Old College Parade Ground at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) has once again echoed with the familiar sound of tic – tic – tic as dozens of pace sticks were intricately twirled at the 2025 All Arms International Pace Sticking Competition.
The judges for the All Arms International Pace Sticking Competition discuss their notes about the competing teams.
A team from The Royal Logistic Corps participate in the 2025 All Arms International Pace Sticking Competition hosted by the The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The team from the Bahrain Defence Force prepare for their turn in the All Arms International Pace Sticking Competition
The Royal Hospital Chelsea pensioners team show that they can still compete at the All Arms International Pace Sticking Competition.
A team from the Qatar Defence display their drill in the All Arms International Pace Sticking Competition
A pace stick is the instrument carried by Drill Sergeants and Regimental Sergeant Majors when on parade. The stick is split into two and hinged at one end. When opened it can be adjusted to measure the exact length of a soldier’s stride or pace.
The competition involves teams of four, led by the Driver, a right marker, and two team members executing precision drill in as perfect synchronisation as possible. It is a showcase for military pomp and swagger.
"We’re looking for a bit of style and panache when they execute all the drill movements."
Teams compete in a series of routines, marching in slow and quick time, alternating the hand holding the pace stick.
President of the Judging Panel, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Farrell, Grenadier Guards, explains what they are looking for from those taking part:
“Good turnout and excellent personal drill to start. Are they able to pace stick properly, is the stick hitting the ground in the right place and at the right time. And also, we’re looking for a bit of style and panache when they execute all the drill movements.”
As its title suggests, the competition is open to all arms meaning not just the military but any uniformed organisations can enter.
Taking part this year were teams from the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, the Soldier Academy Pirbright and three teams from the Royal Military Academy. Army regiments who entered included the Welsh Guards, Grenadier Guards, The Royal Logistic Corps, and to everyone’s delight the Royal Hospital Chelsea, looking magnificent in their full scarlet coats.
"When it comes to pace sticking, it is an extension of drill which for me is so important as it feeds into our professionalism and reputation. By continuing to do events like this we get to showcase a skill which is still utilised within the Army which is that method of installing discipline into ourselves and our soldiers and long may it continue."
Overseas teams this year came from: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Pakistan.
Adds Lieutenant Colonel Farrell:
“It’s fantastic to see all the international teams here, and delivering the same drill moves as us. They have their own unique styles which just adds to the competition and adds to the flavour.”
The Royal Regiment of Artillery lays claim to be the originator of the pace stick, using it to measure the correct distances between guns, limbers (a two-wheeled cart designed to support the trail of an artillery piece) and ammunition caissons (a two-wheeled cart designed to carry artillery ammunition).
In 1928, the late Academy Sergeant Major Arthur Brand MVO MBE developed a drill for the pace stick and promoted its use through the Army to assure unity and precision amongst Drill Instructors.
It was used as a tool for instructors to check soldiers were the correct distance apart on parade, during drill, and to assist with ensuring soldiers were marching at a full 30-inch marching pace.
However, the pace stick can be traced further back than this as Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Dwain Oliver, Academy Sergeant Major RMAS explains:
“Although a slightly different design, it was used by the Romans to measure roads and distances. So, 500 turns of the stick was considered a Roman mile.
Today, the pace stick plays a crucial role in the planning of parades such as Trooping the Colour and other state ceremonial occasions.
WO1 Oliver adds:
“When it comes to pace sticking, it is an extension of drill which for me is so important as it feeds into our professionalism and reputation.
By continuing to do events like this we get to showcase a skill which is still utilised within the Army which is that method of installing discipline into ourselves and our soldiers and long may it continue.”
WINNERS:
UK
- Grenadier Guards
- The Royal Logistic Corps
- Harrogate Junior Soldiers, second team
International
- Bahrain Police A
- Pakistan
- Bahrain Police B
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