, shoot the right arm out to the right with the arm horizontal, at shoulder height and square off to the right, blade of the sword perpendicular with the edge to the right; and
    2. simultaneously, turn the head and eyes to the right.
51. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. take a further pace with the right foot;
    2. keeping the blade perpendicular and the hand and elbow on the same plane as the shoulder, bring the sword around in a circular sweep across the body so that the crosspiece comes to the hollow of the left shoulder; and
    3. keep the elbow level with the shoulder, the thumb remaining around the grip.
52. On the command SQUAD – THREE:
    1. take a further pace with the left foot;
    2. continue the sweep back across the body until the crosspiece is in front of the right shoulder;
    3. keep the elbow at shoulder height with the upper arm in line with the shoulders; and
    4. keep the forearm horizontal.
53. On the command SQUAD – FOUR:
    1. take a further pace with the right foot;
    2. lower the elbow to the side, changing the grip so that the thumb points up the side of the hilt; and
    3. lower the sword to the position of the salute.
54. On the command EYES – RIGHT, the four movements are carried out as one continuous graceful gesture over four paces, finishing on the right foot.
55. On the command EYES FRONT BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, which is given as the left foot is forward and on the ground:
    1. take a check pace with the right foot and, when the left foot next touches the ground, turn the head and eyes to the front; and
    2. simultaneously, bring the sword to the recover position.
56. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. take two further paces; and
    2. when the left foot next is forward and on the ground, bring the sword down to the position of the carry.
57. On the command EYES – FRONT, the movements are done on successive left feet.

SALUTING ON THE MARCH IN QUICK TIME

58. On the command EYES – RIGHT (LEFT) given as the left foot is forward and on the ground:
    1. the sword is kept at the carry; and
    2. head and eyes are turned to the right (left).
59. On the command EYES – FRONT given as the left foot is forward and on the ground, head and eyes are turned to the front.

FORMING WEDDING ARCH

Figure 6-1-9 The Arch

60. Forming arch with the sword is a position adopted by an even-numbered group of individuals authorized to wear a sword (see paragraph 1) when forming an honorary departure guard at a wedding (non-commissioned members which by custom are not entitled to be armed with a sword shall not be used to form a wedding arch). Those designated to form the arch shall position themselves in two equal ranks, one on either side of the walk, immediately outside the church or chapel door. The ranks will be eight feet apart and facing each other. The interval is dependent on the number of persons used in relation to the desired length of the arch or the space available.
61. When in position, the senior present shall order DRAW – SWORDS and, as the bride and groom appear in the doorway, shall order FORM – ARCH (see paragraph 65).
62. When the arch is formed, the swords opposite will touch three inches from the sword points (Figure 6-1-9).
63. When the bridal party has passed through the arch, the swords shall be returned to the carry.

FORMING ARCH FROM THE CARRY

64. On the command FORM ARCH BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, bring the sword to the recover position.
65. On the command SQUAD – TWO, extend the right arm to its full extent, carrying the sword forward and upward to an angle of 45 degrees with the blade flat, edge to the right. The arm and shoulder form a straight line from the shoulder to the sword point.
66. On the command FORM – ARCH, the two movements are combined. A standard pause is observed between movements.

CARRY FROM THE ARCH

67. On the command CARRY SWORDS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, return to the recover position.
68. On the command SQUAD – TWO, return the sword to the carry position.
69. On the command CARRY – SWORDS, the two movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

REST ON YOUR ARMS REVERSED FROM THE SALUTE

Figure 6-1-10 Rest on your Arms Reversed from the Salute

70. This movement is commenced from the position of the salute, most often in conjunction with troops who have first been ordered to present arms.
71. On the command REST ON YOUR ARMS REVERSED BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, bring the sword to the recover (Figure 6-1-10).
72. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. allow the point to fall forward and down, allowing the hand to rotate inward, to turn the guard to the right;
    2. place the point on the ground in line with and midway between the toes of the shoes, the guard to the right; and
    3. move the right hand so that it is resting on the pommel, elbow close to the body.
73. On the command SQUAD – THREE, place the left hand over the right, elbow close to the body, lower the head until the chin touches the chest.
74. On the command REST ON YOUR ARMS, REVERSED, the three movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements. If the movements are performed in conjunction with those of others armed with rifles/ carbines, the sword movements shall be smooth, solemn and coordinated to the standard 10-second count (Chapter 4, Section 2, paragraph 8) as follows:
    1. 1 second, SQUAD ONE completed;
    2. 9 seconds, SQUAD TWO completed; and
    3. 10 seconds, SQUAD THREE completed.

