CANDIDATE DRILL AND
CEREMONIES MANUAL
Arnold Air Society
John Burdette Binkley Squadron
Spring 2005 Candidate Class
1
INDEX
Terms………………………………….……………….…….......2
Commands and the Command Voice………………………….3
Defintion
Bearing during
Corrections………………………………………............4
How to Give
Cadence………………………….....................................5
Individual (Static) Drill…………………..……………………..7
In-Place Drill
Attention
Parade Rest
At Ease…………………………………………8
Rest
Fall out
Dismissed
Facing Movements
Right/Left Face
Half Right/Left face……………………………9
About Face……………………………………10
Present/Order Arms
Steps and Marching……………………………………...........12
Forward March & Halt
Double Time……………………………………...........13
Mark Time……………………………………………..15
Half Step
Right/Left Step…………………………………………16
Change Step……………………………………………17
To the Rear…………………………………………….18
Flanking………………………………………………..19
Marching Other Than at Attention……………….........20
Route Step…………………………………….21
At Ease March
Drill of the Flight……………………………………………....22
Formation of the Flight
Aligning the Flight……………………………………..24
Normal Interval
Close Interval………………………………….25
Cover………………………………………….26
Joining/Leaving the Formation
Individuals to Join
Individuals to Leave…………………………..27
Column Movements……………………………………28
Column Right/Left
Column Half Right/Left……………………….31
Flanking
Forming Single/Multiple Files
Column of Files ……………………………….32
Column of Files, Column Right/Left
Column of Twos/Threes from Single File
2
Terms
- Adjutant’s cadence (pace) – rate of marching at 140 steps per minute (24-inch steps)
- Alignment – dress or cover
- Base – element on which a movement is regulated or aligned (the right most element)
- Cadence – uniform step and rhythm in marching; the number of steps per minute
- Column – elements arranged side by side with element leaders in the front (members lined up
behind element leaders)
- Cover - Individuals aligning themselves directly behind the person to their immediate front
while maintaining proper distance
- D.C.I.D. – dress, cover, interval, distance
- Distance – The space from front to rear between units. The distance between individuals in
formation is 40 in. (measured from their chests to the backs of individuals in front of them).
- Double Time – The rate of marching (jogging) at 180 steps per minute (30-inch steps)
- Dress – Alignment of elements side by side or in line maintaining proper interval
- Element – The basic formation; that is, the smallest drill unit comprised of at least 3, but
usually 8 to 12 individuals, one of whom is designated the element leader
- File – A single column of persons placed one behind the other
- Flight – At least 2, but not more than 4 elements
- Half Step – a 12-inch step
- Interval – The space between individuals placed side by side; normal interval is arms length
while close interval is about 4 inches
- Line – elements arranged one behind the other with the element leaders to the extreme right
side (members lined up to the left of the element leaders)
- Mark Time – Marching in place at a rate of 100 to 120 steps per minute
- Pace – A step of 24 inches. This is the length of a full step in quick time
- Post – The correct place for to stand while in formation
- Quick Time – The rate of marching at 100 to 120 steps (12 to 24 inches in length) per minute;
normal marching pace is 24 inches
- Rank – a single line of persons placed side by side (ex: in column formation, the element
leaders, who are lined up side by side, make up a rank)
- Step – The distance measured from heel to heel between the feet of an individual marching
3
Commands and the Command Voice
I. A drill command is an oral order. Most drill commands have two parts, the preparatory
command and the command of execution. In this guide the first letter of a preparatory command
is capitalized and in boldface, and the command of execution is printed in all caps and boldface
(ex: Flight, ATTENTION).
A. The preparatory command explains what the movement will be. In calling units to
attention or halt, the unit designation (i.e.: Squadron, Flight, or Detail) is used. The unit
designation as a preparatory command is only used for calling attention or halt.
B. The command of execution explains when the movement will be carried out.
C. In certain commands, the preparatory command and command of execution are
combined, for example: FALL IN, AT EASE, and REST. These commands are given
at a uniformly high pitch and a louder volume than that of a normal command of
execution.
II. When giving commands, the leader is at the position of attention. Good military bearing is
necessary for good leadership. While marching, the leader must be in step with the formation at
all times. Make sure to be at attention before giving any command.
