In the Civil Air Patrol, we work with youth ages 12 and up. At this age, the concepts of focus, attention to detail, cohesiveness, teamwork and pride are not inherently part of such youthful minds. Close Order Drill (COD) is on tool we have as volunteers to help introduce them to these conepts in a somewhat fun, yet purposeful way.
More commonly called “Marching” there is a method to the madness beyond just moving a group of people from one place to another and not have it look like a gaggle of geese. COD is a military training exercise, and yes, it involves marching and moving in formation as a unit from one place to another.
However, beneath this, it is also the purpose of COD to instill discipline, cohesion, teamwork, and attention to detail in military personnel traditionally, but we also see it in non-military organizations like marching bands and sports teams.
For the military, COD is an essential part of training, especially in the initial stages of basic training. It teaches soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen how to move and act as a unit, how to respond quickly and effectively to commands, and how to maintain discipline and order in stressful situations.
One of the best known drill units is the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The envy and pride of every Marine I know.
In certain circumstances, through the practice of COD, personnel learn to work together as a team, follow orders, and maintain high standards of precision and accuracy. So much so that there are competitions at all levels where teams compete against each other to see who is the best.
Drill also helps to develop physical fitness, coordination, and mental toughness, preparing them for the rigors of life. Exactly ripe for setting the foundation of leadership and maturity in our youth in whatever direction they take in life. Watching kids begin barely knowing how to socialize within a group, to then being out front, calling commands and leading others in unison and precision is an amazing thing.
Seeing that pride and growth within them is definitely one of the reasons why I love drill so much.