SALUTE FROM REST ON YOUR ARMS REVERSED

75. On the command TO THE FRONT SALUTE BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members shall raise the head and eyes and look to the front.
76. On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad member shall:
    1. grasp the grip with the right hand, thumb pointing down on the inside; and
    2. bring the left hand to the side as for the position of attention.
77. On the command SQUAD – THREE, bring the sword to the recover, sweeping the point to the front, rotating the hand, elbow into the side.
78. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, bring the sword to the salute.
79. On the command TO THE FRONT, SA – LUTE, the four movements are combined. A standard pause, shall be observed between the movements.
80. The movements will be performed in conjunction with movements of others armed with rifles on the command PRESENT – ARMS.

FUNERAL PROCESSIONS

81. General. Scabbards will be hooked up when marching in a funeral procession when arms are to be reversed.
    1. Processional troops should reverse swords/ rifles/carbines before stepping off.
    2. When marching in quick time, the left hand will be removed from the sword/rifle/carbine and the arm swung (see also Chapter 4, Section 2, paragraph 48). The sword hilt (rifle/carbine butt) will be allowed to drop, bringing the weapon to a horizontal position below the right armpit.
    3. Sword and hand movements are executed simply and by the shortest route.
82. The Reverse from the Carry. These movements are done when personnel armed with rifles/carbines reverse arms from the shoulder.
83. On the command REVERSE ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, force the sword under the right armpit, edge uppermost, by twisting the wrist and dropping the point of the sword to the left front, the hilt uppermost and coming to rest in front of the right shoulder, fingers of the right hand are together and straight and to the right of the hilt, thumb to the left, back of the hand to the right, right elbow against the side and the sword at an angle of 45 degrees (Figure 6-1-11).
84. On the command SQUAD – TWO, seize the blade with the left hand behind the back, in line with the waist belt, back of the hand underneath.
85. The Reverse from the carry (and vice versa) will be done working on the first and fourth movement of the rifles.
86. The Carry from the Reverse. On the command SHOULDER ARMS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, return the left hand to the side.
87. On the command SQUAD – TWO, allow the sword to swing forward and, with a circular movement to the left, keeping the sword close to the body, adopt the position of the carry.
88. The Reverse when Ordered to March in Quick (Slow) Time. On the command CHANGE INTO QUICK TIME, QUICK – MARCH, from slow time, return the left hand to the side on the first pace of quick time with the left foot, and, at the same time, allow the hilt to drop so that the sword is horizontal.
89. On the command CHANGE INTO SLOW TIME, SLOW – MARCH, resume the position of reverse arms as the left foot comes to the ground for the first pace in slow time.
90. Change Swords at the Reverse. (Movements are coordinated with rifle/carbine movements.) On the command CHANGE ARMS, SQUAD – ONE, return the left hand to the side and at the same time change the grip of the right hand by placing it underneath the sword grip, thumb on the right.
91. On the command SQUAD – TWO, swing the point down until the sword is vertical and pass the sword across the body into the left hand.
92. On the command SQUAD – THREE, cut the right hand to the side.
93. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, force the sword under the left armpit.
94. On the command SQUAD – FIVE, seize the blade with the right hand behind the back, back of the hand underneath, sword at an angle of 45 degrees. Simultaneously, change the position of the left hand on the handle, so that the fingers are together and straight on the left and the thumb is on the right, with the back of the hand to the left.
95. To change arms again, reverse the procedure.

POSITION WHEN SEATED

96. When seated (Figure 6-1-12), the sword shall be:
    1. in the slung position;
    2. held in an all-round grip in the left hand at the upper ring;
    3. held vertically with the shoe of the scabbard on the ground; and
    4. the guard to the front.

SECTION 2 PACE STICK AND CANE DRILL

THE PACE STICK

1. The pace stick (Figure 6-2-1) is a training instrument used to gauge the length of pace and measure distance and interval. It may be used by Non-Commissioned Members which are proficient at drill. This section is included as a guide to assist instructors in the use of the pace stick.
2. The pace stick may be carried closed or open. The open position is the operating position.
3. The pace stick is a demanding instrument and requires constant practice. The instructor should march beside the leading squad member with the stick open and turning to control pace length over a sufficient distance to instill a feel for the correct pace in the personnel under training. When the squad has learned to march correctly, the instructor should periodically check pace length by marching behind the squad with the stick open and turning.

Figure 6-2-1 Pace Stick

THE CANE

4. The cane is an optional accoutrement derived from riding crops, fashionable canes, etc., and still customarily used by some units (see A-DH-265-000/AG-001, CAF Dress Instructions, Chapter 3). Cane drill is identical to drill with the closed pace stick.

DRILL ON THE MARCH

5. The executive order for stick drill on the march shall be given as the left foot is forward and on the ground, and movements are executed in a normal manner on subsequent paces by the left foot.

