What was the first form of drill and ceremony in U.S. military history?

The first form of drill and ceremony in U.S. military history is identified as "The Blue Book," formally known as "The Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States." Authored by Baron von Steuben during the Revolutionary War, it was significant because it established a standardized system for the training and organization of the Continental Army. This manual introduced structured close order drill and military discipline, which laid the groundwork for future military drill practices.

"The Blue Book" encompassed not only drill instructions but also guidelines on tactics, formations, and the conduct of military operations. It was instrumental in instilling a sense of order and professionalism in the young American military, influencing how soldiers were trained and how units operated cohesively. The impact of this work can still be seen today in the drill and ceremony practices used within the U.S. Army.

The other options represent later developments in military drill and ceremony that followed this foundational work but do not hold the same historical significance as "The Blue Book."