In marching terms, Cadence means:

• A. Marching at a set pace
• B. The tempo or pace of movement
• C. A fixed sequence of commands
• D. A uniform step length

Answer: (A)

Cadence is the rhythm and speed of marching—the tempo that keeps everyone in step. It’s the pace you count to so each soldier’s steps align with the group. You might follow a cadence expressed as a certain number of steps per minute, which sets the timing for the drill. So the essence is the tempo or pace of movement. It isn’t about a fixed sequence of commands (that’s drill calls) or about step length (that’s stride). Marching at a set pace comes from following a cadence, but cadence itself is the timing and rhythm you move to.