Drill and Guard Mounting
What this domain tests
Drill words of command, correct turnout and the formal procedure by which a guard takes over and hands over a post.
Foot drill you must recognise
- Savdhan - attention; heels together, body erect.
- Vishram - stand at ease; visarjan - dismiss.
- Dahine mur / Baaye mur / Peeche mur - right, left and about turn.
- Tez chal - quick march; Tham - halt.
- Salaami - salute, given smartly with the right hand, eyes on the person saluted.
Drill is not decoration: it builds discipline, unit coordination, quick response to orders and a smart public image.
Guard mounting, step by step
- Guard falls in, roll call and numbering.
- Guard commander inspects uniform, boots, hair, nails, identity card, torch, baton, radio and any authorised weapon.
- Special orders are read out: VIP movement, threats, banned persons, fire routes, changes in post.
- Sentries are marched to posts and posted.
- The outgoing sentry briefs the incoming sentry and both sign the handover register.
- The relieved guard marches back, is checked in, and reports anything unusual to the commander.
Worked example
At 06:00 a sentry at a warehouse gate is to be relieved. The relief arrives with the guard commander, both march to the post, the outgoing guard states "Post number 2, nothing unusual except a damaged lock on the rear shutter, reported at 04:10," the incoming guard repeats it, and both sign the register before the outgoing guard marches off. Reasoning: verbal briefing plus written record plus signature creates accountability for anything discovered later.
Traps that cost marks
- Reversing savdhan and vishram, or saluting with the left hand.
- Skipping the reading of special orders during guard mounting.
- Leaving a post before the relief physically arrives.