Frequently Asked Questions |
|
new to Drill? Parent? Spectator? Find the answers to the most common questions here!
For New Drillers:
What even is rifle exhibition drill?
In simple terms, rifle exhibition drill is a combination of rifle movements and military-style marching. To qualify as "drill", the routines one designs must be rooted in military tradition and in military training manuals. Some recently have walked a fine line between drill and "dance", which can be read more about here.
Do you have to be in the military to do drill?
No! While this is a very common misconception in our society, you can be a civilian and compete in the "professional" or independent circuit. The World Drill Championships (WDC), River City Drill Competition (RCDC), and the Texas Drill Competitions (TXDC) all allow civilians and military personnel to compete, and they do win.
What about bayonets in high school?
No. If you are in high school, you CANNOT use a bayonet under any circumstances. It does not matter if you think you're good enough. It does not matter if your instructor or your parent thinks your good enough. This is a direct mandate from ALL Service JROTCs as well as SNI, no high schooler may use a bayonet without risking expulsion, removal from the drill team, and/or a flat ban from all Nationals events. Just don't do it, you can wait.
What's the point? Isn't it a more useful skill to learn how to shoot instead of "flip a rifle"?
Same as any other activity or hobby. Those who drill enjoy it. Accomplishing movements and tricks for the first time, or winning your first competition give the same sense of achievement as winning in any sport. No, there isn't a lot of money in it, but why does there have to be in order to enjoy doing something? In answer to the shooting question, why not both? But you can't use a drill rifle to shoot anyway.
How much does your rifle "actually" weigh?
Depends on the model. If it's a Daisy replica drill rifle (which is what most schools use), the weight is 8.4-8.6 lbs, with no exceptions. A Springfield replica from Glendale ParadeStore will be 8.5-8.6 lbs, with no exceptions. M1 Garand's can be slightly heavier, and the addition of a fully weighted bayonet can bring the total weight over 10 lbs. This is the only way to get that heavy of a rifle. If your instructor tells you your rifle is 13 lbs, they are incorrect. If anyone on YouTube comments and says their rifle is 15 lbs, you now know that they are severely misinformed or have terrible integrity.
What about the ones with colorful stocks, no way those can be fully weighted right?
In general, yes they are. Those stocks are one of two things, New Guard America High Impacts stocks, or painted Glendale or Daisy stocks. NGA stocks were built in such a way to fit perfectly with a fully demilitarized Springfield 1903A3. Glendale or Daisy hardware placed in an NGA stock will push the weight to slightly below 8 lbs, but it is standard practice to place specifically designed weight kits into the butt of the rifle. So yes, the one kid with a bright pink stock throwing quads at your local meet is probably using a fully weighted rifle, and spreading rumors about how it's a lightweight is only disrespecting the hours of practice the driller put in, and showing a bad light on yourself and your team.
How do you get better?
Practice. Lots and lots of practice. It may seem cliche, but it really is the only way to improve your drill. Ask for critiques from more experienced drillers, record often and critique your progress. Also, hit the gym. Increase your strength and everything will come quicker and easier. The community is usually extremely open to people looking for honest critique and people who really want to improve.
What are the best resources for new drillers?
The Independent Drill YouTube page. This has the largest trick library in the world with videos on over a hundred tricks to get you started, as well as tutorials on select movements that may be difficult, or are a necessity to move on to more difficult drill. New Guard America - unbreakable stocks. These things last YEARS and it cannot be understated how good of an investment one of these can be for a new driller. Black and Brown are available of the Glendale website for a more traditional look. The Independent Drill Facebook page is the largest community for exhibition drill. Definitely has a more solo-focused environment, but all types of drill are welcome and encouraged. Everything else you can find here on ADR, including event schedules, results, and more.
How to build a uniform?
If you are in AFJROTC, you can't, you must use the AFJROTC uniform. For anyone else,the base of a uniform should follow the Army Class B's, a button-down shirt and trousers. The belt should be military-style, and some kind of military cover should be worn whether that be a beret, service cap (for those in JROTC or currently serving), or some kind of patrol cap. Uniform is possibly the most important of your routine, as it is the first thing the judges will inspect and everything you do will be viewed under this lens. Uniforms "can" be of any color, but black, navy, gold, and white are the best option. Color should be used to accent the uniform, not a main feature. White is the most difficult due to how dirty it can get and that it shows all imperfections. All uniforms should be tailored, ironed, and starched before competition. This goes for all phases of exhibition drill, not just solo. Uniform accessories can be found at Glendale ParadeStore. A good place to begin searching for the main pieces of an exhibition uniform is Uniforms Warehouse.
For Spectators:
What even is rifle exhibition drill?
