To bring a formation to attention again when it is in
any one of the four positions of rest, the person issuing
commands gives a preparatory command (such as
Company) before the command ATTENTION. If at
rest or at ease, come to the position of parade rest on the
preparatory command.
FACINGS
Facings are movements that can be made either to
the right or left, with the exception of about face. While
facing, your arms should remain at the position of
attention. The following commands describe only the
movement to the right. To perform a movement to the
left, simply substitute “left” for “right” and “right” for
“left.”
RIGHT FACE. Right face (fig. 10-24) is a
two-count movement started on the commands Right
FACE. On the command FACE, (1) raise your left heel
and right toe slightly and turn 90° to the right. Keep your
left leg straight but not stiff; (2) bring your left heel
smartly alongside the right heel and stand at attention.
EYES RIGHT. When given the commands Eyes
RIGHT, smartly turn your head 45° to the right on the
command RIGHT. The commands to turn your head
back to the position of attention are Ready FRONT. On
the command FRONT, snap your head to the front.
ABOUT FACE. About face is a two-count
movement performed on the commands About FACE.
On the command About, shift your weight to your left
leg without noticeable movement. On the command
FACE, (1) place your right toe about 6 inches behind
and slightly to the left of your left heel (fig. 10-25; (2) on
the ball of the right foot and the heel of the left foot, turn
smartly to the right until you are facing the rear. Your
feet will be in the position of attention when the turn is
completed if you place your right toe properly behind
your left heel.
FALLING INTO FORMATION
Up to this point, you have learned about movements
that can be made by one person or by a group. In a sharp
military formation, each member must correctly
respond to commands as a team. Always listen carefully
to the person in charge since formation movements are
usually made up of both preparatory and execution
commands. In the following movements, you must pay
special attention to the duties of the left and right flank
members since their response to a command is slightly
different from the other members in formation.
FALL IN. On the command FALL IN, the squad
forms in line on the left of the right flank member (squad
leader). Each member of the squad, except the left flank
member, raises the left arm shoulder high in line with
the body. Fingers are straight and touching each other
palm down. Each member (except the right flank
member) turns their head and looks to the right. To
obtain a normal interval (fig. 10-26), move in line so that
your right shoulder touches the fingertips of the person
to the right. As soon as you are in line with the person to
your right and the person on your left has obtained
normal interval, return smartly and quickly to the
position of attention.
Close interval (fig. 10-27) is the horizontal distance
between the shoulder and elbow when the left hand is
10-34
Student Notes:
Figure 10-24.—Right Face.
Figure 10-25.—About Face.
