Goose step

The goose-step (actually: Prussian goose-step ) is a special form of the direct step, which is usually demonstrated in solemn parades and marches past the closed units. The marchers swing while her legs in unison outstretched stiff high, depending on the country and tradition almost to the horizontal, by honor guards and over the hips. The goose-step marching troops also produce a distinctive, loud noise step.

Purpose of the piercing step is the demonstration of absolute discipline and superiority. Its origin is attributed to the Prussian Military Exercise Rules in the early 19th century.

The goose-step was the beginning of the 19th century by Friedrich Wilhelm III. introduced into the Prussian army and practiced there for long. This tradition was then continued by the German army of the Reichswehr and the Wehrmacht. Today, he is sometimes clichéd exclusively associated with the Wehrmacht or limited to these. After 1945, the goose step was still practiced by the National People's Army in Germany (under the name " Exerzierschritt " ) for the care of Prussian military tradition, common with other members of the Warsaw Pact. Mussolini led him in 1938 to the German model as " Passo Romano " ( " Roman step " ) at the Italian army.

In the Soviet Union units of the army, navy and air forces paraded on a regular basis in its form of the goose-step, for example, on the anniversary of the October Revolution. They followed in the example of the Russian Imperial Army, the intensely practiced the goose step in the 19th century, according to contemporary reports, often at the expense of more important forms of military training.

In countries such as North Korea, China, Cuba, Belarus and Vietnam, whose military is dominated by the Soviet model, it is demonstrated still regularly today. Even in Russia is still presented in the victory parade on Victory Day on May 9, the goose step. In Chile, the goose-stepping parades of troops and / or music corps is presented on the German model.

The traditional pace for the Prussian / German parade or Exerzierschritt was 114 step / min, that. For the Russian / Soviet 120 step / min

Reichswehr marching in goose step in Hindenburg's birthday

Goose step at a Parade of the Wehrmacht in Warsaw

Exerzierschritt the NVA

Members of a Chinese guard of honor

Russian soldiers during the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow