In military training, it makes sense that recruits would be trained in the use of weapons. It makes sense that they would be trained the details of whatever specialty they will be assigned. But why are they taught military drills? In fighting a war, they aren't going to be marching side by side in perfect step with each other.
When I was in the CDN military waaaay back in the day, we were given a variety of reasons...for ceremonies and parades, to learn discipline, work together as a unit, to looking and putting on a good show for the civvies lol! Mostly we only used it when doing ceremonies/parades.
SunSeeker
As Sunseeker said, there are many subtle reasons for doing so. Drill instructors look at how recruits react to command. Can they obey/follow/understand simple basic commands? How good is the recruits co-ordination? How well do they handle stress situations. Drill lessons are actually hidden 'job interviews' where problematic individuals can be identified for further attention or termination of employment.
As a recruit, the most common thought with regards to drill is "This is shit and totally pointless!" but once you have served for a few years and come to truly understand the nature of your fellow recruits (those that are still serving and those who have left), you tend to look back at your formative drill experiences and compare the actions of yourself with those of your fellow recruits and the inevitable phrase that tends to follow is "Ahhh...." as the lowest fiscal currency of your nation drops.
One of the most important aspects of being a Drill Instructor is not just the ability to give commands, it's actually the ability to read people.
In military training, it makes sense that recruits would be trained in the use of weapons. It makes sense that they would be trained the details of whatever speciality they will be assigned
Every country has a different way of doing things. In the UK, basic training (CMSr- Common Military Syllabus recruit) focuses more on military basics of Drill, Fitness, first aid, the law of armed conflict (everyone's favourite...), presentation (looking after yourself and your kit), rank structures (How and when to salute) and personal financial care. Only very basic skill at arms was taught (This is a rifle, there are many like it and it's not yours.) covering how to strip it down, clean it and VERY basic weapon handling with a day or two at most, on the range. Most of the weapon time before then is spent in a SAT (small arms trainer) where you aim modified weaponry at a large screen and kill sprites and polygons.
CMSr used to take twelve weeks then sometime around the early 2000's, Top Brass realised recruits were both physically and mentally incapable of coping with the twelve weeks of character building and increased it to twenty four weeks.
Once you had passed out from your 12/24 weeks of character building, you were then sent to 'phase 2' of training, where you then learned the basics of your chosen trade. The length of phase two depended on your trade. For those mad enough to chose infantry, that meant after your twelve weeks recruit training, you went off to do twelve weeks infantry training at Catterick, where you properly learned how to fire a rifle and you went from iron sight to SUSAT (Sight Unit Small Arms Trilux). At that time, only infantry were trusted with optical sights and non infantry had to make do with iron sights (Mainly down to financial constraints of the optics) and you learned the joys of mortar, grenades, GPMG's and tabbing along the same tediously boring tracks three times a week with weights stolen from the gym on your back... Allegedly...
Very little drill was taught or experienced at an ITC (Infantry Training Centre), unless you were an idiot, whereupon your idiocy was 'drilled' out of you.
After that, you were sent to your unit for whatever training your chosen speciality required.
For the non infantry, you went off to do your required training that was trade dependant (basically from three weeks upwards) and then sent to your unit where you awaited further training.
Once you managed to get all that fun and excitement behind you, unless you were mentally unstable enough to volunteer for the drill instructors course, you would only touch drill for a week or so before Remembrance Day, so as not to look like an arse in front of the public. Once that was past, it was pretty much put your shiny boots away until same time next year.
Obviously, if you went the Guards route, then drill is going to be part of your life, but for the rest of the Army, not so much...
It should be pointed out, that for many of the 'non frontline' troops, (ie stores, drivers, medics, vets, mechanics, engineers, admin staff etc etc) they can fire their 'personal' weapon as little as once a year and that is purely to tick a box that they have passed their Annual Personal Weapon Handling Test which is a service wide requirement. However, most Friday afternoons will be spent cleaning the sodding things, even though you know full well it hasn't left the armoury racks since you took it out the previous Friday to be cleaned...
Some of the information above was correct as of the start of the millennium and may have changed over the subsequent two decades. However, it is the military, so....
You're overthinking things.
Most Americans can't tell left from right - that's how America ended up driving on the wrong side of the road.
That would be a major problem in the military, so recruits spend lots of time doing 'Left, right, left, right' etc. Then even if they never fire a weapon in earnest, they'll still have a valuable life skill - dancing the Hokey Cokey.
AJ
that's how America ended up driving on the wrong side of the road.
