CONDUCT OF DRILL LESSON

Drill is a practical skill. For effective drilling, the facilitator needs to understand
the concepts involved. This lesson will enable the instructor and his/her
learners achieve the aims/purpose of the subject.
Specific objectives:
By the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:
a) State the five qualities of a drill instructor.
b) Explain the significance of prelims(Inspection and warm up)
c) Describe the sequence of instruction(Five stages involved)
d) Outline important points for effective drilling.

(I) THE QUALITIES OF A DRILL INSTUCTOR.

The purpose of drill is to exact. To teach it successfully, you MUST have the
following qualities:
Patience- Never lose temper.
Enthusiasm-Have interest and make your class want to learn.
Consistencies- Set a standard with your squad and never deviate from it.
Humanity- Understand their problems (let them not suffer). Praise readily but
do NOT become familiar. Never humiliate individual members
of the squad.
Personality-You must be impressive i.e. well turned out and always have
good control over them.

• When drilling a squad, mind the following:

 Stand at the position of attention.
 When moving, March as you would wish your squad to march.
 When demonstrating, do so accurately and if movement is with a rifle, with
cane e.t.c use article and nothing else.
 Do NOT use a bad language.
 Be impeccably turned out.
 Never exaggerate a movement.
(II) THE TWO PRELIMS (INSPECTION AND WARM UP).
(a) Inspection-Learners should be smart (clean and neat) and ready for the
lesson. Inspection will help to ensure that:
(i)They are dressed correctly.
(ii)Their clothing and equipment are serviceable and clean
(Uniform should be well pressed).
(iii) Weapon clean and well cared for.
(iv) They are alert and healthy (ready for the lesson)
(b)Warm up-Prepares body both mentally and physically.

NB: Prelims should be brief.

(III)THE SEQUENCE OF INSTRUCTION.

There are five main stages involved:
(i)Formation of squad: Will be determined by lesson e.g.
o Straight line (Foot drill)
o Half circle (Rifle exercises)
o Three ranks incline (Saluting at a halt)

(ii) Explanation-Introduce the lesson, objectives, purpose (reason why)

(iii) Demonstration-By the instructor. It is visual emphasis in teaching.
(iv)Question technique- For clarification, increase learners’ involvement and
ensure learners assimilate
(v)Practice-Practice the class on what you have taught by use of repeated
movements to ensure:
o Polishing (Perfection)
o Drilled skill is internalized.
o Memory retention is reinforced.

(IV)EFFECTIVE DRILLING
The following are important points for successful/effective drilling
• Demonstrate the skill properly.
• Drilling done in parts. Whole,Part,Whole
• Practice it whole.
• Pay attention to difficult parts
• Give timely correction.
• Adequate individualized practice.
• Give ‘frequent’ breaks.

DRILL FACULTY REVISED 2010