Annex C To
CSI Ceremonial Guide
AAFC SQUADRON PARADE FORMAT
(As of Mar 16)
GENERAL
1.
The object of squadron drill is to combine the movements of two or more flights acting as
one body, under the command of the squadron commander. Squadron drill is taught to move a body
of personnel in any direction in certain formations and to assemble them for the purpose of review,
inspection and address.
2.
The procedure outlined in the following paragraphs is to be used for squadron parades.
Whilst options exist in relation to the reviewing officer, inspections, stepping off and dismissal, the
basic format must be followed at all times to ensure uniformity throughout the Australian Air Force
Cadets (AAFC).
3.
Operational Squadrons in the AAFC will seldom have enough CUOs to fill all the executive
officer positions outlined in this parade format and will need to call on SNCOs. When the position is
not held by an officer the required salute is not to be conducted. Salute the rank, not the position.
FORMATIONS OF A SQUADRON
4.
A Squadron is normally formed up as follows:
a.
Close Column of Flights. Flights in line on parallel and successive alignments, at a
distance of 15 paces from each other.
b.
Line of Flights. Flights in line on one alignment at an interval (between markers of
adjoining flights) of 10 paces from each other.
c.
Column of Route. Flights in a column with not more than three men abreast at any
part including officers and supernumeraries, at a distance of five paces between rear
supernumerary section of threes and the flight commander of the next flight.
5.
The number of personnel on parade and the space available, and the size of the parade
ground will dictate which formation, close column of flights or in line of flights, will be used for the
squadron parade. It may be necessary to make further adjustments if space is particularly tight.
SQUADRON SIZE
6.
A squadron is to consist of two or more flights. The following paragraphs outline the detail
for a squadron consisting of three flights, but are applicable to a squadron consisting of a greater or
lesser number of flights.
POSITION OF PERSONNEL
7.
The following are the positions of officers, warrant officers, and non-commissioned officers,
when a squadron is in:
a.
Close Column of Flights: (Annex C1)
(1) Parade commander. Ten paces in front of the centre of No 1 flight.
(2) Parade warrant officer. Two paces in rear and two paces left of
Squadron/Parade commander.
(3) Remaining officers, warrant and non-commissioned officers. In their respective
flights, as supernumeraries.
(4) Flight commanders. Three paces in front of the centre of No 1 flight.
b.
Line of Flights: (Annex C2)
(1) Parade commander. Ten paces in front of the centre of the squadron.
(2) Parade warrant officer. Two paces in rear and to the left of Squadron/Parade
commander.
(3) Remaining officers, warrant officers and non-commissioned officers. In their
respective flights, as supernumeraries.
(4) Flight commanders. Three paces in front of the centre of No 1 flight.
c.
Column of Route: (Annex C3)
(1) Parade commander. Seven paces in front of the leading section of three, in line
with the centre file.
(2) Squadron/Parade warrant officer. Five paces in front of the leading section of
threes, in line with the left file.
(3) Flight commanders. Three paces in front of the leading section of threes, in line
with the central file.
THE PARADE OF A SQUADRON
ASSEMBLY
8.
Five minutes prior to the time ordered for the parade, under the direction of the parade
warrant officer, the flights are to form up at the rear of the parade ground. Flight sergeants are to
ensure that their respective flights are correctly sized and stood easy. Right markers are to assemble
and stand at ease in a single file (No 1 flight marker leading) in line with their respective points on the
parade ground;
a.
If the parade is formed up in Close Column of Flights, with No 1 flight marker three
paces behind the rear flight marker point. This means that, if 3 flights are on parade, No 3
flight marker marches 5 paces and halts and No 2 flight marker marches 19 paces and halts
and No 1 flight marker marches 33 paces and halts.
b.
If the parade is formed up in Line, with each marker at least 15 paces to the rear of
his flight marker, space permitted. This will mean that each marker marches 15 paces and
halts.
9.
SNCOs are to form up in supernumerary ranks, with the first rank being two paces to the rear
of their flights. The first supernumerary SNCO is to cover off the member in the rear rank of the nondirecting flank of the flight. (Annex C4)
10.
