COLUMN RIGHT: The commands are Column
Right, MARCH. At the command MARCH, the first
member in the column takes one more step with the left
foot, pivots 90° to the right on the ball of the left foot,
and at the same time steps out in the new direction on
the right foot (one count). The rest of the column
continues to march along in the original direction. As
each member reaches the point where the first member
changed direction (pivot point), the member executes
the movement as described.
When halted, at the command MARCH, the front
member pivots to the right and steps out with the left
foot. At the same time, other members march forward.
As each member reaches the pivot point used by the
front member, the member changes direction as
described above.
Quick time: On MARCH, take another step with
the left foot in the original direction of march, turn 180°
to the right on the balls of both feet, and step out on the
left foot in the new direction.
Double time: On MARCH, advance two steps in
the original direction, turn to the right while taking four
steps in place and in cadence, and step off on the left foot.
NOTE: If troops are at a halt and you desire to
march them in the direction opposite from that which
they are facing, give the commands About, FACE and
Forward, MARCH.
TO MARCH TO A FLANK: This movement is
performed only when marching. The commands are
By the Right Flank, MARCH. On the command
MARCH, given as the right foot strikes the ground,
take a step with the left foot, turn 90° to the right on the
ball of the left foot, and step out in the new direction on
the right foot. The turn and the step in the new direction
are performed at the same time. Flank movements are
performed simultaneously by all hands.
TO MARCH AT AN ANGLE: The commands are
Right Oblique, MARCH. Oblique is pronounced to
rhyme with like. This movement is executed in the
same manner as the flank movement, except the turn is
45° instead of 90° from the original direction.
The commands Forward, MARCH are given to
resume original direction of march. MARCH is given
as the foot toward the original front hits the ground;
then each member takes another step, turns on the ball
of that foot, and steps off to the front.
While marching at the oblique, the command
HALT is given on the left foot to halt from right oblique
and on the right foot to halt from left oblique. At the
command, each member takes another step in the
oblique direction, turns to the front on the ball of that
foot, and halts on that spot.
When you wish to temporarily halt a unit marching
at the oblique, the commands In Place, HALT are
given. Each member halts in two counts, as at quick
time, but remains facing in the oblique direction. The
only commands that can be given after halting in place
are Resume, MARCH. On MARCH, the movement
continues in the oblique direction.
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SQUAD LINE
= SQUAD LEADER
SQUAD IN COLUMN
MRP3F0509
Figure 8-7. Squad formations.