Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

What completes most drill commands?

1. Command of execution

2. Attention

3. Forward March

4. Standby

The correct answer is: Command of execution

A command of execution completes most drill commands because it signals the troops to carry out the action that has been given in the preparatory command. The preparatory command indicates what the movement or action will be, while the command of execution is the definitive part that tells the personnel when to start performing that action. For example, in the command "Present, ARMS," "Present" is the preparatory command, and "ARMS" is the command of execution. The other options do not serve the same purpose. Attention is a position or stance that individuals assume when directed, but it does not complete a drill command. Forward March is an example of a specific drill command that could itself be completed with a command of execution. Standby implies readiness but is typically not an endpoint for a command; rather, it suggests that troops are to prepare for further instructions. Thus, the command of execution is vital in ensuring that the commands are clearly understood and followed correctly.