No, we drive on the right side of the road. :)
Some interesting background on left hand traffic(LHT) vs right hand traffic(RHT).
https://www.theautopian.com/why-some-countries-drive-on-the-left-and-why-its-better/
In fact, about 35% of the world's population drive on the left including Japan, Malta, Cyprus, Indonesia, Ireland and most of the old English empire countries: India, Australia, New Zealand, and a number of African countries.
And
Knowing all of this, the real question becomes "why doesn't everyone drive on the left?" The answer to this question is a bit muddier but it seems to have started in the late 1700's with the advent of large wagons used for hauling goods. These wagons were pulled by several pairs of horses and did not have a driver's seat so the driver would sit on the left rear horse so that his right hand was free to use the whip. Since he sat on the left, he would want to pass oncoming wagons on the right so he could see how close his wheels were to the oncoming traffic. There wasn't much need for such large wagons in Britain since the roads were much smaller and distances shorter so they never became popular there.
So RHT is the teamster's fault.
https://www.theautopian.com/why-some-countries-drive-on-the-left-and-why-its-better/
Thanks for posting that. I believe it's the first time I've seen the theory I hold, about the importance of the dominant hand being on the steering wheel, in print. I didn't know the right eye was dominant though so, even in my dotage, I've learnt something new.
AJ
I've seen the theory I hold, about the importance of the dominant hand being on the steering wheel, in print.
What is taught in the US is that you should have both hands on the wheel unless shifting or operating other controls.
My automatic transmission Ford F150 has shift control on the right side of steering column, and the control for headlights, hi beams, wiper blades and turn signals are on the left side of the steering column.
This configuration is fairly typical for US cars, so it doesn't matter if you are right or left handed, you will occasionally have to take your dominant hand off the steering wheel while driving.
I didn't know the right eye was dominant though so, even in my dotage, I've learnt something new.
That's just what's most common.
I'm right handed, but my left eye is dominant.
But why are they taught military drills?
Some examples:
React to a Near Ambush: Upon receiving unexpected fire at close range; specifically "Hand Grenade Range" 50 meters or less. Soldiers in the KILL ZONE are to charge at the enemy firing on automatic or rapid fire; Assaulting THROUGH the enemy position! Personnel not in the Kill Zone are to immediately attempt to Flank the enemy position, and then bring fire upon the enemy.
A competent enemy is likely to kill or incapacitate everyone in the kill zone in a matter of seconds! ...Not all enemies are competent... in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere all or most of the troops in a Kill Zone have survived, and conducted the "React To Near Ambush" Battle Drill successfully! Having determined soldiers close with you is disconcerting to say the least! Meanwhile any soldiers not in a Kill Zone are aggressively attempting to get on the flank of the enemy, who often will be trying to withdraw, and if they didn't take precautions, may be vulnerable.
React To A Far Ambush: if you are more than 100 meters from an enemy who is firing upon you with surprise, soldiers in the Kill Zone should seek immediate Cover, then return fire upon the enemy. Soldiers not in a Kill Zone should maneuver aggressively to Flank the Enemy!
If you get Ambushed there is No time to plan or issue orders. Thus the US Army and Marines have developed Battle Drills to respond to such a situation. No leader should need to issue an order. Personnel should Yell "Ambush!" Possibly "Near Ambush." or "Far Ambush" and the soldiers React appropriately.
I have been in an "ambush" (fired upon by surprise) fortunately the enemy didn't have enough troops for a proper ambush, and their IEDs were not effective, and they had poor firearms skills, so we survived!
React to an Enemy ATGW: (Anti-Tank Guided Weapon) aka "Sagger Dance" if fired upon by what appears to be an ATGW such as an AT-3 NATO code name: SAGGER, or numerous other wire-guided missiles, the Driver will accelerate, and begin changing direction vigorously, but not so much as to significantly slow the vehicle; seeking COVER or at least concealment. The TC (Tank Commander or whatever) will Command: "SAGGER DANCE!" and simultaneously trigger the (WP) Smoke Grenades on the front of the turret. If there is a Smoke Generator the Driver will engage it. Dust raised by maneuvering may also conceal the vehicle.
We had Drills to Dismount a MICV/APC (Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle or Armored Personnel Carrier). We would deploy some on-line, some five meters apart, we loaded in so that Machine-guns, Grenade launchers, and other weapons are distributed, and we are prepared to conduct a dismounted assault.
