Cadence in marching terms is best described as:

• A. Marching at a set pace
• B. The tempo or pace of movement
• C. A fixed sequence of commands
• D. The rhythm of the drums

Answer: (A)

Cadence is the tempo or pace of movement. It’s the rate at which you and the unit step, the speed that keeps everyone in sync with the commands and the music. This makes cadence the precise measure of how fast you’re moving, often tied to steps per minute, rather than just a vague idea of “a set pace.” The other ideas describe surrounding elements: marching at a set pace is close but sounds like a fixed speed rather than the exact rate you move; a fixed sequence of commands refers to the order of instructions, not how fast you execute them; and the rhythm of the drums is the beat you hear, which guides timing but does not itself define the pace you travel at.