A. The commander faces the troops when giving commands
B. Use the command AS YOU WERE to revoke a preparatory command. This means if
a column movement is accidentally called while the flight is in line formation, say AS
YOU WERE and the flight will ignore the column command.
4
C. This command can be used whenever a mistake is made with words, for example if a
mistake is made while reciting warrior knowledge, use the command and restart.
Remember there is no such command as “as I was.”
D. The preparatory command and the command of execution are given as the heel of the
foot corresponding to the direction of the movement strikes the ground.
1. For example, if the flight is marching and the commander wishes to call a left
flank, he (she) would call the preparatory command, Left Flank, on the left foot
and on the following left foot, the command of execution, MARCH, will be
called.
2. If the command is called on the wrong foot, the flight should compensate and
execute the movement on the proper foot. Thus, even though flight members are
not in command, they still must keep situational awareness so the entire flight
performs properly and efficiently.
E. The way a command is given affects the way the movement is executed.
1. A correctly delivered command is loud and distinct enough for everyone in the
flight to hear.
2. It is given in a tone, cadence, and snap that demand a willing, correct, and
immediate response. A voice with the right qualities of loudness, projection,
distinctness, inflection, and snap enables a commander to obtain effective results.
i. Speak loudly enough for all to hear, but do not strain the vocal cords.
ii. Use only the diaphragm and muscles around the waist. When done
properly, one can feel a distinct movement of the abdominal muscles.
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*NOTE: To aid in proper and effective command voice, below is a list of commands that
are to be pronounced differently than in text.
Command of Execution
Arms
Attention
Dress
Face
Front
March
Rest
Pronunciation
Harms
Tench Hut
Hess
Hace
Hunt
Harch
Hest
III. Cadence is the measure or beat of a movement. As a commander, one must match the
rhythm of commands with the cadence of the unit.
A. This means calling the preparatory command on one foot and then calling the
command of execution the instant that foot strikes the ground again.
B. When marching, give commands for executing movements to the right when the right
foot strikes the ground; give commands for executing movements to the left when the left
foot strikes the ground. For example, a right flank would be called Right Flank (on right
foot), MARCH (on following right foot).
C. Cadence is counted so as to get your flight all in step. It is given in sets of two as
follows: HUT (left), TOOP (right), THREEP (left), FOURP (right); HUT, TOOP,
THREEP, FOURP.
1. It is the responsibility of the flight commander to call cadence.
2. However, with all the commander has to think about, it is wise to assign
someone within the flight (usually the deputy commander, if not him(her)
someone in the back of the flight whose voice will be heard in the front) the duty
of calling cadence.
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3. One common mistake when calling cadence is that it can only be called in sets
of two. This means if started, the cadence must finish through two sets (unless
the commander interrupts the cadence with a command). And conversely, take
two sets off after you call cadence.
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Individual (Static) Drill
I. In-Place Drill Positions
A. Attention (Flight/Detail, ATTENTION)
1. Heels together and on line (heels are even); feet form a 45° angle; legs straight
but do not lock the knees
2. Chest lifted, back arched, shoulders square and even; arms hang straight down
with the thumbs resting on the seam of the trousers;
3. Hands cupped (like holding a roll of quarters) with palms facing the leg
4. Head and eyes locked forward with a “thousand-yard stare” (no wandering
eyes)
5. Be silent and do not move; only blink and breathe (this is the essence of
military bearing)
B. Parade Rest (Parade, REST)
1. From position of attention, snap LEFT foot to the left so that heels are
approximately 12 inches apart
2. Keeps legs straight but not stiff (do not lock the knees); heels are on line
3. When moving left foot as in point 2.i., fully extend arms and hands and place
them behind the body; do not form windows (space between arms and body)
4. Uncup hands, extend and join (not interlace) fingers so that the fingers point
toward the ground; palms face out with right hand in palm of left; right thumb
over left thumb
5. Be silent and do not move
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C. At Ease (AT EASE)
1. May relax in standing position but keep right foot in place
2. May move but do not break formation; be silent
D. Rest (REST) – same as at ease but moderate speech is permitted
*NOTE: To resume the position of attention from any of the rests (except fall out), the
command is Flight, ATTENTION. On the command Flight, the flight assumes the position of
