1. In 1952 the Royal Military Academy Sergeant Major, John Lord, started the pace stick competition as a test in the use of the pace stick. The team consists of 4 members, 3 pacers and a driver who paces at the back of the team.
2. The Royal Regiment of Artillery in Britain claims to be the originator of the pace stick. Their field gun teams used the pace stick to ensure correct distances between the guns. At that time the artillery used the pace stick in an open position, like a pair of callipers, and not like the drill stick which is adjustable to various settings.
3. From the beginning the infantry used the pace stick as a drill aid. In 1982 Arthur Brand M.V.O. M.B.E. developed the drills for the pace stick. The stick he used is still carried by the Academy Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
4. The S.A.D.F. abolished the use of the pace stick in the late 1960’s. at the beginning of 1995 the Sergeant Major of the Army re-introduced the pace stick in the form of a competition which was held in October 1995. It was judged by an Officer and Warrant Officer of the British Army. The Cape Town Highlanders, which is a mechanised infantry unit of 75 Brigade, was the only part time force unit to participate in the competition.
5. The objective of the pace stick drill is to provide uniformity in the use of the stick and a high standard of steadiness and cohesion amongst the instructors. The stick is used to determine the correct length of the pace, distance between the ranks and to check drill movement. The instructor marches with the stick open next to the squad. By using the stick he can check the length of the pace, and then lengthen or shorten the pace.