AFP Manual on Drills and Ceremonies Study Guide

Purpose and Scope of AFP Drills and Ceremonies

• The manual provides guidance for AFP-wide uniformity in the conduct of drills, including methods of instructing, individual and unit drills, manual of arms for infantry weapons, and basic drill instruction.

• The manual is designed for all military occupational skills, including cadets and recruits in the initial training environment.

• Consistency across the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) requires that prescribed procedures be followed as closely as possible.

• Attributes of character cultived through drill include full alertness and presence of mind.

• Precision movements are designed to foster coordination and teamwork.

• Drill consists of certain movements by which squads, platoons, companies, or battalions move in an orderly manner from one formation to another with smartness, order, and precision.

• Drills accustom a soldier to respond to commands and promote perfection as the only accepted standard.

• Drill periods are intended to be frequent and of short duration.

Definitions of Drill Terms

• ALIGNMENT (Linya): A straight line upon which several elements or terms are formed; the dressing of elements on a straight line.

• ARMS SWING: The swing of arms must be $6$ inches straight to the front and $3$ inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams. Knuckles face forward, fingers are in a fist, and the thumb is over the forefinger.

• BASE: The element on which a movement is regulated.

• CADENCE: The uniform rhythm by which a movement is executed; the number of steps or counts per minute. Normal cadences are quick time or double time.

• CENTER (Gitna): The middle point or element of a command. In an even number of squads, the right-center squad is the center.

• COLUMN: A formation where elements are placed one behind another (e.g., column of files, column of squads).

• DEPTH (Lalim): The space from front to rear of any formation, including front and rear elements. The depth of a man is assumed to be $12$ inches.

• DISTANCE (Layo): The space between elements from front to rear. Between individuals, it is an arm's length plus $6$ inches (approximately $40$ inches), measured from the chest of one man to the back of the man in front.

• DOUBLE TIME (Takbong Hakbang): Cadence at a rate of $180$ steps per minute.

• ECHELON: Elements formed one behind another; a modification of line formation.

• ELEMENT: An individual, squad, platoon, company, or larger body forming part of a larger unit.

• EYES RIGHT (Handa, Tingin sa Kanan, Na): The face is turned $45$ degrees to the right.

• FILE (Tudling): Two men consisting of a front-rank man and the corresponding rear-rank man. A file with no rear-rank man is not a file. Also used for a single column of men.

• FLANK (Panig): The right or left extremity of a unit; a direction at a right angle to the direction the element faces.

• FORMATION (Hanay): The arrangement of elements in line, column, or other prescribed manner.

• FRONT (Harap): The direction in which a command faces.

• FRONTAGE (Harapan): The space occupied by an element from flank to flank. A man's frontage is assumed to be $22$ inches (elbow to elbow).

• GUIDE (Gabay): The person with whom the command regulates its march.

• HEAD (Unahan): The leading element of a column.

• INTERVAL (Pagitan): Lateral space between elements on the same line. Normal interval is one arm's length. Close interval is the horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow with the left hand on the hip.

• LEFT (Kaliwa): The left extremity of a body of troops.

• LINE (Linya): A formation in which different elements are abreast (on the same line).

• LOOSE PIECES: Rifles and automatic rifles not used in making stacks.

• OBLIQUE (Lihis): An angle between $0$ and $45$ degrees.

• ORDER CLOSE: Formation where units in double rank are separated by intervals greater than close order.

• PACE: The length of a full step in quick time is $30$ inches. In double time, it is $36$ inches.

• PIECE: The term refers to the rifle or automatic rifle.

• POINT OF THE REST: The point at which a formation begins, such as the point toward which units align.

• QUICK TIME (Siglang Hakbang): Cadence at a rate of $120$ steps per minute.

• RIGHT: The right extremity of a body of troops.

• SWORD SWING: The swing of the sword must be $6$ inches to the front and $3$ inches to the rear of the trouser seams.

• SLOW TIME: Cadence at a rate of $60$ steps per minute.

• STEP (Hakbang): The distance from heel to heel. Half step and back step are $15$ inches. Side steps are $12$ inches. Quick time steps are $30$ inches, and double time steps are $36$ inches.

• SUCCESSIVE MOVEMENT (Sunurang galaw): A maneuver where elements execute movements one after another.

• TO REVOKE A COMMAND: The command MANUMBALIK is given to cancel a command not yet carried out or to restart a movement improperly begun.