Flight Commanders, supernumerary officers and supernumerary warrant officers are to form
up on the saluting base facing the parade. No 1 flight commander is to position themself directly
opposite number one flight with the remaining flight commanders taking up their positions in
numerical order, to the left of No 1 flight commander. Supernumerary officers are to fall in, in single
file, behind their respective flight commanders. Supernumerary warrant officers are to fall in to the
left of the last file of officers, in single file. All are to stand at ease (fig 1.2).
11.
Once the parade warrant officer has organised the squadron, they are to take up their
position on the parade ground, six paces forward of and central to where the frontage of the
squadron will be when on parade (and stand at ease).
Initial set up for close column/column formation
a. All markers are to be formed up, with the marker of the most rear flight a distance of 2 paces front, and
2 paces right of the position of the Number 1 Flight Marker. All markers then fall in, in front of the rear
marker a distance of 1 pace. Markers are to also be aware of their halting points on the parade ground
when called on.
b. FLT CDRs are to be formed up in-line with the parade dais. Number 1 FLT, FLT CDR dressed in front of
the markers. Subsequent FLT CDRs to be standing to the left of 1FLT FLT CDR.
c. S/OFFs are to fall in to the rear of their respective FLT CDRs. All executives remain at ease until called
onto the parade.
d. S/WOFFs are to fall in to the immediate left of all FLT CDRs and S/OFFs. Number 1 Flight S/WOFF at the
front. Subsequent flight S/WOFFs formed up directly behind
12.
PDEWOFF is to march a distance of 10 paces in front of Number 1 flight front rank, in the centre of the
parade ground, in-line with Number 1 flight, FLT SGT.
March On
13.
(PDEWOFF) “MARKERS, ATTEN-TION. QUICK-MARCH” Markers come to Attention, March
forward halting on their halting points that were previously identified to them by their FLT SGTs. If markers are
not aligned, then it is the responsibility of the PDEWOFF to move them until alignment is achieved.
(PDEWOFF) “MARKERS STEADY, MARKERS STAND AT EASE”
14.
(PDEWOFF) “SQUADRON ATTENTION, ON
attention and step off together. Executives remain at ease.
PARADE” Whole PDE, including markers come to
(FLTSGT) “No. xxx FLIGHT, HALT” Once the flight has halted, there is a regulation pause then the whole
flight is to move their head and eyes to the right and move to gain approximate dressing, and then face the front.
At the same time the FLT SGT is to about turn, correct his alignment and observe the flight correcting their
dressing.
(FLTSGT) “No. xxx FLIGHT, STAND AT EASE” (in numerical order)
(FSGT wait until all flights are at ease, 2 beats, about turn, 2 beats, stand at ease together)
15.
If the Squadron chooses to call the roll on parade they should do so now following the format below,
if the roll has been called before the squadron marches on the PDEWOFF should go straight to the Right Dress.
(PDEWOFF) “Flight Sergeants, Call the Roll”
The flight sergeant answers ‘Sir/Ma’am’, about turns to face the flight and calls the roll. When an
individual is called they are to come to attention, reply to the flight sergeant by rank (e.g. 'FLIGHT
SERGEANT!), and stand at ease when the next name is called. 'The flight sergeant is then to make a
physical check of the flight and compare this with the flight roll.
The Flight Sergeant is then to give the command: “Stand – Easy”, then about turns and stands at ease.
Once all flights are finished calling the roll the PDE WOFF is to give the command;
(PDEWOFF) “SQUADRON ATTEN-TION”
(PDEWOFF) “SQUADRON RIGHT-DRESS” FLT SGTs about turn on the executive word of command.
(PDEWOFF) “EYES-FRONT” FLT SGTs about turn.
(PDEWOFF) “SQUADRON STAND AT-EASE”
(PDEWOFF) “FLIGHT-REPORTS”
The Flight Sergeants will come to attention and advise the status (number present, on other duties and sick) of
personnel in their respective Flights, consecutively starting from No 1 FLT.
During this report the Parade Warrant Officer is to break-step (Ref: Manual of Drill, Chapter 1, Paragraph 138)
and record the details and prepare for orders to be read. At the completion of the reports, the Parade Warrant
Officer is to come to attention. At this time, the PDEWOFF may address the parade. PDEWOFF should give the
command to ‘STAND-EASY’ and ‘Pay attention to orders’ The Parade Warrant Officer is to break step. Important
points from Routine Instructions are to be read along with any special orders or instructions as required. On
completion of any Orders the Parade Warrant Officer is to come to attention.
