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{{Short description|Formal style of walking}}
{{Redirect|Quick march|music|Quickstep (march music)}}
{{Hatnote group|
{{Distinguish|Marjing}}
{{Distinguish|Marjing}}
{{Other uses|March (disambiguation)}}
}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2015}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2015}}
[[File:Battalion march with gas mask.jpg|thumb|US Naval Construction Battalion NMCB-1 ([[Seabee (US Navy)|US Navy Seabee]]s) marching in route.]]
[[File:Battalion march with gas mask.jpg|thumb|US Naval Construction Battalion NMCB-1 ([[Seabee (US Navy)|US Navy Seabee]]s) marching in route.]]
[[File:Nara ww294 w455.jpg|thumb|370th Infantry Regiment, US Army, in route-step march toward the mountains north of [[Prato]], Italy, (the [[Gothic Line]]) – April 1945.]]
[[File:Nara ww294 w455.jpg|thumb|370th Infantry Regiment, US Army, in route-step march toward the mountains north of [[Prato]], Italy, (the [[Gothic Line]]) – April 1945.]]


'''Marching''' refers to the organized, uniformed, steady [[walking]] forward in either rhythmic or [[military step#Marching types|route-step]] time; and, typically, it refers to overland movements on foot of [[military]] [[troop]]s and [[military unit|unit]]s under [[five paragraph order|field orders]]. Marching is often performed to [[march (music)|march music]] and is typically associated with [[military parade|military]] and civilian ceremonial [[parade]]s. It is a major part of [[military]] basic training in most countries and usually involves a system of [[drill commands]].
'''Marching''' refers to the organized, uniformed, steady [[walking]] forward in either rhythmic or [[military step#Marching types|route-step]] time; and, typically, it refers to overland movements on foot of [[military]] [[troop]]s and [[military unit|unit]]s under [[five paragraph order|field orders]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=March Definition & Meaning {{!}} Britannica Dictionary |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/march |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Marching is often performed to [[march (music)|march music]] and is typically associated with [[military parade|military]] and civilian ceremonial [[parade]]s. It is a major part of [[military]] basic training in most countries and usually involves a system of [[drill commands]].


== Purpose ==
== Purpose ==
It is said that many ancient empires first developed marching as a way to move troops from one place to another without them getting mixed up with other troops.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Military.com |date=2021-03-31 |title=The Importance of Drill |url=https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/the-importance-of-drill.html |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=Military.com |language=en}}</ref> A soldier learning to march to [[drum cadence]]s, [[martial music]] and shouted commands is considered an essential element of teaching military [[discipline]].
It is said that many ancient empires first developed marching as a way to move troops from one place to another without them getting mixed up with other troops.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Military.com |date=2021-03-31 |title=The Importance of Drill |url=https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/the-importance-of-drill.html |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=Military.com |language=en}}</ref> A soldier learning to march to [[drum cadence]]s, [[martial music]] and shouted commands is considered an essential element of teaching military [[discipline]].


In the [[United States Marine Corps]], [[close order drill]] is used to promote exercise, obeying orders, discipline, [[esprit de corps]], confidence, and leadership.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCO%20P5060.20%20W%20CH%201.pdf |title=Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual}}</ref>
In the [[United States Marine Corps]], [[close order drill]] is used to promote exercise, obeying orders, discipline, [[esprit de corps|morale]], confidence, and leadership.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCO%20P5060.20%20W%20CH%201.pdf |title=Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual}}</ref>


== Military paces ==
== Military paces ==
In the military venue there are various rhythmic [[military step]]s or standard paces. One step occurs on each beat. A pace is the length of one step, assumed to be 75&nbsp;cm or 30"; (not to be confused with the ancient Roman unit of length (2 steps or 5 Roman feet = 148&nbsp;cm or 58")). Here are a few examples of these steps.
In the military venue there are various rhythmic [[military step]]s or standard paces. One step occurs on each beat. A pace is the length of one step, assumed to be 75&nbsp;cm or 30"; (not to be confused with the ancient Roman unit of length (2 steps or 5 Roman feet = 148&nbsp;cm or 58")). The three most common paces are:


