Definition

Noun: - A formal, repetitive training exercise: A "military drill" is a structured, repeated practice of specific movements, procedures, or formations, typically involving marching and the handling of weapons, designed to instill discipline, precision, and automatic response in military personnel.

Usage

• Used to describe a core component of basic military training.
• Refers to the activity itself, not the location or time.
• Often involves a group of soldiers acting in unison under command.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The new recruits spent their first week in basic training doing endless hours of military drill.
  • Precision in military drill is essential for ceremonial parades.
  • The sergeant ordered the platoon to begin their afternoon military drill on the parade ground.

Advanced Usage

• "to stand/be at drill": to be participating in a drill session.
  • The company was at drill all morning, practicing rifle maneuvers.

Variants and Related Words

• Drill (noun/verb): The more general term for repetitive training or practice. A "military drill" is a specific type of drill.
  • The fire department conducted an evacuation drill.
• Drill instructor (noun): A trainer who leads and teaches military drills.
  • The drill instructor's voice echoed across the field.
• Close-order drill (noun): A specific type of military drill focusing on precise, coordinated marching formations.
• Parade drill (noun): Drill performed for ceremonial purposes.

Synonyms

• Training exercise: A session for practicing skills.
• Practice maneuver: A repeated execution of a planned movement.
• Formation drill: Emphasizes the practice of moving in organized patterns.

Related Phrases

• Drill and ceremony: The combined activities of military drill and formal rituals.
  • The unit's proficiency in drill and ceremony was impressive.
• To drill troops: The act of conducting drill training.
  • The officer's primary duty was to drill the new troops.

Noun

1. training in marching and the use of weapons