(PDEWOFF) “SQUADRON ATTEN-TION”
The PDEWOFF is to about turn
16.
(PDEWOFF) “FALL IN, THE WARRANT OFFICERS” (If S/WOFFs are present) S/WOFFs are to
come to attention. Observe a pause of 2 beats in quick time, and march onto the parade ground in a straight line
until they are in line with the supernumerary rank of their flight. (2 paces behind rear rank) They then perform a
right wheel, and halt next to the last S/SNCO; they then wait 2 beats in quick time and execute a right turn. If no
S/SNCOs are present, then they will fall in, behind the left hand marker file. The PDEWOFF is to about turn as the
as the Warrant Officers march past. When S/WOFFs have fallen in, the PDEWOFF about turns and awaits the
PDECDR
This is the signal for the PDE CDR to fall in.
17.
Parade Commander is to march onto the parade ground from the front, and halt 2 paces in front of the
PDEWOFF. PDEWOFF Salutes PDECDR and gives a parade report (Number of flights, number of personnel, number
on sick parade). The PDEWOFF then states that he/she is handing over the parade, and asks permission to fall in.
PDEWOFF salutes, executes a left turn, and takes 2 paces (with the arms held by the side). The PDEWOFF then
turns to the front of the parade ground as he/she is now a part of the parade (Figure 1.3).
PDECDR executes an about turn and gives the command:
(PDECDR) “FALL IN, THE OFFICERS/FLIGHT COMMANDERS”
Flight Commanders/S/Offs come to Attention, wait for 2 beats in quick time, salute, Wait another 2 beats in quick
time and march directly to their front. The PDECDR is to return the salute.
As the FLT CDRs take their first step, all FLT SGTs execute a right turn, and position themselves 2 paces from their
right hand marker (FLTCDR halts in-line with the marker); awaiting arrival of their FLT CDR. FLT SGT should inform
FLT CDR of number of personnel in flight, and members on sick parade, or missing for other reasons. When the
Officers pass the PDECDR. The PDECDR executes an about turn, facing the parade to observe the handover of
Flights.
As the FLTCDRs halt at the right markers, the supernumerary officers continue around to the rear of the flight and
fall in to the right of the supernumerary WOFF or SGTs. Supernumerary officers are to turn and face the front
independently on reaching their positions.
When the handover of the flight is complete. The FLT SGT executes an about turn, and waits 2 beats in quick time.
The FLT SGT and FLT CDR of individual flights then step off in unison. The FLT CDR is to halt central to the flight.
The FLT SGT executes a left wheel at the end of the flight and halts in line with the front, left marker. Both the FLT
SGT and FLTCDR then wait a count of 2 beats of quick time and execute the appropriate turn to face the front of
the parade. (Figures 1.5 – 1.6)
RAISING THE ENSIGN
18.
March.
The ANF or RAAF Ensign may now be raised. If no ANF or Ensign is present, then move to Open Order
(PDECDR) “PARADE STAND AT-EASE” Whole parade stands at ease. PDECDR waits 2 beats in quick time
and about turns. PDECDR gives the signal to the Flag Orderly (FGO) to prepare to raise the Ensign.
(PDECDR) “PARADE, GENERAL SALUTE ATTEN-TION” The whole parade comes to attention.
Executives (not supernumeraries) then wait for a count of 2 beats in Quick time and salute.
The FGO is to give one whistle blast before raising the Flag, to signal to onlookers to stand-fast, face the flag, and
salute. The FGO is to then raise the flag and hold onto the rope, then give two whistle blasts signal to onlookers
to carry-on, this is also the cue for the PDECDR to call the parade to attention (while holding the salute)
(PDECDR) “PARADE, ATTEN-TION” PDECDR then executes an about turn to face the parade.
REVIEW OR INSPECTION
19.
Inspection by Reviewing Officer, PDECDR or FLTCDRs is conducted here. Options are listed below:
(PDECDR) “PARADE, OPEN ORDER-MARCH”
(PDECDR) “PARADE RIGHT-DRESS” FLT CDRs and PDEWOFF about turn on the executive word of
command. The marker on the left flank of the front rank of each Flight is NOT to raise their left arm during the
right dress. The Flight sergeants are to turn their head and eyes to the right.
