A certain amount of drill is necessary for getting the Troop and Patrols into position for various activities and for moving the Troop with a semblance of order and smartness.

For this Scouting does not resort to military drill, but has developed its own technique, easily learned and considered by the boys as a game rather than a drill. This system differs from the military through its lack of formal commands and extensive maneuvering into formation.

Main Features Of Scout Drill

The main features of Scout drill are:

1. The Alert Signal.-In the out-of-doors: Not with a piercing whistle or shouted command, but with an appropriate Troop "call" (bird or animal call. Instruments may be secured from sports supply houses according to the fancy of the Scoutmaster.) In the Troop meeting room the leader raises his right hand high above his head, indicating "Attention," "Silence," "I have an announcement to make."

2. "Freezing," that is, becoming instantly immovable, or "frozen," on the alert signal. As soon as a Scout notices the sign, he stops what he is doing and puts up his hand in the same way. When everybody is making the sign, the leader lowers his hand. So do the boys and wait for the signal to follow.

3. Arm signals by the leader indicating formation to be taken.

When first teaching the formations, a five-minute practice period may be included in each weekly meeting for three or four weeks. Thereafter the use of the signals in the course of the meeting routine and games will suffice.

In General

The leader making the signal acts as a marker. He takes a position, before giving the signal, exactly opposite the center of the formation he is going to call.

From this position he gives the Alert Signal and the proper Arm Signal to call the formation, retaining the latter until all have fallen in.

The Troop falls into position on the run, its center opposite the leader. The Patrol Leaders must be first in place since they are the key men of their Patrols' positions. The flanks of the formation should pick up their dressing automatically from the center. The Scouts stand at ease.

To ensure the smooth working of the scheme, it is necessary to establish a sequence for Patrols as well as for Scouts, so that each Patrol knows where to fall in. A good idea some Troops have adopted is that of letting the Patrol which attains the highest point in the Patrol scoring hold the position of honor, the right of the line. However, a definitely established order, always used, will prove simpler.

The only word-of-mouth commands necessary are:

"Troop Atten.....tion!" "Troop at.....ease!" "Scout

Sign!" or "Scout Sa......lute!" and "Hands......

down!" and even these may be substituted by silent signals invented by the Troop.

Formations

Informal Assembly. ("Come here!") Leader swings his extended right arm in a small circle over his head.

Single Rank Formation (Troop Line)-Signal: Leader extends both arms horizontally, parallel to the line he wishes Troop to take (with his palm turned front if he wants Patrols in front of him; with palm turned back if he wants Patrols behind him). Execution: The Patrols fall in line with a two-pace interval between each two Patrols. The Assistant Patrol Leader falls in on right of Patrol, the members falling in on his left in order of sequence established by the Patrol. The Patrol Leader takes up his position two paces in front of the center of his Patrol. The line should dress to the right and left from the center Patrol, without command. Uses: for assembly where only a long narrow space is available, as for example, the side of a road. For inspection in meeting room.

Council or U Formation

Council or "U" Formation (Horseshoe)-Signal: The leader raises arms from the sides sideways, about 45 degrees, palms toward the body. Execution: Scouts fall in, in a single-line semi-circle around leader at a convenient distance-a good pace between Scouts. The

Patrols observe same order of sequence as in Troop Line, though the Patrol Leaders fall in on the right of their Patrols. Uses: For demonstrations, announcements or special ceremonies.

Troop Circle Formation-Signal: Same as for Council Formation, followed by hands in half circle, rear to front and back several times. Execution: The Patrols form a complete circle around the leader in same order of sequence as in Troop line. Uses: For ceremonies and circle games.

Open Column of Patrols-Signal: Arms extended forward, but bent at right angles at elbows, with fingers extended toward the sky. Execution: Patrols fall in one behind the other, dressing immediately on the front Patrol and on the right. A distance equal to the length of each Patrol should be left between it and the Patrol in front of it. Patrol Leader two paces in front of the center of his Patrol. Uses: For inspection and parade formation:

Close Column of Patrols-Signal: Same as for Open Column of Patrols, except that clenched fists are extended toward the sky. Execution: Similar to Open Column of Patrols, except that each Patrol falls in two paces behind the one in front of it, with the Patrol Leader on the right of his Patrol. Uses: For assembly in small room and crowded parade formation.

Parallel File Formation (Patrol Files)-Signal: Arms extended forward at shoulder height, palms down. Execution: Patrol Leaders take positions two paces apart, and their Scouts fall in behind them. Uses: For relays and other games.

Dismissal-Signal: An outward movement of the arms from a crossed front position.

Save your voice, discard your whistle

Save your voice, discard your whistle. Hand and arm signals get them ready for activities or perades. It's much more peaceful.

Movements

Movements of the Troop are usually made from the Patrol Lines or Close Patrol Lines formation. The leader turns around, and precedes the Patrols throughout the movements.

Move Forward (Forward march!)-Signal: Right arm raised vertically and moved forward into horizontal position.

Turn Right or Left (Column right or left)-Signal; Right (or left) arm extended right (or left) at shoulder height.

Halt-Signal: Hand, palm front, thrust upward from shoulder height to full extent of arm.