Pace Stick

By Crusader1307

Indicative to The British Army, A Pace Stick is a hinged (two-pieced) Stick (similar to a Drafting Compass) – used by Non-Commissioned Officers (usually Senior). It is set to match the needed Military “Step” or distance from foot to foot or a regulation Pace. As the Pace Leader steps (a non-quick step), The Pace Stick can be seen by rear Ranks and matched – thus creating the uniform step required for a particular March. Designed for use by a “Certified” Drill Instructor, The Pace Stick originated from an Artillery Gunner’s “Range Pole”, used to measure distance between Guns. Such Poles have been in use since the 16th Century. Distances for a Pace Stock are graduated from 12 to 40-inches, each representing the 7 accepting Military Paces used by The British Army.