Goose step

marching step

The goose step is a kind of marching done by the military. It is usually done in formal parades and other ceremonies. While marching together, the troops swing their legs high off the ground, while keeping their knees unbended (so that their legs are straight). It resembles the walking style of a goose.

Cuban honor guards goose-stepping at the Mausoleum of José Marti, Santiago de Cuba
Russian soldiers goose-stepping in Moscow, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The march comes from the Prussian army in the mid-18th century. It was called the Stechschritt (meaning, "piercing step") or Stechmarsch. It is still used today by the armed forces of the nearly 30 countries.

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The Wehrmacht in Paris, 1940