The Drill Manual (Army Code No. 70166), revised in 1990, was a fundamental infantry publication for the British Army and its affiliated cadet organizations. It replaced previous editions and served as the standard for military discipline and ceremonial uniformity until it was eventually superseded by later manuals like the Drill Manual 2017. Key Content & Features

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Why this manual matters

1. Internet Archive (archive.org)

The most reliable source. Search for "FM 22-5 1990" and filter by file type: ZIP. Several user-uploaded collections include the full scan with code 70166 on the copyright page.

Teaching plan (4 sessions, platoon level)

  1. Session 1 — Fundamentals: attention, stand at ease, marching basics, and dressing.
  2. Session 2 — Squad drills: formation changes, column movement, flanks, and commands.
  3. Session 3 — Weapons drill: safe handling, ceremonial rifle movements, and salutes.
  4. Session 4 — Full rehearsal: combined maneuvers, ceremony run-through, critique and standards check.

How the manual speaks to modern readers

Purpose: To produce a soldier who is proud, alert, and obedient. Discipline: Instills instinctive obedience to orders.