parade rest; and at ATTENTION, they snap attention. The flight commander will be at
attention when calling the command.*
E. Fall Out (FALL OUT)
1. May relax and break formation (ranks) but remains in same relative area;
moderate speech permitted
2. No requirement to execute an about face
F. Dismissed (DISMISSED)
1. May relax, break formation, and disperse to any other areas
2. Execute an about face, march 3 steps, and then leave the area
II. Facing Movements
A. Right (Left) Face (command given as Right, FACE)
1. On FACE, lift right toe and left heel slightly and pivot 90° to the right on the
ball of the left foot and heel of the right foot (exaggerate the snap of the left ankle
outward to produce a “flair” effect)
2. Keeps legs straight but not stiff; upper body remains at attention (no arm
swing)
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3. Snap left foot forward, ensuring heels are together and on line (should hear a
click); feet should be at 45° angle (resume attention)
*See FIG. A*
4. Left face is done in the same manner except that the left toe and right heel are
lifted, and the pivot is done on the ball of the right and heel of the left foot
5. This is a 2 count maneuver
- FIG. A
1
2
3
Does Not Move
Moves
B. Half Right (Left) Face (Half Right/Left, FACE) – performed the same as normal
right or left face except that instead of turning a full 90° to the right or left, turn only 45°
right/left
10
C. About Face (About, FACE)
1. Lift RIGHT foot from the hip (do not bend the knee) and place about half shoe
length behind and to the left of the left heel; pivot 180° on ball of right foot and
heel of left foot (rotate body to the RIGHT)
* See FIG. B on next page*
2. Upper body remains at attention; pin arms to the body when turning (no
helicopter arms)
3. If feet were placed properly, at the finished position, heels should be on line
and feet are already at 45°
4. This is a 2 count maneuver
- FIG. B
1
2
3
D. Present Arms and Order Arms (Present/Order, ARMS)
1. In present arms, raise the right hand smartly while at the same time extending
and joining the fingers; place the thumb along the forefingers
11
2. Keep the palm flat and form a straight line between the fingertips and elbow;
tilt the palm slightly toward the face
3. The upper arm should be parallel to the ground, and the tip of the middle
finger should touch the outside corner of the right eyebrow or the front corner of
glasses
*NOTE: If wearing a billed cover (ex: BDU cover) the middle finger touches the brim
of the cover*
4. In order arms, return the arm smartly back to the position of attention; when
moving the arm up and down, it should look like a “shade” being opened/closed
as the hand travels parallel to the gig line (do not slap the leg when snapping the
hand down)
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Steps and Marching
I. Forward March and Halt
A. All steps and marchings begin with the LEFT foot, except right step and close march
(we will not be covering close march in this manual)
B. For forward march (Forward, MARCH), step off smartly with the LEFT foot (taking
a 24-inch step) and place the heel on the ground first
C. Use a coordinated arm swing – the right arm forward with the left leg and the left arm
forward with the right leg; it looks very unnatural marching with the same arm and leg
forward
1. Arm should hang straight and the swing should look natural not stiff (swing
from the shoulders but do not swing the shoulders themselves)
2. Arms swing will measure 6 inches to the front and 3 inches to the rear
D. The hands will be cupped (as if holding a roll of quarters) with the thumbs pointed
down
E. Maintain bearing, listen to the cadence and commands; stay in step
F. The flight will align itself from the base element, which is usually the right-most
element (dress to the right)
1. The base element is responsible for the proper dress, cover, and alignment for
the flight when marching; the members of this element should take care to keep
proper dress and cover at all times
2. Use peripheral vision to make sure that proper alignment is kept with the flight
member to the right; if this is followed, all movements will look more
professional and be easier to execute
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G. For halt (Flight, HALT), the command of execution may be given on either foot
1. After the command of HALT, take ONE more 24-inch step and bring the
trailing foot smartly alongside the front foot
2. The heels will be together and on line (should hear a click when the heels are
brought together); the feet will form a 45° angle
3. Assume the position of attention until given the next command
4. After each time the flight/detail is given a halt, ALWAYS give the
command “COVER” (make sure flight/detail is in COLUMN formation
before commanding cover)
II. Double Time (Double Time, MARCH)
A. From the halt, on the command MARCH, step off with the LEFT foot, raise forearms
to a horizontal position alongside the waistline, cup the hands with the knuckles out, and
begin jog taking 30-inch steps at a rate of 180 steps per minute; keep coordinated arm
swing as described in point I.C.