We had a different drill for dismounting an "up-armored" HMMWV: The TC (Truck Commander) would announce: "Prepare to Dismount!" Everyone inside would scan five meters around the vehicle, and announce: "Clear!" (no enemy personnel or IEDs) the Gunner would then pop his head out and scan for any potential threats out to 25 meters. Then the designated personnel would Dismount, Close and Secure the doors, then take a knee and await orders of what to do next (if not already planned).
There are Battle Drills to Breach an Exterior Door, or similar drills for Breaching interior doors.
Drills for clearing rooms, etc., etc., etc.
Potomac Bob said:
In military training, it makes sense that recruits would be trained in the use of weapons. It makes sense that they would be trained the details of whatever specialty they will be assigned. But why are they taught military drills? In fighting a war, they aren't going to be marching side by side in perfect step with each other.
Switch Blayde said:
The OP was talking about marching.
No, the only Question in the OP was about Drills, there was a comment made about marching.
Most likely because the Potomac Bob, and many others, Confuse Drill & Ceremony with Marching.
Drills are Battle Drills most armed forces of the world, and paramilitary organizations from police and fire departments, to marching bands, use a Ceremonial form of the Battle Drills used from the "Pike & Shot" era through Rifled Muskets; sometimes into the 1940's and beyond, but mostly ended by 1916...
Marching is Marching, and is still used by every armed force on Earth. Most often marching is used to move formations (aka groups) of soldiers (etc.) from one location to another. Such as from the barracks to the Mess Hall (now D-Fac); or to a medical facility or gymnasium for inoculations, or a briefing. Marching is also used to travel significant differences; often termed a Route March that is not done with every soldier In Step but rather at Route Step which means the soldiers maintain the same pace, and a set distance, typically 1 to 3 meters, up to possibly 5 meters, but not in synchronicity. Soldiers, in particular Infantry, are still required to be able to March (standards vary between various forces/units) from 12 miles (~19 km) in 3 hours to 20 miles (32 km) in 5 hours.
The last time that a significant force had to March a significant distance to engage in combat was the UK/British Army during Operation Corporate, the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Due to too many of the British helicopters were damaged/destroyed when Atlantic Conveyer was struck by an Exocet missile; the British forces had to "Yomp (foot march) from San Carlos Water to Port Stanley, and the Paras to Goose Green. That is the last "wartime" Operational march I can recall. Tactically, Foot Patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq, and elsewhere require using Route March techniques. Soldiers from the Republic of India, as well as Communist China train to be able to march in the rugged Himalayan Mountains, and have engaged in conflict with each other in areas with no roads, and difficult or impossible to reach by helicopter. Jungles, swamps/marshes, as well as mountains and other inhospitable terrain, that might be deemed strategically valuable; or providing access to strategic locations, may be difficult to access by vehicles or even aircraft. Urban areas are also places where travelling by foot is necessary or desirable.
Back to Battle Drills what we use for ceremonies, such as parades, were, until rather recently, used to Tactically Maneuver soldiers in Combat! In the 21st century we would most likely use the command: "Platoon! By Squad. File From The Right, Collum Right!" Moving the soldiers into a Mess Hall, or TMC (etc.). Less than a hundred years ago that was how soldiers moved from a collum of march (typically four collums wide) into a Line of Battle. Since c.1865 (or so) it would be likely to add: "At The Double" and "At Extended Interval." This would deploy an Infantry formation (typically a Company to a Regiment) in a "Line of Skirmishers" with 1 to 3 meters between soldiers. These techniques were universally employed from the 1870's through the 1950's.
Those tactics evolved into tactically moving in a "Wedge" ^ (or "Reversed V"); but still deploying On Line for maximum firepower once in contact with the enemy. Infantry Tactics in use today developed from German tactics from pre-1914, but in particular their Strum ("Storm") tactics, which were basically "Combined Arms" by which they meant not just rifles, but also machineguns, mortars, grenades, grenade launchers, and other weapons. As well as "Infiltration Tactics" meaning bypassing nodes of resistance, and using terrain and suppressing fire to move into an enemies depth. Then follow on forces would neutralize the bypassed nodes of resistance; preferably by attacking from the flanks or rear. All modern armed forces use only slightly modified tactics used by some German units as early as 1914!
A difference is that instead of an Officer or NCO yelling, "Platoon! By Squad. File From The Right, Collum Right! At Extended Interval. Form A Line Of Skirmishers! AT THE DOUBLE!"
A leader would now command: "Action Right" or give the Hand & Arm signal for that maneuver by making several rapid punching motions at shoulder level.
