The Better the Drill, the Better the Soldier?

In the military, there is a popular adage that discipline begins on the parade square. Indeed, the difference between a body of troops and a disorganized mob is a narrow one and boarders around drill. In fact, some have gone as far as arguing that, in theory, the better the drill, the better the soldier, and the better the soldier, the better the army. To be sure, much of what is considered as drill today in the military is largely ceremonial and taken, especially by the general public, as something of an art-form akin to skillful entertainment at public functions. Arguably, few things are more spectacular than the ostentatious display of troops on parade carrying out synchronized movements single-mindedly. However, drill in the military serves a greater purpose and this is not exclusively tied to instilling discipline in troops. In this article I will look at the evolution of drill in the military and its importance both in battle and during peace time.

Many believe drill is simply marching. Certainly, troops marching is what comes to the minds of many when asked about drill. However, understanding drill as nothing more than trooping is an oversimplification and a misconception at best. Of course, in tracing its history, it is undisputable that most ancient empires developed drill as a way of moving organized units of troops from one place to another on the battlefield. Without a doubt, the very first versions of foot drill were equally intended to allow a group of disparate individuals to form an organized body of men. Furthermore, constant and heavy drilling was designed to transform a man from a civilian into a soldier, obedient to commands reflexively. Drill was recognized as the most effective method of 'breaking the will' of the untrained civilian and creating the perfect soldier that would obey orders in situations where there was no time to debate, doubt or delay. Drill was also used as a form of punishment with physically demanding drill movements such as 'marking time' (marching on the spot) being tantamount to some form of mild torture. Ironically, while some came to loath this drill movement, others came to like and respect it due to its physical and mental benefits.

Drill enabled troops to stay together and to be commanded as a single unit, an attribute critical for effectiveness of command systems, tactical man-management and maintenance of fighting superiority. For instance, according to first century historians, part of the discipline that distinguished Roman Forces was an ordered method of moving formed up squads from one place to another. As a result, on the battlefield, drill was a force multiplier especially during the era of the musket. When military training became an institution between 1550 and 1720, drill became an integral part of training and military parades. It became the cornerstone of discipline with extreme forms of drill such as the Goose Stepping common among the Germans, Prussians and Russians being considered the ultimate display of the unbreakable will and discipline of its soldiers. Over the years the popularity of extreme forms of drill such as the rigid goose step waned with some associating it with fascism. However, several countries still use the goose step as a powerful display of military pride, might, and discipline.

As already alluded to, though discipline is considered the primary objective of drill in the military, it is not in any way the only benefit. Another crucial goal of vigorous drill is mental and physical toughness. Drill is about bringing the body under the subjection of the will. This is extremely important for military personnel as often, especially in battle, troops are found in stressful and uncomfortable situations that demand mental toughness and maximum control over the body. As part of drill, troops spend extended hours motionless at attention often in extreme cold or heat and perform strenuous repetitive motions such as the 'marking time'. This training becomes especially useful in tactical situations such as sentry duties where there is need for a soldier to remain completely quiet and motionless to avoid detection. Conversely, once drill is internalized and the body becomes accustomed to the discipline, a soldier can control their body in any given circumstance with relative ease.

All in all, drill is the heart of any army. For the individual soldier, drill is the foundation of discipline and is essential for physical and mentor toughness. On the other hand, for an army, drill can be a powerful display of pride, might and professionalism. In addition, drill and parades can perform useful functions and send a message to citizens and the rest of the world that an army is strong, well-trained and ready to perform its duties.