CLOSED: ATTENTION OR CARRY POSITION

Figure 6-2-2 Attention or Carry Position

6. To assume the position of attention (Figure 6-2-2):
   1. the pace stick is held under the left armpit by pressure of the upper arm and rib cage, at the point of balance, parallel to the ground;
   2. the shoes to the rear;
   3. the retaining screw uppermost;
   4. the head of the stick between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, the fingers extended with the index finger running parallel with the stick and tip of the middle finger in line with the head end of the stick; and
   5. the right arm is kept straight at the side.
7. The stick may be held in the carry position on the march; the right arm shall be swung.
8. When speaking to an officer, the stick is held in this position to permit saluting.

CLOSED: STAND AT EASE

Figure 6-2-3 Stand at Ease at the Carry

9. On the command STAND AT – EASE:
   1. carry the left foot normally to the left (Figure 6-2-3); and
   2. keep the right arm straight at the side.

CLOSED: STAND EASY

10. On the command STAND – EASY, relax the body.

CLOSED: ATTENTION AT THE SHOULDER

11. When space is restricted, such as in a hallway, the closed pace stick may be held at the shoulder rather than under the arm.
12. The pace stick is held in the right hand in a near-vertical position with the brass shoes uppermost and the retaining screw to the front (Figure 6-2-4). The stick is placed on the second joint of the forefinger, with the remaining fingers gripping the side of the stick and the thumb along the stick’s front. The thumb is in line with the trouser seam.
13. The stick is moved from the carry position to the shoulder in two movements by grasping the head with the right hand while simultaneously cutting the left arm to the side, and then whipping the right hand to the shoulder position. The drill is reversed to move from the shoulder to the carry.
14. The stick is carried while marching in this position in restricted spaces and both arms are swung.
15. If the stick is to be held at the trail when stepping off from this position, the movements are as for the trail arms from the shoulder with a rifle (Chapter 4). If the stick is to be placed into this position after halting at the trail, it is moved to the shoulder in two movements as follows:
    1. flick it up vertically, rotating the stick so that the retaining screw is forward, catching it simultaneously with the left hand, forearm parallel, and the right hand, at the head of the stick, the latter held tight into the shoulder; and
    2. after a standard pause, cut the left hand to the side.

CLOSED: STAND AT EASE AT THE SHOULDER

Figure 6-2-4 Stand at Ease at the Shoulder

16. On the command STAND AT – EASE:
    1. carry the left foot normally to the left (Figure 6-2-4); and
    2. retaining the stick in the right hand, move the right hand behind the back into the palm of the left hand.

CLOSED: STAND EASY AT THE SHOULDER

17. On the command STAND – EASY, relax the body.

CLOSED: TRAIL FROM THE CARRY AT THE HALT

18. On the command TRAIL STICKS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, move the stick forward slightly with the left hand, and simultaneously grasp the stick with the right hand in an all-round grip at the point of balance, the back of the hand uppermost.
19. On the command SQUAD – TWO, lower the pace stick to a horizontal position with shoes forward at the full extent of the right arm, while simultaneously cutting the left arm to the side.
20. On the command TRAIL – STICKS, the movements are combined.

CLOSED: TRAIL FROM THE CARRY ON THE MARCH

21. On the command TRAIL STICKS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE given as the left foot is forward and on the ground:
    1. complete a check pace with the right foot; and
    2. as the left foot next comes forward and strikes the ground (Figure 6-2-5), move the pace stick forward slightly with the left hand, and simultaneously grasp the stick with the right hand in an all-round grip at the point of balance, the back of the hand uppermost.
22. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. complete a check pace with the right foot; and
    2. as the left foot next comes forward and strikes the ground, lower the pace stick to a horizontal position with shoes forward at the full extent of the right arm, while simultaneously cutting the left arm to the side.
23. On the command SQUAD – THREE, complete a check pace with the right foot and, as the left foot next comes forward and strikes the ground, commence swinging both arms.
24. On the command TRAIL – STICKS, the movements are combined.
25. When marching with the stick at the trail, the stick is carried at the point of balance, shoes to the front, retaining screw up, and is kept horizontal as the right arm is swung.

CLOSED: CARRY FROM THE TRAIL AT THE HALT

26. On the command CARRY STICKS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE:
    1. with the right hand force the pace stick under the left arm; and
    2. simultaneously, grasp the head with the left hand in the carry position.
27. On the command SQUAD – TWO, cut the right hand to the side and move the pace stick back 5 cm.
28. On the command CARRY – STICKS, the two movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.

