Since the 17th century period had two distinct soldiers - pikemen and musketeers - a unit (if applicable) will drill with a full company of soldiers (i.e., pike, musket, drum and colour). In addition, since the primary weapon is the pike, commands during this period were given to the pike, and the muskets would perform a number of motions as applicable to match the pike command.
Note to the judges: This is a drill competition and as such the department of the soldiers and the uniformity of their motions is of paramount importance. Unless there is something which is blatantly wrong or anachronistic it does not matter what drill is used, only how it is performed.
Performance Criteria: The following is the list of items which are taken into consideration* when judging the drill. Note that the pike should be the primary weapon observed, not the musket, for the period:
- Are all pike/musket movements performed in unison?
- Are all pike/musket movements performed at the same tempo?
- Are there distinct pauses between individual pike motions?
- Are all persons standing or marching at the same position?
- Is there any unnecessary movement in performing the pike/musket drill or when standing still?
- Is anyone doing something they should not?
- Are volleys crisp?
- Is re-loading done in a swift but controlled manner?
* These items may or may not apply to the commander and/or drummer depending on the circumstances.
Using the above to evaluate the performance, the following items are the ones that are most likely to be found wanting fore each of the required elements.
- Form Up
- Smartness
- Economy of motion
- Angle of pike/muskets
- Position of head and eyes
- Position of left (or free) arm and hand
- Position of feet
- Facings
- Position of feet
- Position of head
- Steadiness of musket and left (or free) arm
- Standing still between facing movements (are there fidgeting or changing of foot positions?)
- Manual of Arms
- Control of pike/musket
- Position of head, hands, feet
- Economy of motion
- Marching
- Uniformity of step
- Position of head
- Dressing
- Spacing
- Angle of pike/musket
- Position of left (or free) arm
- Wheels
- Head snap
- Head direction
- Dressing
- Angle of pike/musket
- Countermarches
- Uniformity of step
- Line of march vs. turning to the rear motion
- Spacing
- Smoothness of start and finish
- Angle of pike/musket
- Halt
- Uniformity
- Dressing
- Angle of pike/musket
- Final position
- Combat Firing
- Control of pike/musket
- Position of head, hands, feet
- Economy of motion
- Speed
- Precision of volley
Additional Items to be observed:
- Commander
- Presence
- Carriage
- Control
- Musician
- Errors
- Are all errors recovered in the correct manner and at the appropriate time?
- Does the commander calmly make necessary corrections?
* Bonus points for good recoveries may off-set points for lost errors.
|