* Quick March: The basic mobility. 120 beats/min. In the US this is called "quick time".
* Quick March: The basic mobility. 120 beats per minute (beats/min. or bpm). In the US this is called "quick time".
* Double March: The basic run. 180 beats/min. In the US this is called "double time".
* Double March: The basic run. 180 beats/min. In the US this is called "double time".
⚫
* [[Highland regiment|Highland]] March: Regiment-specific pace, 80 beats/min. when wearing kilts.
⚫
* [[Rifle regiment|Rifles]] March: Regiment-specific pace, 140-beats/min. Like double-time, this is a rapid trot, with the rifle usually carried at the trail, not on the shoulder.
* Slow March: Ceremonial pace, 60 beats/min.
* Slow March: Ceremonial pace, 60 beats/min.
Some paces specific to particular units include:
* Parade March: Usually seen combined with music, 116<ref>{{cite web |url=https://learning.bader.mod.uk/Global/AP818%20Drill%20and%20Ceremonial/20061003%20-%20AP%20818%20-%20u.pdf |id=AP818 |edition=7th |title=RAF Drill and Ceremonial }}</ref> beats/min. in the UK (except the [[The Rifles|Rifles]] who march at 140bpm), ~120 beats/min. in the US and Russia

* British armed services:
** [[Royal Air Force|RAF]],<ref>"RAF Drill and Ceremonial", AP818. Available at e.g. https://www.200sqn.co.uk/resources/files/AP818-Condensed.pdf</ref> [[Royal Navy]],<ref>"Royal Navy Ceremonial and Drill", BRd 1834. Available at https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/a_copy_of_the_royal_navy_drill_m/response/1614088/attach/3/brd%201834%20book%201.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1</ref> and the [[British Army|army]]<ref name=":0">"The Drill Manual", Army Code No 70166. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5acf2fb740f0b617df33589e/2018-03287.pdf</ref> except the Rifles: Quick March 116 beats/min., Slow March 65 beats/min.
⚫
** [[Rifle regiment|Rifles]] March: Quick March 140 beats/min. (like double-time, this is a rapid trot, with the rifle usually carried at the trail, not on the shoulder), Slow March 70 beats/min.<ref name=":0" />
⚫
** [[Highland regiment|Highland]] March: Regiment-specific pace, 80 beats/min. when wearing kilts.

* [[French Foreign Legion]] Pace: 88 beats/min
* [[French Foreign Legion]] Pace: 88 beats/min
* Paso Legionario: Specific march used by the [[Spanish Legion]], 144 beats/min, embodiment of their "espíritu de marcha".
* Paso Legionario: Specific march used by the [[Spanish Legion]], 144 beats/min, embodiment of their "espíritu de marcha".
* Typical [[Germany|German]] speed is 112 bpm.
* Typical [[Germany|German]] speed is 112 beats/min.


== Techniques ==
== Techniques ==
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* ''distance'' — space between the person in front. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
* ''distance'' — space between the person in front. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}