(PDECDR) “PARADE EYES-FRONT” FLT CDRs and PDEWOFF about turn on the executive word of
command.
CO’s Parade Option:
If the CO is to inspect the Parade they should arrive on to the dais at this stage or alternately take up a position 3
paces in front of the Flag Pole. Once in position:
(PDECDR) “PARADE, ATTEN-TION” PDECDR brings the parade to attention and salutes. CO returns the
salute. PDECDR approaches the CO and asks if they would like to inspect or address the parade. If they choose to
inspect the parade proceeds as per Inspection 4 (Reviewing Officer).
Note: General salute only given to officers of the rank of SQNLDR and above. (AAP 5135.002 Chap 3 Annex A
Note 12)
Inspection Options:
Inspection #1 (Inspection by PDECDR)
(PDECDR) “NUMBER ONE FLIGHT STAND FAST, REMAINDER, STAND AT-EASE” All flights,
except Number 1 flight stands at ease. PDECDR and PDEWOFF inspect Number 1 flight. FLT CDR remains at the
front of the flight. When the inspection party reaches the middle of the end of the rear rank, the next flights FLT
CDR is to stand his/her flight to attention. Once the inspection party has finished inspecting a flight (and a FLTCDR
hears the next flight being brought to attention), the FLT CDR is to stand his/her flight at ease, about turn, and
stand at ease.
Inspection #2 (Single Flight inspection by PDECDR, Remainder inspect by Flight)
(PDECDR) “NUMBER X FLIGHT STAND FAST, REMAINDER INSPECT BY FLIGHTS” Nominated
Flights stands fast. Inspection party carries out inspection as previously detailed. All other FLTCDRs salute. They
then execute a right turn and march to right flank and await the FLTSGT. At the same time, The FLTSGT is to wait
until the FLTCDR is in position at the right flank, and then march out wheeling right, halting in front of the
FLTCDR. Once the FSGT has paid the appropriate salute they are to fall in to the right of the FLTCDR for the
inspection. Once the inspection is complete, the FLTSGT is to halt in line with the rear rank marker, wait for the
FLTCDR to about turn and make any comment, salute, FLTSGT about turns at the same time as FLTCDR right
turns, and both march off to their respective positions, Once the FSGT is in position the FLTCDR is to stand his/her
flight at ease, about turn and stand at ease.
Inspection #3 (All FLTCDRs Inspect)
(PDECDR) “FLIGHT COMMANDERS, INSPECT BY FLIGHTS” All FLT CDRs perform individual
inspections of their respective flights carrying out procedures as previously detailed.
Inspection #4 (Reviewing Officer)
(PDECDR) “PARADE STAND AT-EASE” PDECDR waits for RO to present at front of parade ground
(PDECDR) “PARADE, GENERAL SALUTE, ATTEN-TION” (see note for CO’s Parade option)
(PDECDR) “PARADE ATTEN-TION” PDECDR is to march out, halt, salute, report to the RO and ascertain
the inspection requirements of the RO. If the complete parade is to be inspected the PDECDR is to salute, right
turn and join the RO The PDEWOFF is to march to a position one pace to the right of No. 1 flight marker, await the
arrival of the RO, salute and join the inspecting party. When the inspection of the entire squadron is completed,
PDEWOFF is to salute, break off and march to their position. The PDECDR is to accompany the RO to the dais,
salute, request permission to march off/dismiss the Squadron, salute, about turn and march to their position
facing the parade.
For details on the routine of Inspections conducted by Reviewing Officers and those Dress inspections conducted
by Parade and Flight Commanders see Annexes C6 and C7
COMPLETION OF INSPECTION
20.
Once any inspection is completed the PDECDR and PDEWOFF march back to the Dias. En route the
PDEWOFF salutes, breaks off and resume their position at the front of the parade, whilst the PDECDR escorts the
RO to the Dias. The PDECDR then salutes and ascertains if there is to be an address or simply a march off. The
PDECDR then salutes, returns to their position and the parade is then to be called to attention by PDECDR
(PDECDR) “PARADE ATTEN-TION”
(PDECDR) “PARADE CLOSE ORDER-MARCH”
(PDECDR) “PARADE, RIGHT-DRESS” FLT CDRs about turn on executive word of command
(PDECDR) “PARADE, EYES-FRONT” FLT CDRs about turn
MARCH PAST
Note – A march past is not compulsory. If the squadron chooses to not have a march past they are to go straight
to “Fall Out the Officers”.
