Parade (military)

A parade refers to any times soldiers are in formation with restriction of movement. The American usage is "formation."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This comes from the old tradition of formation combat, in which soldiers were held in very strict formations as to maximize their combat effectiveness. Formation combat was seen as an alternative to mêlée combat, which required strict soldier discipline and competent commanders. As long as the formations could be maintained, the 'civilized' soldiers would maintain a significant advantage over their less organized opponents.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although modern warfare has shirked this in favour of guerilla combat and loose formations, modern militaries still use parades for ceremonial purposes or in noncombat environments for their efficiency and ease of organization. Roughly synonymous are "drill" and "march". Recruits are taught drill to teach them how to work and move as a team. In addition, formations are still used in riot control situations.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S. drill is based on the contributions of Baron von Steuben, a Prussian Army officer who served as a volunteer in the Continental Army. During the winter quarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, von Steuben taught a model company of 100 soldiers musket drill. These soldiers, in turn, taught the remainder of the Continental Army.

Related Topics:
Baron von Steuben - Prussian Army - Valley Forge

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~