PURPOSE
The Shoulder Roll is the first exercise in Guerilla Drill.
This exercise develops the Soldier’s ability to safely fall and roll up to a standing position.
The figure above breaks down the exercise as Soldiers would conduct it in a formation:
STARTING POSITION
The starting position for the Shoulder Roll is the Straddle Stance position.
MOVEMENT
● From the starting position, step forward with the left foot, squat down, and make a wheel with the arms by placing the left hand on the ground with the fingers facing to the rear.
Point the lead elbow in the direction of the desired travel.
● The right hand is also on the ground with the fingers facing forward.
Tuck the chin to avoid injury to the neck.
● Push off with the right leg and roll over the left shoulder along the left side of the body.
Do not roll onto the neck.
The push must generate enough momentum to bring the Soldier up the knees.
● Continue to the feet by pushing off with the rear leg to stand up.
● To roll to the opposite side, step forward, and switch hand and leg positions.
● Continue alternating shoulder rolls until across the 25-meter line.
CHECK POINTS:
● Lead with the left foot when rolling on the left shoulder and the right foot when rolling on the left shoulder.
● Hands are placed on the ground with the middle fingertips together and facing one another so the arms form a wheel.
● Rotate the upper body so the lead elbow is pointing straight to the front while maintaining a wheel with the arms.
● Tuck the chin so ground contact is made with the arms, shoulder blades and back not with the neck.
● The momentum of the roll brings Soldiers up to their knees.
Continue to the feet by pushing off with the rear leg while standing up on the front leg.
PRECAUTIONS:
The PRT leader and AI(s) must ensure that Soldiers are in the proper squatting position for the roll with hands on the ground and the chin tucked before rolling.