(PDECDR) “PARADE WILL MARCH PAST IN COLUMN OF ROUTE,
SUPERNUMERARIES TAKE-POST” Supernumerary NCOs taking up positions off the FLTSGT, followed by
21.
S/WOFFs in the next section of threes, the S/OFFs. All are to remain facing the front
(PDECDR) “PARADE, MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN COLUMN OF ROUTE, RIGHT-TURN”
All personnel right turn, PDECDR left turn. After a pause of 2 beats, all executives are to step off together and
march to their positions in column of route. On reaching their positions the executives are to halt, pause for two
beats in quick time and then independently turn to face the direction of march. FLTCDRs 3 paces from leading
section of threes. PDEWOFF, two paces forward of the FLTCDR and in line with the left file. PDECDR, two paces
forward of the PDEWOFF, in line with the FLTCDR.
With Music
(PDECDR) “SQUADRON BY THE LEFT, QUICK………” (step off after the 6th beat) All Flights step off
together and march as a whole, across the parade ground. Upon reaching the perimeter of the parade ground, all
flights are to left wheel to form column of route. Blank files are to move to the right going into the saluting point.
Without Music
(PDECDR) “SQUADRON BY THE LEFT, QUICK-MARCH’ The Squadron is to step off and march as a
whole, across the parade ground. Upon reaching the perimeter of the parade ground, all flights are to left wheel
to form column of route. Blank files are to move to the right going into the saluting point.
(FLTCDR) “No. xxx FLIGHT, EYES-RIGHT” given before the saluting point, No. 1 FLTCDR needs to ensure
enough space is given for the executives to salute before the saluting point.
(FLTCDR) “No. xxx FLIGHT, EYES-FRONT”
DISMISSAL
NOTE: PDEWOFF may supervise the march past from point 2 and is to march off at the rear of the last flight.
When forming back up after the march past (or at a suitable position for dismissal), PDEWOFF is march to their
position to the rear of the PDECDR.
22.
At the dispersal point, the PDECDR and PDEWOFF are to wheel to the flank, halt, turn to face the PDE
with the PDEWOFF maintaining their position two paces to the rear left of the PDECDR. As the centre of the
parade draws level with the PDECDR they are to give the commands:
(PDECDR) “SQUADRON-HALT”
(PDECDR) “INTO LINE LEFT-TURN” All personnel left turn, (except PDECDR and PDEWOFF). Pause of 2
beats, then the FLTCDRs are to march to their original front/centre of their flights and turn to face the front.
(PDECDR) “SUPERNUMERARIES, TAKE-POST”
All supernumeraries about turn, pause of 2 beats, and
then in reverse order, march to their positions at the rear of the flight. Each is to halt independently and face the
front.
(PDECDR) “FALL OUT THE OFFICERS/FLIGHT COMMANDERS”
IF IN LINE OF FLIGHTS:
Without saluting the FLTCDRs are to march directly forward and halt in line with
each other, two paces to the rear of the PDEWOFF and about turn. At the same time the supernumerary officers
are to left turn and march out in single file, and when level with their FLTCDRs, right wheel to fall in to the right of
their FLTCDRs and turn to face the front independently. At the same time, the FLT SGT assumes command of the
flight by marching to the FLT CDRs original position, and executing a left turn to face the front of the parade.
IF IN CLOSE COLUMN OF FLIGHTS:
Without saluting, FLT CDR of Number 1 Flight, marches forward and halts
5 paces behind the PDECDR, in line with the centre of No1 Flight. At the same time, the FLT SGT assumes
command of the flight by marching to the FLT CDRs original position, and executing a left turn to face the front of
the parade. FLT CDRs of other flights March forward and around the non-directing flank (left) of the flight to their
front. They then halt in-line with the Number 1 FLT CDR, ensuring that space is left for that flight’s S/OFFs. S/OFFs
execute a left turn and march around the non-directing flank of their flight, in file and fall in to the right of their
respective FLT CDR. (Figure 1.7 & 1.8)
(PDECDR) “Squadron Warrant Officer!”