Similar Battle Drills (maneuvers) are conducted by a Platoon or Company of Tanks or other AFVs.
In conclusion, Drill & Ceremony is still taught in Basic Training, partially as one of the tools of installing discipline; but also, as a "building block" of moving troops in a Marching Formation, or from a marching formation to a particular location. For example: after being transported by truck to a rifle range, the soldiers unload, then are moved to the safety area behind the firing area and formed up so they may all be more easily accounted for, weapons inspected, etc. Then the personnel may be safely and orderly deployed to firing positions. Often, they will be cycled through an ammunition issue point, again using those "archaic" Drills.
So, while "Close Order Drill" is now used for ceremonial functions, or a variation is used to move soldiers in an administrative situation (from a barracks to a classroom, mess hall, etc.). Close Order Drills are also a building block for Tactical Maneuvers. Many soldiers may not be aware, nor care, about the history of these Drills. Drills are Battle Drills, even if some particular drills are no longer tactically viable. "Close Order Drill" is still the basis for Riot Control formations. Battle Drills and Marching are still necessary skills that should be learned by all members of armed forces. While members of the Air Force might only use it to get to a D-Fac, or an awards ceremony; Army and Marine Infantry use variations of those maneuvers in their current Battle Drills.
Watch some videos of a collum of Tanks and other AFVs deploy from a Road March into a line of Battle in the current war in Ukraine. Such a deployment would be recognized by a Sergeant or Colonel in the Army of the Potomac in 1863, or a Centurion in 43 A.D.
No, the only Question in the OP was about Drills, there was a comment made about marching.
The OP specified recruits. I wouldn't expect recruits to do any more than basic stuff.
AJ
The OP specified recruits. I wouldn't expect recruits to do any more than basic stuff.
Then You expect Cannon Fodder! Such as Putin's Orcs!
In the US Army and USMC all trainees are taught to maneuver in a series of Fire Team Wedges, and the Battle Drill of "Bounding Overwatch" where one Fire Team or Squad is in cover, or prone, while another Team/Squad advances past them to occupy cover to overwatch the next Team/Squad moving forward. How far, and at what speed the troops move is determined by being under fire or not.
This is a Basic Battle Drill
Upon being assigned to a unit, the new soldiers will learn the SOP Battle Drills that are different in a Mechanized Infantry unit mounted in M2 Bradleys, or wheeled Strikers; compared to Light Infantry; and even more refined in a Ranger Battalion.
To graduate from Basic Training all soldiers must complete a Tactical Route March of at least 12 miles (19 km) carrying their weapon, body armor, rucksack and a minimum load of 35 pounds (15 kg). They do so in a "Modified Wedge" aka a staggered collum.
During their training Tactical Route March the Trainees will be expected to conduct Battle Drills such as "React to a Sniper" and/or React to an Ambush" as well as "React to Artillery" and likely "React To Chemical Weapons" (aka a "Gas" Attack). The Action Right / Action Left (Front and Rear too) Battle Drills are also taught.
Battle Drills are part of the Basic Training of any Competent military force! Of course, any competent armed force their combat formations will be taught more advanced Battle Drills; but those build upon the Drills taught in Basic and AIT.
But why are they taught military drills? In fighting a war, they aren't going to be marching side by side in perfect step with each other.
Switch Blayde said:
The OP was talking about marching.
No, the only Question in the OP was about Drills, there was a comment made about marching.
The second quoted sentence refers to the one before it. So "military drills" in the first sentence is defined as "marching side by side in perfect step with each other" in the second sentence.
Don't bother to teach your military forces any Drills. Just send them out like Rambo or Putin's Orcs, and any Properly Drilled military force will slaughter them like targets on a Reflex Fire Drill on a firing range!
Persist in your Delusion that a Battle Drill is a parade, or something silly!
Just because the OP made Mistaken Assumptions: Assume makes an ASS of U and ME, should require you to Willfully Fail to Learn what I and others are trying to inform you. Anyone who has served in a modern military in the last 40 years Should know he difference between Battle Drills and Drill & Ceremony!
Furthermore, even if you stick your fingers in your ears and wail, Drills are Battle Drills, even if they are not practical for modern combat. They are still used in Riot Control which is a form of conflict. Those Drills are taught to Soldiers as they are the Basis of Tactics!
Your Lack of knowledge of grammar is nearly as pathetic as Your ignorance of Tactics and military training.
Perhaps it may be Inferred that sentence about marching was specifically about "Military Drills"... However, the term "Military Drills" is best understood as BATTLE DRILLS! If you ask a US Army Drill Sergeant or a USMC Drill Instructor about teaching "Military Drills" they would focus on modern BATTLE DRILLS, and not ceremonial matters. If you wanted to know abour Marching, they are more likely to consider the requirements of a Tactical Route March that is Required for graduation from Basic Training, not how to get from the barracks to a Mess Hall (D-Fac). It seems the OP didn't know the proper terms, and so the question is imprecise. Several posts have Explained what a Military Drill/Battle Drill actually IS, not what You mistakenly Feel it should be!
I am willing to grant that the OP was made out of genuine curiosity; albeit ignorance. Military Drills are NOT (anymore) the movements taught as part of Drill & Ceremony, which is Not Marching, or at least not most marching. "Military Drills" as understood by Military Professionals are BATTLE DRILLS and You Switch Blayde are determined to wallow in Your IGNORANCE, or rather Stupidity as You Refuse t Learn
Read: The Expert Infantryman's' Badge Task List 672-9 https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/pamphlets/TP672-9.pdf
The Soldiers' Manual of Common Tasks https://idoc.pub/documents/us-army-soldiers-manual-of-common-tasks-warrior-skills-level-1-k6nq6511d9lw
Infantry Squad and Platoon Tactics 21-8 https://www.moore.army.mil/Infantry/DoctrineSupplement/ATP3-21.8/
Anyone who has served in a modern military in the last 40 years
I served 6 years. Basic at Ft. Bragg (now named something else). Home of the Airborne at the time. So don't get high and mighty with me. The OP simply asked why soldiers are trained to march.
"Military Drills" as understood by Military Professionals are BATTLE DRILLS and You Switch Blayde are determined to wallow in Your IGNORANCE, or rather Stupidity as You Refuse t Learn
Marius-6 are you drunk posting?
Military Drill(s), has two, totally separate context's, which is defined by the proceeding context.
In this case, it's defined by "aren't going to be marching side by side in perfect step with each other". By the original post, which clearly states to those with basic reading comprehension, that the context is with regards to looking pretty and marching in step, which as those who have served know, is commonly referred to as 'drill'. This is universal throughout most militaries and also, like in most militaries, reviled by the majority in those militaries.
The other context, the one which you are seemingly fixated on to the exclusion of everything else, is SOP's. Whilst known to some as 'Military drills', they are more commonly known as SOP's.
It should be pointed out that origin of both, stems from the same desire to communicate as much information as possible in the shortest possible amount of time. This desire to communicate complex military operations in one word commands led to the formation of what was originally termed 'Drill'. The act of forming a line, square, open order, etc, etc, in the heat of battle in response to enemy action (calvary charge/ archer volley or cannon fire/massed infantry assault, etc etc), requires extensive practice beforehand in a time of peace in order to be effectively carried out in chaos of a battle.
War, like every other technology based endeavour, changes, and with it, the commands adjust to suit. Massed cavalry charges are no longer a thing, nor are massed infantry groupings. The commands of "Form square!" to welcome a calvary charge or "Form open order" in response to a massed arrow barrage, have been replaced with "Ambush Left!" or "Ambush right!" or "Fight through!". Which detail the situation and the corresponding action to be taken in as little words as possible. These drills are practiced extensively before hand (like the original drill) and commonly referred to as the Standard Operating Procedure for that specific situation.
https://www.army.mil/aps/08/information_papers/prepare/Warrior_Tasks_and_Battle_Drills.html
From that page: Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills
What is it?
Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills (WTBD) are fundamental combat skills in which all Soldiers – regardless of rank, component, or military occupational specialty -- must maintain proficiency to fight and win on the battlefield. They are the foundation upon which combat training builds and are the primary focus of tactical training for both officers and enlisted Soldiers during initial military training (IMT).
Warrior Tasks are selected common individual Soldier skills deemed critical to a Soldier's basic competency. Examples include weapons training, tactical communications, urban operations, and combat lifesaving.
Battle Drills are group/collective skills designed to teach a unit to react and accomplish the mission in common combat situations. Examples include react to ambush, react to chemical attack, and evacuate wounded personnel from a vehicle.
The military is taught drills (marching) so they don't get their pikes tangled up while moving.
The military is taught drills (marching) so they don't get their pikes tangled up while moving.
See, I never understood that rule for the Navy. But I suppose in retrospect, with such little room to manoeuvre on/in a ship, that pike entanglement is a serious concern...
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/29818953/submarine-captain-sacked-sex-video/
But I suppose in retrospect, with such little room to manoeuvre on/in a ship, that pike entanglement is a serious concern...