In simple terms, rifle exhibition drill is a combination of rifle movements and military-style marching. To qualify as "drill", the routines one designs must be rooted in military tradition and in military training manuals. Some recently have walked a fine line between drill and "dance", which can be read more about here.
Do you have to be in the military to do drill?
No! While this is a very common misconception in our society, you can be a civilian and compete in the "professional" or independent circuit. The World Drill Championships (WDC), River City Drill Competition (RCDC), and the Texas Drill Competitions (TXDC) all allow civilians and military personnel to compete, and they do win.
What's the point? Isn't it a more useful skill to learn how to shoot instead of "flip a rifle"?
Same as any other activity or hobby. Those who drill enjoy it. Accomplishing movements and tricks for the first time, or winning your first competition give the same sense of achievement as winning in any sport. No, there isn't a lot of money in it, but why does there have to be in order to enjoy doing something? In answer to the shooting question, why not both? But you can't use a drill rifle to shoot anyway.
Should I clap during performances?
Yes. Many high-level drillers purposefully place pauses in their routines where the audience can applaud. Or if you really see something cool, applaud, the competitors probably won't even notice, but the judges will. Showmanship is a category on the scoresheet and you probably aren't helping by holding in applause for something you genuinely found interesting. If the performer is a newer cadet, applause can really help boost their confidence, which is obviously never a bad thing.
Why should I follow drill, what makes it interesting?
For one, it's just hard. The amount of skill and practice it takes to complete even a relatively simple routine at a high-level would almost certainly surprise you. It's not hard to pick up a rifle and flip it. It is extremely hard to do complex movements with inch perfect precision. Second, the people. The community and competitors are genuine and their personalities range all across the spectrum. A large majority are highly personable and just think of themselves as regular people who love their sport. Drill is highly "grassroots". Pick a couple favorite drillers and follow their journey throughout the competition season the same as you would follow a tennis or golf player, or a swimmer. With the emergence of Team Exhibition at the World Drill Championships, expect much more complicated routines with larger groups.
Common acronyms
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure; this outlines all the rules for a specific competition. A must read.
TC: Training Circular; generally the Army TC 3-21.5, all regulation movements for an Army Drill Team and most independent drillers come from here.
ID: Independent Drill, both the YouTube and Facebook page.
SNI: Sports Network International; host and owner of Daytona Nationals, Army Nationals, Air Force Nationals, and Navy Nationals.
NGA, SCD, DTD, RCD, SE, etc.: Various teams and companies.
What even is rifle exhibition drill?
In simple terms, rifle exhibition drill is a combination of rifle movements and military-style marching. To qualify as "drill", the routines one designs must be rooted in military tradition and in military training manuals. Some recently have walked a fine line between drill and "dance", which can be read more about here.
Do you have to be in the military to do drill?
No! While this is a very common misconception in our society, you can be a civilian and compete in the "professional" or independent circuit. The World Drill Championships (WDC), River City Drill Competition (RCDC), and the Texas Drill Competitions (TXDC) all allow civilians and military personnel to compete, and they do win.
What about bayonets in high school?
No. If you are in high school, you CANNOT use a bayonet under any circumstances. It does not matter if you think you're good enough. It does not matter if your instructor or your parent thinks your good enough. This is a direct mandate from ALL Service JROTCs as well as SNI, no high schooler may use a bayonet without risking expulsion, removal from the drill team, and/or a flat ban from all Nationals events. Just don't do it, you can wait.
What's the point? Isn't it a more useful skill to learn how to shoot instead of "flip a rifle"?
Same as any other activity or hobby. Those who drill enjoy it. Accomplishing movements and tricks for the first time, or winning your first competition give the same sense of achievement as winning in any sport. No, there isn't a lot of money in it, but why does there have to be in order to enjoy doing something? In answer to the shooting question, why not both? But you can't use a drill rifle to shoot anyway.
How much does your rifle "actually" weigh?
Depends on the model. If it's a Daisy replica drill rifle (which is what most schools use), the weight is 8.4-8.6 lbs, with no exceptions. A Springfield replica from Glendale ParadeStore will be 8.5-8.6 lbs, with no exceptions. M1 Garand's can be slightly heavier, and the addition of a fully weighted bayonet can bring the total weight over 10 lbs. This is the only way to get that heavy of a rifle. If your instructor tells you your rifle is 13 lbs, they are incorrect. If anyone on YouTube comments and says their rifle is 15 lbs, you now know that they are severely misinformed or have terrible integrity.
What about the ones with colorful stocks, no way those can be fully weighted right?
