5-31always in line, but the squad is marched only for shortdistances in this formation. When not at drill, a squadmay be formed in two ranks and marched in a column oftwos. Usually squads, as well as all other units, areformed at normal intervals.Figure 5-9.—Squad formations.MOVEMENTS: Most troop movements requiringchanges in direction are accomplished by reversingdirection or by flanking, oblique, or column movements.Many maneuvers, however, require a combination of twoor more of these basic movements. For movements thatcan be made either to the right or left, you will be giventhe commands and descriptions for only those to theright. Unless indicated otherwise, you may assume thata movement can be made in either direction.Preparatory commands for these movements aregiven so that the last word of the command ispronounced when the foot in the direction of themovement strikes the ground. Commands of executionalso are given as that same foot strikes the ground.COLUMN RIGHT: The commands are ColumnRight, MARCH. At the command MARCH, the firstmember in the column takes one more step with the leftfoot, pivots 90° to the right on the ball of the left foot,and at the same time steps out in the new direction onthe right foot (one count). The rest of the columncontinues to march along in the original direction. Aseach member reaches the point where the first memberchanged direction (pivot point), the member executes themovement as described.When halted, at the command MARCH, the frontmember pivots to the right and steps out with the leftfoot. At the same time, other members march forward.As each member reaches the pivot point used by thefront member, the member changes direction asdescribed above.Quick time: On MARCH, take another step withthe left foot in the original direction of march, turn 180°to the right on the balls of both feet, and step out on theleft foot in the new direction.Double time: On MARCH, advance two stepsin the original direction, turn to the right while takingfour steps in place and in cadence, and step off on theleft foot.NOTE: If troops are at a halt and you desire tomarch them in the direction opposite from that whichthey are facing, give the commands About, FACE andForward, MARCH.TO MARCH TO A FLANK: This movement isperformed only when marching. The commands are Bythe Right Flank, MARCH. On the command MARCH,given as the right foot strikes the ground, take a stepwith the left foot, turn 90° to the right on the ball of theleft foot, and step out in the new direction on the rightfoot. The turn and the step in the new direction areperformed at the same time. Flank movements areperformed simultaneously by all hands.TO MARCH AT AN ANGLE: The commands areRight Oblique, MARCH. Oblique is pronounced torhyme with “like.” This movement is executed in thesame manner as the flank movement, except the turn is45° instead of 90° from the original direction.
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