5-33the movement just described. The commands areColumn of Files from the Right(or Left, dependingon the position of the members), MARCH. On thecommand MARCH, the number one and number twomembers (now the right and left front members) stepoff at the same time. Figure 5-11 shows this movement.The number one member marches forward. The numbertwo member pivots to the half right on the ball of theright foot and steps off on the left foot, takes two steps,and pivots to the half left when the right foot hits theground. The number two member now follows in fileand at a normal distance behind the number onemember.The remaining odd- and even-numbered membersstep off in pairs, execute the same movements asnumbers one and two, and follow in file at a normaldistance.NOTE: Many commands contain the word fromand to, and they may be confusing. Therefore,remember that when going from a large number of filesto a small number of files, the command contains theword from.TO DISMISS THE SQUAD: A squad not underarms is dismissed by the single command DISMISSED.The command is given only when the members are atattention.Figure 5-11.—From column of twos to single file.DRILL COMMANDS ANDMILITARY BEARINGA good drill command is loud enough to be heardby everyone in the unit. Make it a practice to speak tothe person farthest away from you. Take pains to bedistinct. A mumbled command will only result inconfusion and an unmilitary-like execution. Learn tospeak with assurance. Give your preparatory commanda rising inflection; deliver your command of executionwith sharp emphasis.If you make a mistake or two the first time you drillyour unit, no harm is done provided you remember yourmistakes. You will find that the more often you drill theunit, the more confident you will become.To maintain a sharp military formation, observe thefollowing practices:Present a smart appearance, whether you areexercising the formation at drills or onlymarching a work detail.Observe the formation constantly. Correctmistakes immediately but pleasantly.Stand far enough away from your unit to see allof them but close enough to detect mistakesand be heard by all.Do not keep the formation in any one positiontoo long. Face them away from the sun, ifpossible.When not marching, give your command whilestanding at attention.Permit no smoking in ranks. Allow talking onlywhile the group is at rest or when marching atroute step.REVIEW 2 QUESTIONSQ1.How many platoons make up a company?Q2.What entities make up a platoon?Q3.When executing a half step, what is the length thestep?
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