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. MILITARY COURTESIES AND FORMATIONS Learning  Objective:  Recall  how  to  perform  military courtesies as a formation leader. You  should  now  feel  secure  in  issuing  the  basic drill  commands  to  your  division.  You  are  ready  to present  the  division  at  an  inspection,  quarters,  or  a ceremonial event. Additional information on drills and ceremonies can be found in the Drill and Ceremonies Manual and Interior Guard Manual,  SECNAVINST 5060.22. INSPECTIONS When your division falls in to a formation, the ranks should  be  formed  according  to  height  with  the  tallest personnel at the end of the formation (opposite from the end where the inspecting party will arrive). Usually, the tallest   person   will   be   on   your   left   as   you   face   the formation.  Have  the  division  open  ranks  and  stand  at parade rest while awaiting the inspecting party. You or 8-29 MRP3F0511 4 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 2 9 4 10 6 11 8 12 10 13 12 Figure 8-9. From column of twos to single file. Q18. Which of the following entities make up a platoon? 1. Two or more squads 2. Platoon headquarters 3. Guide 4. All of the above Q19. For quick time, at the command MARCH, step off smartly with the left foot and continue the march in steps of what length in inches? 1. 25 2. 30 3. 35 4. 40 REVIEW QUESTIONS