Squad drill has been a tradition at Benedictine for as long as any current Cadets can remember. It is crucial to maintaining the military side of Benedictine and keeping the corps sharp with their facing movements and drill maneuvers. “It helps us keep our skill up, as many of us lose the knack for military movements after freshman year,” stated sophomore Orlando Orellana-Duran. “Although it keeps me in good practice, I am not doing it this year.”

The winning squad, along with the two squads placed behind it, all receive medals, and the leaders receive a rank promotion. There has also been a rumor that Randall “Gunny” Finley, an E-7, Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps as well as a math teacher at Benedictine, will give the winning squad squad leader one of the chevrons on his collar. “I heard [Gunny] in algebra telling some students he would give his chevron to the winner [of squad drill],” said sophomore Antonio Schoenborn. “I certainly wouldn’t mind his chevron for myself, it’s a cool thing to win.”

The lists of movements the squads will complete seems long, but it all converges together after ample practice. It consists of 48 different commands including such things as; left and right faces, left and right flanks, rear march, change step march, etc. It is difficult to learn, but easy to master. “I did it last year too, it’s not as bad as some people make it out to be,” said sophomore John Janus (brother of this reporter). “It just takes some practice.”

The competition is judged by Colonel Gray Walker, Battalion Commander Michael Morrissey, VMI graduates and likely some of the military members of the school, such as Finley. They will be judged on the speed and crispness of their maneuvers, but although they must be fast, they must also be sharp and precise with their movements. The squad leader is also judged on the loudness of his voice. The leader should not be screaming at his squad members but should speak in a burly, masculine and commanding voice. “The leaders must be loud, if the judges cannot hear them, how can they judge accurately?” said sophomore Jude Drew. “In an even worse case, if the squad members cannot hear their leader, something is bound to go wrong.”

This year’s competition was foisted onto the Cadets with haste, and some of the leaders felt they were not given much time to prepare and get set up. Many of the selected members have given up on making appearances at the practices, so in turn some of the squads will likely not get enough practice to be ready for the competition. “I think it was a little rushed,” stated squad leader Colin Dart. “I think there was not enough time for squad preparation.”

Squad Drill is a handy tool for those seeking to gain traction on the military side of Benedictine. It can provide an outlet for those who are not the most-qualified and drill ready individuals to improve their skills to a much higher level then they were before. “It can help students grow their military mindset and prowess,” said Drew. “It is good for the Cadets and will continue to be good in the future.”