For mechanical efficiency, opposite arms usually swing with each leg while marching. British and Commonwealth armed forces keep their arms straight and swing the hand as high as the shoulder while forward and in theory to the level of the belt when backward. US Marines swing the arm six inches to the front and three inches to the rear while<ref>MARINE CORPS ORDER P5060.20</ref> US Army Soldiers swing the arm nine inches to the front and six inches to the rear. Some European armies bend the arm during the swing. Many believe these differing practices help maintain rhythm for long route marches. US troops usually march long distances at "route step" which does not require them to maintain a specific pace or length of step. Some South American and Eastern European countries march on parade with the stiff leg earlier famous as the "goose step" of German troops. German and Scandinavian military bands and units swing with only the right arm, 90 degrees straight out. Some troops (like the Royal Swedish Lifeguard) swing with their left arm. This is because they carry their rifle in their right arm. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
For mechanical efficiency, opposite arms usually swing with each leg while marching. British and Commonwealth armed forces keep their arms straight and swing the hand as high as the shoulder while forward and in theory to the level of the belt when backward. US Marines swing the arm six inches to the front and three inches to the rear while<ref>MARINE CORPS ORDER P5060.20</ref> US Army Soldiers swing the arm nine inches to the front and six inches to the rear. Some European armies bend the arm during the swing. Many believe these differing practices help maintain rhythm for long route marches. US troops usually march long distances at "route step" which does not require them to maintain a specific pace or length of step. Some South American and Eastern European countries march on parade with the stiff leg earlier famous as the "[[goose step]]" of German troops. German and Scandinavian military bands and units swing with only the right arm, 90 degrees straight out. Some troops (like the Royal Swedish Lifeguard) swing with their left arm. This is because they carry their rifle in their right arm. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
⚫
The [[Royal Marines]] refer to a long distance march carrying full kit as a [[yomp]]. The most famous yomp of recent times was during the 1982 [[Falklands War]]. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}


== Parades ==
== Parades ==
For some people, marching is a major provocative ritual. In [[Northern Ireland]], for example, hundreds of marches occur annually. These are usually organized by groups such as the [[Orange Order]], which provide most of the participants. Music is provided by [[marching band]]s including [[silver band]]s, flute bands and others. Marching is often seen as a symbol of control over a particular area, and marching is often seen as a [[sectarian]] activity.<ref>{{cite book |author=Dominic Bryan |title=Orange Parades: The Politics of Ritual, Tradition and Control |publisher=Pluto Press |year=2000 |isbn=0-7453-1413-9}}</ref>
For some people, marching is a major provocative ritual. In [[Northern Ireland]], for example, hundreds of marches occur annually. These are usually organized by groups such as the [[Orange Order]], which provide most of the participants. Music is provided by [[marching band]]s including [[silver band]]s, flute bands and others. Marching is often seen as a symbol of control over a particular area, and marching is often seen as a [[sectarian]] activity.<ref>{{cite book |author=Dominic Bryan |title=Orange Parades: The Politics of Ritual, Tradition and Control |publisher=Pluto Press |year=2000 |isbn=0-7453-1413-9}}</ref>


Marching is often used - in the UK at least - during Armistice Day as a show of respect to those who fell during all wars and is done at the "slow march" from a pre-defined meeting place to the cenotaph. The march usually consists of Active Duty and Retired Military Personnel, Cadet Corps, Relatives and volunteer civilians.
⚫
The [[Royal Marines]] refer to a long distance march carrying full kit as a [[yomp]]. The most famous yomp of recent times was during the 1982 [[Falklands War]]. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Marching| ]]
[[Category:Military life]]
[[Category:Military life]]
[[Category:Uses of boots]]
[[Category:Uses of boots]]

Latest revision as of 14:41, 30 July 2024

"Quick march" redirects here. For music, see Quickstep (march music).
Not to be confused with Marjing. For other uses, see March (disambiguation).
US Naval Construction Battalion NMCB-1 (US Navy Seabees) marching in route.
370th Infantry Regiment, US Army, in route-step march toward the mountains north of Prato, Italy, (the Gothic Line) – April 1945.

Marching refers to the organized, uniformed, steady walking forward in either rhythmic or route-step time; and, typically, it refers to overland movements on foot of military troops and units under field orders.[1] Marching is often performed to march music and is typically associated with military and civilian ceremonial parades. It is a major part of military basic training in most countries and usually involves a system of drill commands.

Purpose

[edit]

It is said that many ancient empires first developed marching as a way to move troops from one place to another without them getting mixed up with other troops.[2] A soldier learning to march to drum cadences, martial music and shouted commands is considered an essential element of teaching military discipline.

