5-33
the movement just described. The commands are
Column of Files from the Right (or Left, depending
on the position of the members), MARCH. On the
command MARCH, the number one and number two
members (now the right and left front members) step
off at the same time. Figure 5-11 shows this movement.
The number one member marches forward. The number
two member pivots to the half right on the ball of the
right foot and steps off on the left foot, takes two steps,
and pivots to the half left when the right foot hits the
ground. The number two member now follows in file
and at a normal distance behind the number one
member.
The remaining odd- and even-numbered members
step off in pairs, execute the same movements as
numbers one and two, and follow in file at a normal
distance.
NOTE: Many commands contain the word from
and to, and they may be confusing. Therefore,
remember that when going from a large number of files
to a small number of files, the command contains the
word from.
TO DISMISS THE SQUAD: A squad not under
arms is dismissed by the single command DISMISSED.
The command is given only when the members are at
attention.
Figure 5-11.—From column of twos to single file.
DRILL COMMANDS AND
MILITARY BEARING
A good drill command is loud enough to be heard
by everyone in the unit. Make it a practice to speak to
the person farthest away from you. Take pains to be
distinct. A mumbled command will only result in
confusion and an unmilitary-like execution. Learn to
speak with assurance. Give your preparatory command
a rising inflection; deliver your command of execution
with sharp emphasis.
If you make a mistake or two the first time you drill
your unit, no harm is done provided you remember your
mistakes. You will find that the more often you drill the
unit, the more confident you will become.
To maintain a sharp military formation, observe the
following practices:
Present a smart appearance, whether you are
exercising the formation at drills or only
marching a work detail.
Observe the formation constantly. Correct
mistakes immediately but pleasantly.
Stand far enough away from your unit to see all
of them but close enough to detect mistakes
and be heard by all.
Do not keep the formation in any one position
too long. Face them away from the sun, if
possible.
When not marching, give your command while
standing at attention.
Permit no smoking in ranks. Allow talking only
while the group is at rest or when marching at
route step.
REVIEW 2 QUESTIONS
Q1.
How many platoons make up a company?
Q2.
What entities make up a platoon?
Q3.
When executing a half step, what is the length the
step?