*NOTE: After the command “Double Time,” the flight responds with “Any Time,” and
then the command “MARCH” is given; To help keep in step, clap once each time the left
foot strikes the ground*
B. The transition from quick time to double time can be done on either foot; on the
command MARCH, take one more step in quick time (24-inch step) and then begin
double time on the following step
C. The transition from double time to quick time (Quick Time, MARCH) is similar as
above except there are 4 steps between the preparatory command and the command of
execution
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1. On MARCH, take two more steps in double time then resume quick time on
the next step
- FIG. C
From Double Time to Quick Time
2
1
4
3
“Quick Time”
2
1
“March”
24-inch Step
2. Lower arms to the sides and resume coordinated arm swing
D. To halt from double time (Flight, HALT), give halt on either foot
1. There are 4 steps between the preparatory command and command of
execution
2. After HALT, take 2 more steps in double time and halt in 2 counts at quick
time
*NOTE: The only commands that can be given during double time are incline (“Incline To
The Right [Left]”), quick time, and halt*
15
III. Mark Time (Mark Time, MARCH)
A. Executed in quick time only (i.e.: cannot mark time from double time or at double
time cadence)
B. When marching, mark time can be given on either foot
1. After MARCH, take one more 24-inch step, bring the feet together so that the
heels are on line
2. Continue marching in place to cadence by alternately lifting and lowering each
foot (raise the balls of the feet 4 inches above the ground); maintain normal arm
swing
3. To resume marching (Forward, MARCH) – after MARCH (called on the
LEFT foot), take one more step in place and then step off in full 24-inch steps
with the LEFT foot
C. From the halt, start raising and lowering the LEFT foot first then the right foot
D. The halt from mark time is similar to the halt from quick time (take one more step
after the command and then halt)
IV. Half Step (Half Step, MARCH)
A. Only executed in quick time; cannot be executed from the halt; cannot change
directions while in half step; can be called on either foot
B. While marching, after the command MARCH, take ONE more 24-inch step and then
follow with a 12-inch step
1. Do not stomp or scrape the foot on the ground or march with “high knees”
2. Maintain normal arm swing and continue half step until given forward march
or halt
16
C. To resume full 24-inch steps, the command Forward, MARCH is given on the LEFT
foot; after MARCH, take ONE more 12-inch step and the follow with a full 24-inch step
D. Halt from half step is similar to the halt executed from quick time
V. Right (Left) Step (Right/Left Step, MARCH)
A. Given ONLY from the halt and for moving short distances; cadence may be given
(counts one and three given as steps are taken; counts two and four given as heels come
together)
B. On Right (Left) Step, MARCH, raise the leg from the hip just high enough to clear
the ground; the leg will be kept straight but not stiff
1. Place the foot 12 inches to the right (left) of the other foot
2. Transfer body weight to the stepping foot and then bring the remaining foot
(without scraping the ground) smartly alongside the stepping foot (click heels) as
if snapping to attention
3. The upper body remains at attention and arms remain at the sides throughout
the movement
4. Continue steps in quick time cadence until halted
C. To halt (Flight/Detail, HALT), the preparatory command and command of execution
are given as the heels come together
1. On HALT, take one more step and then bring the heels together as if coming to
attention
2. If command is given at the improper position, compensate and halt with heels
together; never halt with the legs apart
D. This is a 2 count maneuver
17
- FIG. D
1
2
“Flight”
“Halt”
“HUT”
“TOOP”
“THREEP”
“FOURP”
VI. Change Step (Change Step, MARCH)
A. Only executed while marching; this is the proper maneuver to use to get on step with
