U.S. Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual

One of the cornerstones of Marine Corps customs, courtesies and traditions are our execution of close order drill and ceremonies. These traditions are perpetuated from one generation to the next through constant use and practice. The "esprit de corps" of every Marine has been brought about by their ever-present feeling of pride, not only in their unit, but also in themselves. The preservation of traditional discipline, our customs and courtesies, and the heritage of our Corps is our duty. It is our further duty to see that the same high standard of discipline and esprit de corps is not only preserved, but also further strengthened. These intangibles must be passed on to the future Marines who will take their place among the ranks our Corps. The object of close order drill is to teach Marines by exercise to obey orders and to do so immediately in the correct way. Close order drill is one foundation of discipline and esprit de corps. Additionally, it is still one of the finest methods for developing confidence and troop leading abilities in our subordinate leaders. CONTENTS: INTRODUCTION TO DRILL, INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT ARMS, MANUAL OF ARMS WITH THE M16 RIFLE, MANUAL OF ARMS WITH THE HANDGUN, SWORD MANUAL, GUIDON MANUAL, NATIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL FLAGS, SQUAD DRILL, PLATOON DRILL, COMPANY DRILL, BATTALION DRILL, REGIMENTAL DRILL, INSPECTIONS, ORGANIZATIONAL AND PARADE STAFF, GENERAL INFORMATION, REVIEWS, PARADES, PRESENTATION OF DECORATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT, CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY, RELIEF AND APPOINTMENT OF THE SERGEANT MAJOR, ACTIVATION AND DEACTIVATION CEREMONY, HONORS, MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY, MESS NIGHT, FUNERALS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES, LOADING AND CEREMONIAL FIRING OF THE M16 RIFLE, MANUAL OF ARMS WITH THE M1 SERVICE RIFLE, MANUAL OF ARMS WITH THE M14 SERVICE RIFLE, CEREMONIAL PROPERTY, HISTORY, CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES, AND TRADITIONS OF THE MESS NIGHT.