Why Do We Use Close Order Drill?

These days close order drills are used as a ceremonial kind of display. They have not much practical importance these days for even though infantry does fight in coordination they do not do so in close military formations. These drills were believed to be instituted at the time when muskets were first introduced. The reasons were simple, units of infantry back then had to respond cohesively in battle turning and firing their inaccurate fire arms as one.

These days the armed forces recommend and continue the tradition. They believe it helps develop follow ship and leadership abilities in officers. These officers can give and receive orders clearly and understand military discipline and the importance of following commands. It also increases their knowledge of basic drill movements and terminology and finally a drill well performed is its own reward.