Guerrilla Drill (GD) Exercises 2023

Focus: The guerrilla drill develops leg power, coordination, and the ability to lift and carry another soldier.
Execution: When soldiers can accurately execute each exercise and carry, the drill is performed continuously for 1-3 sets.
Note: All movement in the carry position is at a quick speed.
Important: Each exercise and carry must be taught and demonstrated first.

Instructional Guidance:

Formation: Extended rectangular formation (covered).
Illustrations: Soldier “A” is the one performing the carry, while Soldier “B” is the one being carried.
Order: The drill must be performed in the sequence provided.

Training Area:

Requirement: Dry, level area equivalent in size to MMD 1, free from hazards.

Uniform:

Soldiers should wear IPFU or ACUs.

Equipment:

Mark the Guerrilla Drill (GD) area using cones.

Formation Recommendations:

Ideal Size: A platoon for efficient instruction.
Larger Units: Up to a battalion can perform if mastered at the smaller unit level.
Prescribed Formation: Extended rectangular formation (covered).

Leadership:

Needed: A PRT leader and AI.
Role: To instruct and lead the GD.
Instructional Proficiency: Familiarity with teaching methods, commands, counting cadence, formations, starting positions, and use of AIs as described in Chapter 7, Execution of Training.
Note: Soldiers should memorize exercises by name and movement.

Precision:

It’s vital for exercises to be executed as prescribed.
Reminder: Never compromise precision for speed. Speedy execution can lead to injuries.

Progression:

Initially, soldiers perform one repetition of each exercise for practice.
Frequency: The GD is done in the sustaining phase during the PRT session.
Sets: Start with one set and gradually progress to three.

Integration:

GD exercises amalgamate strength, endurance, and mobility, which is functional for WTBDs’ performance.

Commands:

It consists of three exercises performed in a specific sequence.

Guerrilla drill exercises

The Army Guerrilla Drill (GD) has three exercises:

Shoulder Roll
Lunge Walk
Soldier Carry

Shoulder Roll

Objective:

Improve agility, coordination, and body awareness.

Description:

The shoulder roll, also known as the forward roll, involves tucking one shoulder in while extending the opposite arm and rolling forward across the back and shoulders.

Muscles Worked:

Core muscles (abdominals and obliques)
Deltoids (shoulders)
Upper back muscles

Benefits:

The shoulder roll helps reduce the impact of falls and is a foundational movement for many advanced agility exercises.
- Enhances agility and coordination.
- Reduces the impact of falls.
- Builds body awareness and proprioception.

Lunge Walk

Objective:

Develop lower-body strength and balance.

Description:

The lunge walk involves taking exaggerated steps forward, dropping the hips, and bending both knees to about 90 degrees.

Muscles Worked:

Quadriceps (front thighs)
Hamstrings (back thighs)
Glutes (buttocks)
Calves

Benefits:

Enhances hip flexibility, quadriceps, and hamstring strength, and improves stability in the knees and hips.
- Strengthens the lower body.
- Improves balance and stability.
- Enhances hip flexibility.

Soldier Carry

Objective:

Improve upper body strength, endurance, and teamwork.

Description:

The Soldier Carry is a two-person exercise where one soldier carries another for a set distance or time.

Muscles Worked:

Trapezius and rhomboids (upper back)
Deltoids (shoulders)
Biceps and triceps (arms)
Quadriceps, Hamstrings, and Glutes (legs)
Erector spinae (lower back)
Core muscles (for stability)

Benefits:

Enhances the cardiovascular endurance, leg, and core strength of the carrying soldier while promoting trust and cooperation between team members.
- Builds upper body and leg strength.
- Enhances cardiovascular endurance.
- Promotes teamwork and trust.

Conclusion

Incorporating the guerrilla drill into regular training routines ensures soldiers are prepared for the dynamic physical demands of modern combat.

They are practical exercises that simulate real-world activities soldiers may encounter.

Guerrilla Drill (GD)

Exercise 1: Shoulder Roll
Exercise 2: Lunge Walk
Exercise 3: Soldier Carry

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George N.

George N. is the founder of ArmyPRT.com. While he never actually served in the United States Army, he has a passion for writing about military-related topics.

Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights

George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.