the cadence or to change step of cadence; can be self-initiated or commanded
B. On the command MARCH (given on RIGHT foot), take ONE more 24-inch step with
the left foot (1), place right foot alongside heel of the left foot (2), suspend arm swing,
and shift body weight to the right foot; step off with the LEFT foot in a 24-inch step
resuming coordinated arm swing (3); upper body remains at attention throughout the
maneuver
18
- FIG. E
3
1
2
“March”
“Change Step”
*NOTE: Do not bounce, skip, or hop. If attempted too quickly, it will look like a hop*
VII. To the Rear March (To The Rear, MARCH)
A. Given on the RIGHT foot
B. On MARCH, take a 12-inch step (half step) with the LEFT foot, placing it in front of
and in line with the right foot
1. Distribute weight onto the balls of both feet (pivot on balls of feet)
2. Turn 180° to the RIGHT (pin arms to side), and then take another 12-inch step
(half step) with the LEFT foot and resume arm swing
3. Step off with a full 24-inch step with the RIGHT foot
19
- FIG. F
1
Half Step
Pivot
2
“March”
3
Half Step
4
“To The Rear”
Full Step
C. Remember - “half step, pivot, half step, march”
D. If the left foot is placed too close, too far, or not in line with the right foot, the pivot
will be more difficult to execute
VIII. Flanking Movement (Right/Left Flank, MARCH)
A. Right flank is given on the right foot, left flank on the left foot; used for quick
movement over short distances only
20
B. On MARCH, take one more 24-inch step, pivot 90° to right (left) on ball of LEFT
(right) foot, pin arms to side of body, keep upper body at attention; step off with the
RIGHT (left) foot taking 24-inch steps with coordinated arm swing
- FIG. G
2
1
“March”
*NOTE: The pivot and step off
with the right foot is one count*
“Right Flank”
IX. Marching Other Than at Attention
A. The only command that can be given when not marching at attention is Incline to the
Right (Left); otherwise, the flight/detail must be called back to attention to give any
other commands
21
B. Route Step (Route Step, MARCH) – on MARCH, take one more 24-inch step and
assume route step; neither cadence nor silence is required, movement is permitted as long
as D.C.I.D. is maintained
C. At Ease March (At Ease, MARCH) – on MARCH, take one more 24-inch step and
assume at ease; no cadence, movement is permitted as long as silence and D.C.I.D is
maintained
22
Drill of the Flight
I. Formation of the Flight
A. Flight forms in at least 2 but not more than 4 elements; command is FALL IN
B. For candidate training there will be not guide, so when the flight commander (CC) or
deputy commander (CD) calls fall in, the flight will form off of the first element leader
(EL1), otherwise the flight would form off of the guide
1. Once fall in is given, the EL1 takes a position facing the CC or CD and to the
LEFT of the CC or CD
2. The rest of the element will fall in centered on and 3 paces from the CC or CD
3. Once halted at the position of attention, automatically perform a dress right
dress; automatically execute a ready front when contact is made between the
fingertips and the shoulder of the next element member
4. The second element leader (EL2) and third element leader (EL3) fall in behind
the EL1, automatically execute a dress right dress, visually establish a 40-inch
distance (approx. arm’s length), and align themselves directly behind the
individual in front of him (her)
5. The rest of the flight falls in on the element leaders, filling positions from the
back to the front
C. To establish interval, each individual in the first element obtains exact shoulder-tofingertip contact with the cadet to his/her immediate right; as soon as D.C.I.D. are
established, execute an automatic ready front on an individual basis and remain at the
position of attention
23
*NOTE: This is for LINE formation. If in COLUMN, interval is based off of the
element leaders*
- FIG. H
Rank
Line Formation
Third Element
Second Element
First Element
Distance
Interval
CC
File
24
- FIG. H cont.