• PARTIAL CHANGES OF DIRECTION: To change direction by $45$ degrees, the command is LIKO HATING-KANAN (KALIWA), KAD. For slight changes, the command is PAGAWING KANAN (KALIWA).

Commands and the Command Voice

• Drill Command: An oral order given by a commander. Commands are given while facing the troops when at a halt.

• Revoking Commands: MANUMBALIK (As You Were) revokes a preparatory command but cannot cancel a command of execution.

• Two-Part Commands:

  • Preparatory Command: States the movement and prepares the soldier (e.g., PASULONG).

  • Command of Execution: Tells when the movement starts (e.g., KAD and NA).

Filipino Command Suffixes and Uniformity

• NA: General signal for command of execution.

• TA: (Abbreviated SANDATA) Used for rifles and pistols (except for KALIS and TALIBONG).

• KAD: (Abbreviated LAKAD) Used for initiating motion (e.g., PASULONG, KAD).

• TO: (Abbreviated HINTO) Used for stopping motion.

• RAP: (Abbreviated HARAP) Used for facings and READY FRONT (HANDA HARAP).

• DA: (Abbreviated HUMANDA) Used for attention.

• NGA: (Abbreviated PAHINGA) Used for TIKAS PAHINGA (Parade Rest).

• Combined Commands: Commands like HUMANAY (FALL IN) or LUMANSAG (DISMISS) are given without inflection at a uniform high pitch.

• Supplementary Commands: Oral orders by subordinate leaders to reinforce the commander’s orders. Normally given between the preparatory command and the command of execution.

• Mass Commands: Used to develop confidence and command voice. Initiated by the command "SA AKING PAG-UTOS" (At My Command).

• Directives: Sentences directing subordinate leaders to take action (e.g., "PAMUNUAN ANG INYONG PANGKAT").

Elements of the Command Voice

• Voice Control: Adjusted based on unit size. Resonance is achieved through easing throat and mouth muscles and using the diaphragm for breathing.

• Distinctiveness: Effective enunciation using the tongue, lips, and teeth.

• Inflection: Preparatory commands use a rising inflection. Execution commands use a slightly higher pitch with "snap."

• Cadence: Uniform and rhythmic flow. One count/step is standard between preparatory and execution commands.

Individual Movements Not Under Arms

• Position of Attention: Heels together at $45$ degrees, knees straight, body erect, arms at sides with thumbs along trouser seams, head vertical, looking $30$ yards ahead. Silence and immobility are required.

• Rest Positions at the Halt:

  • Parade Rest (TIKAS PAHINGA): Command is TIKAS, PAHINGA. Weight shifts to the right leg on the preparatory command; on execution, the left foot moves $12$ inches to the left. Hands are clasped at the small of the back (right hand inside left, thumbs interlocked).

  • Stand at Ease (TINDIG PALUWAG): Execute parade rest while looking at the person in charge.

  • At Ease (PALUWAG): Standing silence is required with the right foot in place.

  • Rest (PAHINGA): Right foot remains in place; movement and talking are permitted unless directed otherwise.

  • Fall Out (TIWALAG): Leave ranks but stay in the immediate area. To rejoin, command is HUMANAY.

• Dismiss (LUMANSAG): Execute about face and leave the vicinity.

• Eyes Right: HANDA TINGIN SA KANAN, NA. Head turns $45$ degrees. The movement is terminated by HANDA, HARAP or automatically during inspection as the reviewing officer passes.

• Facing at the Halt:

  • Right/Left Face: Two-count movement turning $90$ degrees using the heel and the ball of the opposite foot.

  • About Face (HARAP SA LIKOD): Two-count movement turning $180$ degrees to the right.

• Hand Salute (PUGAY KAMAY): A one-count movement. Fingers extended and joined. Tip of the forefinger touches the visor, or the forehead/eyebrow if no visor is worn.

• Headgear: ALIS KUPYA (Remove) and BALIK KUPYA (Return). Usually two-count movements.

Steps and Marching

• General Rules: All movements begin with the left foot except Right Step. Quick time is $120$ steps per minute; Double time is $180$.

• $30$-Inch Step (Quick Time): Command is PASULONG, KAD. Arms swing $6$ inches front and $3$ inches rear.

• $15$-Inch Step (Half Step): Command HATING HAKBANG, KAD. Arms are clipped to the sides while marching at half step.