CLOSED: CARRY FROM THE TRAIL ON THE MARCH

Figure 6-2-5 Trail from the Carry Position on the March

29. On the command CARRY STICKS BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE given as the left foot is forward and on the ground:
    1. complete a check pace with the right foot,
    2. as the left foot next comes forward and strikes the ground, with the right hand force the pace stick under the left arm; and
    3. simultaneously, grasp the head with the left hand in the carry position.
30. On the command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. complete a check pace with the right foot; and
    2. cut the right hand to the side and move the pace stick back 5 cm.
31. On the command SQUAD – THREE:
    1. complete a check pace with the right foot; and
    2. swing the right arm.
32. On the command CARRY – STICKS, the three movements are combined.

CLOSED: HALTING

33. When halting, the pace stick is moved from the trail to the carry on completion of the halt and after the observance of a standard pause.
34. The stick is returned to the carry prior to saluting and may be returned to the carry anytime at the discretion of the instructor.

CLOSED: SALUTING

Figure 6-2-6 Salute at the Carry

35. When saluting with the pace stick in the carry position, the right hand comes up to the salute normally. The left hand retains its grip on the head of the stick throughout (Figure 6-2-6).

OPEN: ATTENTION

Figure 6-2-7 Attention, Pace Stick Open

36. To assume the position of attention:
    1. with the right hand, grasp the rear leg of the pace stick 2 cm below the apex, with the forefinger hooked around the front leg (Figure 6-2-7);
    2. hold the front leg vertical and rest it on the ground in line with and 2 cm to the right of the toe of the boot;
    3. keep the rear leg off the ground and pointed directly to the rear; and
    4. keep the elbows close to the side.

OPEN: STAND AT EASE

Figure 6-2-8 Stand at Ease

37. On the command STAND AT – EASE:
    1. carry the left foot normally to the left (Figure 6-2-8); and
    2. keep the arms at the side.

OPEN: STAND EASY

38. On the command STAND – EASY, relax the body.

OPEN: MARCHING AND HALTING NOT PACING

Figure 6-2-9 Marching and Halting, not Pacing

39. On the command QUICK (SLOW) – MARCH, step off with the left foot and bring the right forearm parallel to the ground, the index finger in front of the front leg and the remaining fingers curled around the rear leg, and the front leg of the stick kept vertical. The right elbow is held into the side (Figure 6-2-9).
40. This position is also called the carry when the pace stick is open.
41. On the command SQUAD – HALT, the halt is executed normally. After a standard pause, the stick is lowered to the position of attention.

OPEN: PACING

Figure 6-2-10 Pacing

42. On the command QUICK (SLOW) – MARCH, step off with the left foot, and simultaneously swing the rear leg of the stick forward by twisting with the fingers and thumb and rotating the free leg of the stick outwards and forward (Figure 6-2-10). Place the swinging shoe on the ground straight in front of the point already on the ground in time with the pace.
43. Continue turning the stick until the correct pace is well established, until halted, or until ordered back to the carry position for open pace stick.
44. The stick is controlled by the fingers, good wrist movement, the thumb and pressure on the leading leg. It is essential to keep the leading leg perpendicular as the stick swings through 180 degrees with ease.
45. New instructors should practice first in slow time. It is easier to master the technique by practising on grass first, then move to the parade ground.

OPEN: SALUTING

Figure 6-2-11 Saluting, Pace Stick Open

46. On the command SALUTING TO THE FRONT BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, adopt the carry position as for pace stick open (Figure 6-2-11).
47. On command SQUAD – TWO:
    1. with the right hand, move the pace stick to a position 10 cm in front of the centre of the body, keeping the forearm parallel to the ground; and
    2. simultaneously, grasp the front leg of the stick 2 cm below the apex with the left hand, the forefinger over the knuckles of the right hand.
48. On the command SQUAD – THREE:
    1. release the right hand and bring the right arm to the side; and
    2. simultaneously, move the left arm so the forearm is parallel to the ground, the rear leg of the pace stick vertical and the front leg pointing to the rear.
49. On the command SQUAD – FOUR, salute with the right hand.
50. On the command SQUAD – FIVE, cut the right arm to the side.
51. On the command SQUAD – SIX:
    1. with the left hand, move the stick back to a position 10 cm in front and centre of the body keeping the forearms parallel to the ground; and
    2. simultaneously, with the right hand, grasp the rear leg of the stick 2 cm below the apex with the right hand, the forefinger over the knuckles of the left hand.
52. On the command SQUAD – SEVEN:
    1. release the left hand and bring the left arm to the side; and
    2. simultaneously, move the right arm so the forearm is parallel to the ground, with the front leg of the pace stick vertical and the rear leg pointing to the rear.
53. On the command SQUAD – EIGHT, assume the position of attention.
54. On the command TO THE FRONT, SA – LUTE, the eight movements are combined. A standard pause shall be observed between the movements.
55. While marching in slow or quick time, all movements are executed on successive left feet.