I say sort of, becuase it's sort of based on what type of unit it is, sort of based on how old it is, and sort of based on luck of the draw.

I'm sure someone can step in at this point and give a more helpful description...

Cheers

Mike Bobbitt
CdnArmy.ca

But.....

By tradition, Guards units are higher in precedence than non guards units.

By CF decree, all regular force regiments are higher in precedence than all reserve force regiments.

Because many units are the offspring of amalgamations, some of these are considered as old as their oldest parent unit.

Because some units lay claim to the heritage of extinct units, and have savvy political operatives on their side, they have also laid claim to higher precedence.

Conversely, some units who have just as legitimate (or more so) claims to the heritage of extinct units, but did not have switched-on leaders many years ago, have lost out on what may be a rightfully higher order of precedence. (e.g. The Rocky Mountain Rangers who have established a link to, go figure, the "Rocky Mountain Rangers" formed during the Riel rebellion -- but that heritage has been scooped by the South Alberta Light Horse, so the venerable RM Rang only date back to the First World War.

All in all, it's a rather meaningless detail. The only time it's ever important/useful is when determining whose regimental march to play first at mess dinners... they are traditionally played in order of precedence.

A good question. Hard to answer.

I guess the only place you would see something like that in practice nowadays would be in a garrison parade with more than one unit taking part. It would be appropriate in that case to determine order of march by precedence.

The Right Marker on parade is traditionally a tall, strong, skilled, senior soldier, and the right of the line position on parade is traditionally reserved for the senior, "most effective unit" -- i.e. highest precedence or Guards unit.

I believe your history is correct, too. In the Roman Legion days soldiers armed with a shield (left arm) and sword/pike/spear (right hand) would form line so each was partially protected by the shield of the man on his right. This, of course, left the right most soldier more vulnerable than others. Therefore, senior soldiers would take this place of danger and "honour".

If I remember correctly (and I'm sure if I'm wrong, someone out there will correct me. This also goes against the arty principal of working off of positve information) right of the line goes to the the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, then "Horse" Armoured, and next Royal Canadian Artillery, and then everyone else.

And before anyone says anything. YES, its is important who has right of the line. (especially for those who don't have it.

Before everyone jumps on my frame, remember this comes from a almost deaf, half blind gunner, so take it with a grain of salt.

Thats my pot stirrer for thislong weekend, everyone enjoy and keep the power dry.

Ubique

*s*