Aren't pike a freshwater fish? Was that in the Swiss Navy?
AJ
Aren't pike a freshwater fish? Was that in the Swiss Navy?
Don't say it, Don't say it don't say it, don't say it...
"No idea, you would have to ask Seaman Stains, or failing that, Roger the cabin boy..."
Fuck...
"No idea, you would have to ask Seaman Stains, or failing that, Roger the cabin boy..."
Fuck...
Fuck is how you got Seaman Stains. :)
Enough of the bloviating from Marcus.
It is and was quite clear that the OP was referring to marching along in step.
Not warrior drills, battle drills, or electric drills, dental drills, etc.
Marching in formation is the best way to get a given group of people from Point A to Point B at the same time.
oyster
(former Army drill sergeant)
didn't matter. We had the draft. In two years I never had one of my trainees run over.
oyster
Marching in formation is the best way to get a given group of people from Point A to Point B at the same time.
Are you sure it's not just the most orderly? I would have thought the best way is to simply tell them that the pubs shut in twenty minutes and that "They are in their own time now...."
We didn't allow them alcohol until their fourth weekend of basic training, and believe me, just cutting them loose to find their own way? We'd still be pulling the stragglers out of the woods.
Good times.
oyster
(former Army drill sergeant)
This will either make you cringe or bring a chuckle. In basic, I was the 4th squad leader because I set the pace when marching and I was tall with a long stride. My drill sergeant loved that pace. But I guess even back then my hearing wasn't that great and we were marching on the parade grounds when the order was given to turn left. I didn't hear it. The other three squads went left while mine continued straight (until I realized it and we rushed to get back into formation).
Here's something I found that I didn't know about the tradition of marching:
A military parade is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvering known as drilling or marching. The terminology comes from the tradition of close order formation combat, in which soldiers were held in very strict formations as to maximise their combat effectiveness.
my hearing wasn't that great
The result of pneumatic drilling? :-)
(Sorry, I wanted to finish writing a new chapter this afternoon but there's been one interruption after another and I'm mightily frustrated.)
AJ
military drills
If they were centitary drills, would they have to march ten times as far?
(One SOL story contains 'milimetre' and eleven SOL stories contain 'milimeter')
AJ
One SOL story contains 'milimetre' and eleven SOL stories contain 'milimeter'
Both of the above are wrong because it should have two 'l's
'Millimetre' is the correct international spelling. The US uses millimeter.
This is a common difference in US and UK spellings the use uses 'er' where the UK uses 're' in base nouns (both use 'er' when it's added as a suffix). This is seen in many words. Center(US) vs centre(UK) for example.
https://www.thelanguagegallery.com/blog/british-vs-american-spelling-what-s-the-difference
This is a common difference in US and UK spellings the use uses 'er' where the UK uses 're' in base nouns
The English word is 'meter', as in gas meter or iambic pentameter. We use 'millimetre' cos that's what the French decided on for their system of units.
AJ
The English word is 'meter', as in gas meter or iambic pentameter.
Why don't you use "re" for those? "Theatre" is not a unit of measurement, yet it's "re".
Chaucer, whose name ends in "er", spelled theatre with an "re", yet Shakespeare, whose name ends in "re", spelled theater with an "er".
Why don't you use "re" for those?
According to my dictionary, meter and metre both original from the same Greek root but meter branched one way as the person or object doing the measuring and metre branched the other way as the measurement. So it should be iambic pentametre!
I believe the other 'er' and 're' endings have been discussed here before. Didn't the balance of evidence suggest that 'er' is older, ie theater, as it's currently spelt in America, and the 're' is a more modern branch in British English?
Whatever the reasons, they're doing a good job of wrecking English's hopes of becoming a global lingua franca.
AJ
But why are they taught military drills
In short, it is to get them conditioned to obey commands without a second thought.
In combat, a group is either a well organized machine or it is a mob. And a fire team of 4 or 5 people or a squad of 8 to 12 has to be able to take commands and respond without a thought, or even knowing exactly why. Because they may not know "the big picture", and the lives of others may be at risk so they must respond without hesitation.
If I was a Squad Leader, I may direct one group to pass right in front of our lines, and at the last moment give the order to those providing fire to immediately stop firing. And they absolutely have to do so without hesitation or question, as otherwise they might shoot the ones starting to pass in front of them.
A lot of COD is to get them to understand they are no longer a group of individuals, but part of an organized team that will follow orders without hesitation.