In general, yes they are. Those stocks are one of two things, New Guard America High Impacts stocks, or painted Glendale or Daisy stocks. NGA stocks were built in such a way to fit perfectly with a fully demilitarized Springfield 1903A3. Glendale or Daisy hardware placed in an NGA stock will push the weight to slightly below 8 lbs, but it is standard practice to place specifically designed weight kits into the butt of the rifle. So yes, the one kid with a bright pink stock throwing quads at your local meet is probably using a fully weighted rifle, and spreading rumors about how it's a lightweight is only disrespecting the hours of practice the driller put in, and showing a bad light on yourself and your team.
How do you get better?
Practice. Lots and lots of practice. It may seem cliche, but it really is the only way to improve your drill. Ask for critiques from more experienced drillers, record often and critique your progress. Also, hit the gym. Increase your strength and everything will come quicker and easier. The community is usually extremely open to people looking for honest critique and people who really want to improve.
What are the best resources for new drillers?
The Independent Drill YouTube page. This has the largest trick library in the world with videos on over a hundred tricks to get you started, as well as tutorials on select movements that may be difficult, or are a necessity to move on to more difficult drill. New Guard America - unbreakable stocks. These things last YEARS and it cannot be understated how good of an investment one of these can be for a new driller. Black and Brown are available of the Glendale website for a more traditional look. The Independent Drill Facebook page is the largest community for exhibition drill. Definitely has a more solo-focused environment, but all types of drill are welcome and encouraged. Everything else you can find here on ADR, including event schedules, results, and more.
How to build a uniform?
If you are in AFJROTC, you can't, you must use the AFJROTC uniform. For anyone else,the base of a uniform should follow the Army Class B's, a button-down shirt and trousers. The belt should be military-style, and some kind of military cover should be worn whether that be a beret, service cap (for those in JROTC or currently serving), or some kind of patrol cap. Uniform is possibly the most important of your routine, as it is the first thing the judges will inspect and everything you do will be viewed under this lens. Uniforms "can" be of any color, but black, navy, gold, and white are the best option. Color should be used to accent the uniform, not a main feature. White is the most difficult due to how dirty it can get and that it shows all imperfections. All uniforms should be tailored, ironed, and starched before competition. This goes for all phases of exhibition drill, not just solo. Uniform accessories can be found at Glendale ParadeStore. A good place to begin searching for the main pieces of an exhibition uniform is Uniforms Warehouse.
For Spectators:
What even is rifle exhibition drill?
In simple terms, rifle exhibition drill is a combination of rifle movements and military-style marching. To qualify as "drill", the routines one designs must be rooted in military tradition and in military training manuals. Some recently have walked a fine line between drill and "dance", which can be read more about here.
Do you have to be in the military to do drill?
No! While this is a very common misconception in our society, you can be a civilian and compete in the "professional" or independent circuit. The World Drill Championships (WDC), River City Drill Competition (RCDC), and the Texas Drill Competitions (TXDC) all allow civilians and military personnel to compete, and they do win.
What's the point? Isn't it a more useful skill to learn how to shoot instead of "flip a rifle"?
Same as any other activity or hobby. Those who drill enjoy it. Accomplishing movements and tricks for the first time, or winning your first competition give the same sense of achievement as winning in any sport. No, there isn't a lot of money in it, but why does there have to be in order to enjoy doing something? In answer to the shooting question, why not both? But you can't use a drill rifle to shoot anyway.
Should I clap during performances?
Yes. Many high-level drillers purposefully place pauses in their routines where the audience can applaud. Or if you really see something cool, applaud, the competitors probably won't even notice, but the judges will. Showmanship is a category on the scoresheet and you probably aren't helping by holding in applause for something you genuinely found interesting. If the performer is a newer cadet, applause can really help boost their confidence, which is obviously never a bad thing.
Why should I follow drill, what makes it interesting?
For one, it's just hard. The amount of skill and practice it takes to complete even a relatively simple routine at a high-level would almost certainly surprise you. It's not hard to pick up a rifle and flip it. It is extremely hard to do complex movements with inch perfect precision. Second, the people. The community and competitors are genuine and their personalities range all across the spectrum. A large majority are highly personable and just think of themselves as regular people who love their sport. Drill is highly "grassroots". Pick a couple favorite drillers and follow their journey throughout the competition season the same as you would follow a tennis or golf player, or a swimmer. With the emergence of Team Exhibition at the World Drill Championships, expect much more complicated routines with larger groups.
Common acronyms
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure; this outlines all the rules for a specific competition. A must read.
TC: Training Circular; generally the Army TC 3-21.5, all regulation movements for an Army Drill Team and most independent drillers come from here.
ID: Independent Drill, both the YouTube and Facebook page.
SNI: Sports Network International; host and owner of Daytona Nationals, Army Nationals, Air Force Nationals, and Navy Nationals.
NGA, SCD, DTD, RCD, SE, etc.: Various teams and companies.