In the United States Marine Corps, close order drill is used to promote exercise, obeying orders, discipline, morale, confidence, and leadership.[3]

Military paces

[edit]

In the military venue there are various rhythmic military steps or standard paces. One step occurs on each beat. A pace is the length of one step, assumed to be 75 cm or 30"; (not to be confused with the ancient Roman unit of length (2 steps or 5 Roman feet = 148 cm or 58")). The three most common paces are:

  • Quick March: The basic mobility. 120 beats per minute (beats/min. or bpm). In the US this is called "quick time".
  • Double March: The basic run. 180 beats/min. In the US this is called "double time".
  • Slow March: Ceremonial pace, 60 beats/min.

Some paces specific to particular units include:

  • British armed services:
    • RAF,[4] Royal Navy,[5] and the army[6] except the Rifles: Quick March 116 beats/min., Slow March 65 beats/min.
    • Rifles March: Quick March 140 beats/min. (like double-time, this is a rapid trot, with the rifle usually carried at the trail, not on the shoulder), Slow March 70 beats/min.[6]
    • Highland March: Regiment-specific pace, 80 beats/min. when wearing kilts.

Techniques

[edit]

Marching techniques vary across military steps, countries, branches of military, and context. For rhythmic marching, individuals must maintain their dress, cover, interval, and distance (DCID):

  • dress — alignment with the person to the side;
  • cover — alignment with the person in front;
  • interval — space between the person(s) to the side;
  • distance — space between the person in front. [citation needed]

For mechanical efficiency, opposite arms usually swing with each leg while marching. British and Commonwealth armed forces keep their arms straight and swing the hand as high as the shoulder while forward and in theory to the level of the belt when backward. US Marines swing the arm six inches to the front and three inches to the rear while[7] US Army Soldiers swing the arm nine inches to the front and six inches to the rear. Some European armies bend the arm during the swing. Many believe these differing practices help maintain rhythm for long route marches. US troops usually march long distances at "route step" which does not require them to maintain a specific pace or length of step. Some South American and Eastern European countries march on parade with the stiff leg earlier famous as the "goose step" of German troops. German and Scandinavian military bands and units swing with only the right arm, 90 degrees straight out. Some troops (like the Royal Swedish Lifeguard) swing with their left arm. This is because they carry their rifle in their right arm. [citation needed] The Royal Marines refer to a long distance march carrying full kit as a yomp. The most famous yomp of recent times was during the 1982 Falklands War. [citation needed]

Parades

[edit]

For some people, marching is a major provocative ritual. In Northern Ireland, for example, hundreds of marches occur annually. These are usually organized by groups such as the Orange Order, which provide most of the participants. Music is provided by marching bands including silver bands, flute bands and others. Marching is often seen as a symbol of control over a particular area, and marching is often seen as a sectarian activity.[8]

Marching is often used - in the UK at least - during Armistice Day as a show of respect to those who fell during all wars and is done at the "slow march" from a pre-defined meeting place to the cenotaph. The march usually consists of Active Duty and Retired Military Personnel, Cadet Corps, Relatives and volunteer civilians.

See also

[edit]
Wikiquote has quotations related to Marching.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marching.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "March Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
  2. ^ Military.com (2021-03-31). "The Importance of Drill". Military.com. Retrieved 2022-03-11.
  3. ^ Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual (PDF).
  4. ^ "RAF Drill and Ceremonial", AP818. Available at e.g. https://www.200sqn.co.uk/resources/files/AP818-Condensed.pdf
  5. ^ "Royal Navy Ceremonial and Drill", BRd 1834. Available at https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/a_copy_of_the_royal_navy_drill_m/response/1614088/attach/3/brd%201834%20book%201.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1
  6. ^ a b "The Drill Manual", Army Code No 70166. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5acf2fb740f0b617df33589e/2018-03287.pdf
  7. ^ MARINE CORPS ORDER P5060.20
  8. ^ Dominic Bryan (2000). Orange Parades: The Politics of Ritual, Tradition and Control. Pluto Press. ISBN 0-7453-1413-9.
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