Topic: Drill and Training
Ortona Platoon graduated at Wolseley Barracks, 11 October, 1968.
The Royal Canadian Regiment Depot
Command Junior NCO Course - 1960s
Instructions to Assist Platoon Commanders and Platoon Sergeants in Carrying Out an Inspection
General
1. The following points become second nature with experience and in a good unit, both in being noticed at inspection and in their observance by the men.
Full wear must be extracted from clothing and as long as it is serviceable it must be worn. There is however no reason why part-worn clothing should not be clean, correctly pressed and in good repair.
It is usual to inspect, starting at the right hand man of the front rank, from the heaf downwards, the front of the rank before the back of it, and the men before their arms.
General Impression
2. Is the soldier clean? Is his uniform clean, well-fitted, pressed and correctly put on? Is he standing at the correct position of attention? Are his weapons clean?
Note: Before starting to inspect see that any incorrect positions are put right. The inspecting officer should be accompanied by the next senior on parade who will note anything he is told.
Head-Dress
3. (a) Is the cap clean and free from sweat and hair grease?
(b) Does the cap sit squarely on the man's head?
(c) Is the badge in the correct position?
(d) Are the badges and buttons clean and shiny and free from all foreign matter?
(e) Is the chin strap shining?
Cleanliness
4. (a) Is the face and neck clean and closely shaven?
(b) Is the hair short and have the sideburns been removed to a reasonable height?
(c) Is the hair on the top of the head a reasonable length?
Check at this point to ensure the eyes of the troops are not following the inspecting officer.
Battle Dress Jacket
(a) From the front:
(i) Does the jacket fit?
(ii) Does the fly of the jacket make a straight line through the belt buckle with the fly if the trousers?
(iii) Are all buttons done up?
(vi) Is the jacket belt done up and snugly fastened?
(v) Are the flashes clean and properly sewn on?
(vi) Have all the loose threads been removed?
(vii) Are the pockets stuffed with papers, cigarette packages, etc?
(viii) Is the tie properly positioned and neatly tied?
(ix) Is the collar of the shirt neat and clean?
(x) Does the shirt fit properly?
(b) From the back:
(i) Is the jacket fastened to the trousers with the buttons provided?
(ii) Is the jacket properly pressed?
(iii) Is the shirt collar clean?
Web Belt
(a) From the front:
(i) The belt must fit snugly so that during a long parade the weight of the bayonet cannot pull it down to one side.
(ii) The buckle must be central and in line with the fly of the trousers.
(iii) Is the brass clean and highly polished?
(vi) Is the belt clean, not caked with cleanser?
(v) Are the ends of the belt correctly fastened and squarely under the outer part of the belt?
(b) From the back:
(i) Is the bayonet frog on the left hip and not under the arm or in the small of the back?
(ii) Is the bayonet clean and free from rust?
(iii) Is the belt properly positioned?
Hands
7. (a) Are the hands clean and free from stains?
(b) Are the finger nails clean and trimmed?
Battle Dress Trousers
(a) From the front:
(i) Are the trousers ell up on the hips?
(ii) Are braces being worn?
(iii) Are the trousers hanging the right distance from the ground?
(vi) Are they clean and well pressed?
(v) Are the puttees correctly rolled?
(vi) Are the puttees around the bottom of the trousers?
(b) From the back:
(i) Do the trousers fit well in the rear?
(ii) Are the jacket and trousers buttoned together?
Boots
(a) From the front:
(i) Are the boots clean and shined all over?
(ii) Are the boots laced correctly?
(iii) Are the ends of the bootlaces concealed?
(vi) Do the bootlaces lie flat and are not twisted?
(b) From the back:
(i) Are the boots in a good state of repair? (Have some men lift one foot at a time.)
Summary
10. It will soon become apparent to all men that they must be well turned out to avoid being checked on inspection.
Take your time initially and you will soon find that you will become very observant and will be able to conduct your inspection thoroughly in a minimum amount of time.
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