Last Thursday, June 12th, the historic grounds of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst once again served as the stage for the annual All Arms and International Pace Sticking Competition. This highly anticipated event drew an impressive contingent of 22 elite teams from across the globe, all vying for the coveted titles of RMAS All Arms Pace Sticking Competition Team Winner and RMAS All Arms Pace Sticking Competition International Team Winner.

The atmosphere on the parade square, bathed in welcome sunshine, a marked improvement from the biting wind of 2024, was charged with anticipation. Nine international teams, representing the formidable military traditions of Bahrain, Kuwait, and Pakistan, competed with unwavering focus. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder with 11 distinguished teams from the British Army, including  the Royal Logistic Corps, AFC Harrogate, Grenadier Guards, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Corps of Royal Engineers, Louts, Guards Depot 86, Soldier Academy Pirbright, Welsh Guards and two dedicated teams from RMAS itself. Each contingent brought with them a profound dedication to the art of military drill and a desire to showcase their exceptional standards.

At the heart of this unique competition lies the Pace Stick. Alongside the drum and the metronome, this iconic instrument stands as one of the three fundamental mechanical aids used by instructors to achieve unparalleled accuracy and smartness in drill formations. Its purpose, as precisely defined in the British Army’s Drill Manual, is to ensure absolute uniformity in its use, thereby fostering a remarkably high standard of steadiness and cohesion among drill instructors. The Sandhurst championship annually brings together the very best drill instructors, those who strive to 'prove' their ability and the mastery of their sticks, demonstrating to themselves and their peers who possesses the keenest intellect and the most adept hand in the intricate dance of military precision.

Despite the inherent pressure of performing before a panel of expert judges, each team executed their complex routines with remarkable composure. Throughout the competition, teams marched in both slow and quick time, flawlessly alternating the turning of the pace stick with their left and right hands. This meticulous display of drill prowess is not merely an exhibition; it fundamentally underscores the unwavering discipline and exacting precision that are the non-negotiable hallmarks of military training. Every movement, every turn of the stick, is a testament to countless hours of practice and an unyielding commitment to perfection.

A Short History of Pace Sticking

Roman Military Engineers used a Pace Stick almost identical to the modern British Army version, with the main difference being a length of rope in place of the modern brass locking bar. When the Roman Pace Stick was fully open, the rope went taut, and the stick was locked at an angled that measured two Roman marching paces. When building roads, the Roman ‘sticker’ would turn his implement 500 times, which equated to one Roman mile. A milestone would then be erected, and this process would be repeated for the entire length of the road. The length of the modern-day Pace Sticking course is somewhat shorter, but it is heartening to know that even if Rome wasn’t built in a day at least it was built with the aid of a Pace Stick.

The Royal Regiment of Artillery lays claim to being the originator of the Pace Stick, using it to measure the correct distances between guns, limbers and ammunition caissons. Sir John Moore, ‘father’ of the British Light Infantry writes of the ‘efficient use of Pace Sticks’ by the Sergeants in a training manual written in the early 1800’s. around the time of the Peninsular War.

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.

This year's competition was a powerful testament to the dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence by all participants. Despite the demands of the day, every performance reflected the absolute highest standards of military drill, leaving no doubt as to the calibre of those who uphold these traditions.

The Results

The culmination of months of preparation and moments of intense competition saw worthy champions crowned:

RMAS All Arms Pace Sticking Team Winners:

1st – Grenadier Guards
2nd – Royal Logistic Corps (RLC)
3rd – AFC Harrogate

All Arms Pace Sticking Competition International Team Winners:

1st – Bahrain Poilce A
2nd – Pakistan Military Academy 
3rd – Bahrain Poilce A

Congratulations are extended to all the teams for their truly outstanding performances, and particularly to the champions and runners-up for their exemplary displays of skill and precision. We eagerly anticipate even more impressive demonstrations of this timeless military art at next year's championship.

This year's competition was a testament to the dedication and hard work of all the participants, performances that reflected the highest standards of military drill.

Congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding performances, and we look forward to seeing even more impressive displays at next year's competition.

Sandhurst Trust Sponsorship

As with previous year the Sandhurst Trust was proud to sponsor the All Arms/International Pace Sticking Competition 2025. Each competiting team member received a RMAS gift bag to commemorate their day at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.