Distance
Interval
Third Element
Second Element
First Element
File/Cover
Column Formation
Rank/Dress
*NOTE: For instruction on sizing, aligning, and dressing the flight, see the Open Ranks
Inspection Manual*
II. Aligning the Flight
A. Normal Interval – commands are Dress Right, DRESS and Ready, FRONT
(executed in LINE formation)
1. On the command DRESS, everyone except the last person in the element
raises and extends their left arm from the shoulder with snap (left arm should be
parallel to the ground)
i. Uncup hand and keep palm down; extend and join fingers and place
thumb along forefinger (no spaces between fingers); the fingertips should
make contact with the shoulder of the individual to the left
25
ii. At the same time as the arm is raised, everyone except the element
leaders (and guide) snaps their head and eyes 45° to the right (the last
person in each element turns his/her head)
iii. The first element becomes the base element for alignment, so the
second and third elements line up directly behind the person in front of
them and establish the 40-inch distance; their fingertips may or may not be
touching the shoulder of the individual to their left (if the arm is too long,
place it behind the shoulder of the person to the left; if too short, leave the
arm extended to the left)
2. Give the command Ready, FRONT once D.C.I.D. has been established
i. All will lower their left arms (without slapping their sides), recup their
hands, and replace them as in the position of attention
ii. Simultaneously, all whose heads are turned will snap their heads and
eyes back to the front and assume the position of attention
B. Close Interval – commands are At Close Interval, Dress Right, DRESS and Ready,
FRONT
1. All procedures are exactly the same as for normal interval except that the left
arm fully will not be extended
i. On the command DRESS, raise the left hand so that the heel of the hand
rests on the left hip and the elbow is in line with the body; ii. Fingers
extended, joined and pointed toward the ground; thumb along the
forefinger
iii. Head and eyes still turn 45° to the right
26
2. The procedures to establish D.C.I.D. are the same, and the ready front
movement is the same
*NOTE: At Close Interval, Dress Right DRESS is not given while the flight is at normal
interval and Dress Right, DRESS is not given while at close interval; flight must fall in at
either normal or close interval*
C. Cover (COVER)
1. Can only be given in column or inverted column; the third (or last) element is
the base of alignment (dress) and element leaders provide the base for establishing
interval and cover
2. On COVER, everyone except the guide (or third element leader) adjusts by
taking short, choppy steps to establish D.C.I.D.; element members align directly
behind the element leader and dress themselves with the individual to the right
3. In inverted column, all procedures are the same except that alignment is based
on the leading person of the base element (this individual is the last person of the
element in normal column formation)
III. Joining/Leaving the Formation
A. Individuals to Join Ranks
1. If the flight is already formed, the individual/detail must report in to whoever
is in command of the flight
2. The flight must be at attention when an individual/detail reports to fall in; the
individual or detail representative must salute and say, “Sir (Ma’am),
27
Candidate/Cadet (Last Name) or Detail requests permission to fall into
flight”; the commander will then return the salute and give the order FALL IN
3. The individual/detail will then take the most direct route, squaring all corners,
and fall into available space
B. Individuals to Leave Ranks
1. The command is, “Candidate/Cadet (Last Name), FRONT AND CENTER”
2. Upon hearing his (her) name, the individual assumes the position of attention,
if not already at attention, takes ONE step backward with arm swing, faces right
or left (whichever is closest to the end of the formation), and takes the most direct
route to the front of the formation
3. After halting one pace away and directly in front of the commander, he (she)
salutes and reports saying, “Sir (Ma’am), Candidate/Cadet (Last Name)
reports as ordered”
4. If an individual needs to fall out, the commander will say, “Candidate/Cadet
(Last Name), FALL OUT”; the individual will then take one step backward and
fall out of formation
*NOTE: At no point will anyone fall in or out of formation by breaking ranks (traveling
between individuals); to exit from the element/formation, always take a step back and leave
directly to the right or left*
28
IV. Column Movements
A. Column Right (Left), MARCH
1. The third element (first element if column left) takes one more 24-inch step,
pivots 90° to the right (left) on the ball of the left (right) foot (pin arms during
pivot)
i. Steps off with ONE 24-inch step and resumes arm swing
ii. The next and all following steps will be half steps
2. The second (middle) element takes one more 24-inch step, pivots 45° right
(left) on the ball of the left (right) foot (continue arm swing throughout)
i. After the first pivot, takes TWO 24-inch steps then pivots 45° right
(left) on the ball of the left (right) foot
ii. Steps off with 24-inch steps until even with the third (first) element
leader; takes half steps in step with that element
3. The first element (third element if column left) takes one more 24-inch step,
pivots 45° right (left) on the ball of the left (right) foot (continue arm swing
throughout)
i. After the first pivot, takes FOUR 24-inch steps then pivots 45° right
(left) on the ball of the left (right) foot
ii. Steps off with 24-inch steps until even with the second element leader;
takes half steps in step with that element
*NOTE: Each person in each element follows the element leader and pivots off of the same
point(s) as the element leader*
29
4. Once the entire flight has completed the movement and has established
D.C.I.D., the command Forward, MARCH will be given (on the left foot); take
one more 12-inch step with the right foot and step off with a 24-inch step with the
left foot
*NOTE: In column left, the first element is the base of D.C.I.D.; after forward march is
given again, the third (right most) element becomes the base again*
*See FIG. I on next page*
30
- FIG. I
Pivot 90°
Pivot 45°
Half Step
Full Step
Left
“March”
4
“Column Right”
3rd Elem.