• Halt from Marching: Two-count movement given as either foot strikes the ground. Commands: TILAP/PULUTONG, TO.

• Change Step (PALIT HAKBANG): Given as the right foot strikes the ground; brings the right toe to the left heel and steps off with the left foot again.

• Mark Time (PATAKDA, KAD): Marching in place. Feet are raised alternates. Command of execution given as either foot strikes the surface.

• Side Step: HAKBANG PAKANAN (PAKALIWA), KAD. Executed from a halt. Steps are $12$ inches.

• Double Time March (TAKBONG HAKBANG, KAD): Forearms are raised to a horizontal position. Steps are $30$ or $36$ inches at $180$ steps per minute.

• Marching to the Rear (PABALIK, KAD): $180$-degree turn to the right while marching. Executed on the right foot.

• Staff Movement: KALUPUNAN, SUMALIKOD KO, KAD. Moves the staff behind the commander in a specific number of counts relative to staff size (e.g., $2$-$3$ men = $9$ counts).

Ceremonies: Reviews

• Definition: An inspection of troops to show strength, discipline, and preparedness.

• History: Patterned after US Army reviews. Friedrich von Steuben wrote the "Blue Book" in $1779$ for the Revolutionary forces.

• Sequence of Events:

  1. Formation of Troops.

  2. Presentation of Command and Honors.

  3. Inspection.

  4. Honors to the Nation.

  5. Remarks.

  6. Pass-in-Review.

  7. Conclusion.

• Reviewing Party: Consists of the Reviewing Officer (DG/RO), Military Host (MH), and a Troop Commander (TC).

• Formations: Battalion in line, Brigade in line, or Division in line with Battalions in mass.

• Honors to the Nation: National Anthem played while troops and staff present arms. If a foreign dignitary is honored, their anthem is played first, followed by the Philippine National Anthem.

Ceremonies: Parades

• Definition: A body of troops formed before a commanding officer for display of condition and proficiency. Includes sound off, reports, publication of orders, and manual of arms.

• Differences from Reviews: The inspection is omitted. Reports are rendered, and the band performs "Sound Off."

• Sequence for Ceremonial Battalion Parade:

  1. Formation.

  2. Sound Off (Band marches across the line and back).

  3. Honors to the Nation.

  4. Presentation.

  5. Manual of Arms.

  6. Report (Unit commanders report "napag-alaman").

  7. Publishing of Orders.

  8. Officers Center March.

  9. Pass in Review.

Personal Military Honors

• Gun Salutes:

  • The President / Head of State / National Flag: $21$ guns.

  • Vice President / Cabinet Secretaries / Senate President: $19$ guns.

  • Military General / Chief of Staff: $19$ guns.

  • Brigadier General: $11$ guns.

• Ruffles and Flourishes: Drum beats and fanfare. President receives $4$ ruffles and flourishes.

• Units and Locations: Saluting stations include Camp Aguinaldo, Fort Bonifacio, Villamor Air Base, and major National Shrines.

• Specific Procedures: Honors are not rendered by troops in war campaigns or disaster relief. National flag must be at full staff during gun salutes.

The Colors (Flags)

• Definition: "Colors" refers to the National and Organizational/Positional flags.

• Color Guard: Consists of five men in the AFP: one Color Sergeant (NCO), two color bearers (unarmed), and two color guards (armed with rifles or pistols). The National Color is always on the Right.

• Manual of the Colors:

  • Order Color: Lower ferrule rests on the deck by the right shoe.

  • Carry Color (HANDA DALA, WATAWAT): Ferrule is seated in the sling socket.

  • Present Color (TANGHAL, WATAWAT): Dipping of the organizational color (National Color NEVER dips).

• Dipping: Executed during the National Anthem, morning/evening colors, and ruffles/flourishes for high-ranking officials.

Guard Mounting

• Formal vs. Informal: formal involves the band and Adjutant on a parade ground. Informal is used for daily duty rotations.

• Normal Guard Mounting Organization: Incoming/Outgoing Officers of the Day, Incoming/Outgoing Commanders of the Guard, and Assistant Commanders.

• Key Dialogue during Exchange:

  • Outgoing: "Iyo bang naisalin ang lahat ng utos na nanggaling sa tamang katungkulan?"

  • Incoming: "Iyo bang natanggap ang lahat ng utos na nanggaling sa tamang katungkulan?"

  • Both must answer "Opo" for the relief to proceed.