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Which part of a two-part drill command is given at the higher pitch?

The command of execution, given higher and with no inflection.

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  1. The command of execution ✔
  2. The preparatory command
  3. Neither, both use the same pitch

Why: The preparatory command starts near your normal voice and rises at the end, like 'get set'. The command of execution comes out higher and flat, because people react fastest to a higher sound.

Huh, didn't know that: A common mistake is starting the preparatory command too high, leaving nowhere to go for the command of execution.

The dad joke
How does a drill leader warm up their voice? Do, re, mi, HARCH!
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References

Answer: The command of execution. The preparatory command starts near your normal voice and rises at the end, like 'get set'. The command of execution comes out higher and flat, because people react fastest to a higher sound.

  1. CAPP 60-33, Civil Air Patrol Drill and Ceremonies (Nov 2025), 2.4.5 Inflection www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6033_2217FEEE8C89F.pdf
    A properly delivered command of execution has no inflection. However, it should be given at a higher pitch than the preparatory command.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

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