PDEWOFF is to reply “Sir/Ma’am”, and marches to a position two paces in front of the PDECDR, halt, turn to face
the PDECDR and salute (if appropriate). At this time the PDECDR hands over the parade back to the PDEWOFF.
The PDECDR may also give any personal opinions of the parade (Good/Bad Points). The PDEWOFF accepts
command of the parade with a salute (if appropriate). The PDECDR then about turns to face his/her FLT CDRs and
officers. The PDEWOFF also executes an about turn to face the parade. (in unison)
(PDECDR) “OFFICERS, DISS-MISS” Officers salute (if appropriate), then execute a right turn (PDECDR left
turn), and march off the parade ground.
(PDEWOFF) “SQUADRON, OPEN ORDER-MARCH”
(PDEWOFF) “Fall out the Warrant Officers” Supernumerary Warrant Officers execute a right turn and
march straight off the front of the parade ground, going around the directing flank (right) of their flight.
(PDEWOFF) “OFFICER ON PARADE, DIS-MISS” PDEWOFF is to turn (in time and in line with the parade)
all salute and march off.
OR (PDEWOFF WITHOUT AN OFFICER/CUO PRESENT)
(PDEWOFF) “SQUADRON, DIS-MISS” Squadron executes a right turn. Once 3 paces have been taken,
flights are now under the command of the individual FLT SGTs.
OR (OFFICER/CUO DISMISSING THE PARADE)
(PDECDR) “SQUADRON, OPEN ORDER-MARCH”
(PDECDR) “SQUADRON, DIS-MISS”
OR (DISMISSAL ON THE MARCH)
Before the PDE is halted, the PDECDR is to wheel to the flank, halt, turn to face the PDE and give the command:
(PDECDR) “Flight Parade”
On this command, individual FLTCDRs are to salute and give the commands:
(FLTCDR) “Fall Out the Officers” Supernumerary Officers are to salute and disengage from the formation
(FLTCDR) “Fall Out The Warrant Officers” Warrant Officers are to salute and disengage from the
formation
(FLTCDR) “Flight Sergeant” FLTSGT is to salute, move smartly to the directing flank and take control of the
Flight. FLTCDR is to acknowledge salute and disengage the formation
When dismissed on the parade ground, personnel are not to disperse but are to march off the parade ground
under control of their Flight Sergeants.
ANNEXES
ANNEX C-1:
ANNEX C-2:
ANNEX C-3:
ANNEX C-4:
ANNEX C-5:
ANNEX C-6:
ANNEX C-7:
A Squadron in Close Column of Flights
A Squadron in Line of Flights
A Squadron in Column of Route
Position of flight commanders, supernumerary CUOs CWOFFs AND SNCOs prior to
march on
Dress Inspections
Reviewing Officer’s Inspection
Key to figures
ANNEX C -1:
A Squadron in Close Column of Flights
10 paces
8 paces
3 paces
R
No 1 FLIGHT
2 paces
15 paces
R
No 2 FLIGHT
15 paces
R
No 3 FLIGHT
ANNEX C-2:
No 1 FLIGHT
R
3 paces
2 paces
10 paces
No 2 FLIGHT
R
8 paces
10 paces
10 paces
No 3 FLIGHT
A Squadron in Line of Flights
R
ANNEX C-3:
A Squadron in Column of Route
2 paces
2 paces
No 1 FLIGHT
5 paces
3 paces
No 2 FLIGHT
5 paces
3 paces
No 3 FLIGHT
Direction of travel
3 paces
ANNEX C-4:
Position of flight commanders, supernumerary CUOs CWOFFs AND SNCOs prior to
march on
Dais
R
3 paces
2 paces
ANNEX C-5:
Dress Inspections
ANNEX C-6:
Reviewing Officer’s Inspection
Reviewing Officer’s Movement Pattern – Movement Only
Reviewing Officer’s Inspection Movement Pattern – with Inspection Party Member Positions
ANNEX C-7: Key to figures
Parade Commander
Parade Warrant Officer
Flight Commander
Flight Sergeant
Supernumerary Officer
Supernumerary Warrant Officer
Supernumerary NCO
R
Right hand marker