2
3
Right
1
2nd Elem.
2
1
1st Elem.
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B. Column Half Right (Left), MARCH
1. On MARCH, the element leader of the third (first) element takes one 24-inch
step, pivots 45° to the right (left), takes another full 24-inch step, and then half
steps until the other element leaders are in line (arm swing is maintained
throughout); then all will resume 24-inch steps
2. The second and first (or third if column half left) element leaders take one 24inch step, pivots 45° to the right (left) without changing interval (staying aligned
with each other), continue taking full 24-inch steps until in line with the base
element; then they will conform to the step of the base rank (third or first element
leader) and continue with 24-inch steps
3. Element members pivot on the same point as their element leader, dress to the
right, and cover down on the individual in front
4. From the halt, the procedures are the same as above except that the element
leaders will execute a face in marching:
i. Pivot on the ball of the right (left) foot and at the same time, step off
with the left (right) foot in the indicated direction
ii. This is a one-count maneuver done with coordinated arm swing
VII. Flanking – see point VIII under Individual Drill (p. 19 and 20); everyone in the flight
executes the flanking movement in unison; dress to the RIGHT
VIII. Forming a Single File or Multiple Files
A. Executed only from the halt; single file eases transition of the flight through narrow
passageways or paths
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B. Column of Files (Column of Files From the Right [Left], MARCH)
1. On the preparatory command of Column of Files From the Right (Left), the
third (first) element leader snaps his (her) head 45° right (left), commands
Forward, and turns his (her) head back to the front
2. Simultaneously, the remaining element leaders snap their heads 45° right (left)
and command STAND FAST; their heads are kept to the right (left) until they
step off
3. On the command MARCH, the third (first) element steps off; the remaining
element leaders command Forward, MARCH as the last individual in the each
element passes (call the command so as to be in step when stepping off)
4. The remaining elements incline to the right (left) and follow the previous
element
- FIG. J
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C. Column of Files, Column Right (Left)
1. The command is Column of Files From the Right (Left), Column Right
(Left), MARCH
2. This is performed the same as column of files, but instead of stepping off and
marching straight ahead, the single file execute a column movement and march in
that new direction
i. After the preparatory command, the third (or first) element leader will
perform the same maneuvers but instead commands Column Right
(Left); the remaining element leaders do the same movements as well and
still command STAND FAST
ii. On MARCH, the third (first) element leader faces in marching (see VI.
B. 4.on p. 28) to the right (left) and continues marching in that direction
with 24-inch steps; the element members pivot on the same spot as the
element leader
iii. The remaining element leaders command Column Right (Left),
MARCH; they perform the same exact movements as the base element
D. Column of Twos (Threes) From a File
1. When at halt and in a single column, the command is Column of Twos
(Threes) From the Left (Right), MARCH
2. The leader of the column (the third or first element leader) stands fast; the
second element leader performs a half left (right) as in marching, takes ONE 24inch step, performs a half right (left) as in marching, and moves up until aligned
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with the base element leader; the element leader turns his (her) head 45° to the left
(right) and commands the element to halt (Detail, HALT)
3. Simultaneously, the first (third) element leader performs a half left (right) as in
marching, takes TWO 24-inch steps, performs a half right (left) as in marching,
and moves up until aligned with the element leader to the right (left); the element
leader turns his (her) head 45° to the left (right) and commands the element to halt
(Detail, HALT)
*NOTE: All element members step off at the same time and pivot in the same spot(s) as
their element leader; final D.C.I.D. should be the same as in normal column formation*
- FIG. K
Two Steps
One Step
EL1
EL2
EL3
**If there are any questions, see the Drill and Ceremonies Manual AFMAN 36-2203 or ask
an authority on drill and ceremonies**