4-1. This section contains most of the individual positions and stationary movements required in drill. These positions and the correct execution of the movement, in every detail, should be learned before proceeding to other drill movements.
4-2. Movements are initiated from the Position of Attention. However, some rest movements may be executed from other rest positions.
Position of Attention
4-3. Two commands can be used to put personnel at the Position of Attention:
- FALL IN is used to assemble a formation or return it to its original configuration.
- The two-part command for Attention is used for Soldiers at a rest position. Assume the Position of Attention on the command FALL IN or the command Squad (Platoon), ATTENTION.
4-4. To assume this position, bring the heels together sharply on line, with the toes pointing out equally, forming a 45-degree angle. Rest the weight of the body evenly on the heels and balls of both feet. Keep the legs straight without locking the knees. Hold the body erect with the hips level, chest lifted and arched, and shoulders square. Keep the head erect and face straight to the front with the chin drawn in so alignment of the head and neck is vertical.
4-5. Let the arms hang straight without stiffness. Curl the fingers so that the tips of the thumbs are alongside and touching the first joint of the forefingers. Keep the thumbs straight along the seams of the trouser leg with the first joint of the fingers touching the trousers (see figure 4-1 on page 4-2). Remain silent and do not move unless otherwise directed.
Note. This position is assumed by enlisted Soldiers when addressing officers, or when officers are addressing officers of superior rank.
Rest Positions at the Halt
4-6. Any of the positions of rest may be commanded and executed from the Position of Attention. The following are rest positions that could be given at the halt:
- Parade Rest. Parade Rest is commanded only from the Position of Attention. The command for this movement is Parade, REST.
- On the command of execution REST, move the left foot about 10 inches to the left of the right foot. Keep the legs straight without locking the knees, resting the weight of the body equally on the heels and balls of the feet.
- Simultaneously, place the hands at the small of the back and centered on the belt. Keep the fingers of both hands extended and joined, interlocking the thumbs so that the palm of the right hand is outward (see figure 4-2).
- Keep the head and eyes as in the Position of Attention. Remain silent and do not move unless otherwise directed. Stand at Ease, At Ease, and Rest may be executed from this position.
Note. Enlisted Soldiers assume this position when addressing all NCOs or when NCOs address NCOs of superior rank.
- Stand At Ease. The command for this movement is Stand at, EASE. On the command of execution EASE, execute Parade Rest, but turn the head and eyes directly toward the person in charge of the formation. At Ease or Rest may be executed from this position.
- At Ease. The command for this movement is AT EASE. On the command AT EASE, Soldiers may move; however, they must remain standing and silent with their right foot in place. Soldiers may relax their arms with the thumbs interlaced. Rest may be executed from this position.
- Rest. The command for this movement is REST. On the command REST, Soldiers may move, talk, or drink unless otherwise directed. They must remain standing with their right foot in place.
AT EASE may be executed from this position to allow Soldiers to secure canteens, other equipment, and so forth.
Note. On the preparatory command for Attention, immediately assume Parade Rest when at the position of Stand at Ease, At Ease, or Rest. If, for some reason, a subordinate element is already at attention, the members of the element remain so and do not execute parade rest on the preparatory command, nor does the subordinate leader give a supplementary command.
Facing at the Halt
4-7. There are five facing movements executed from the Position of Attention. They are Left (Right), FACE, Half Left (Half Right), FACE, and About, FACE.
Note. Half Left (Half Right), FACE should only be used in situations when a 90-degree facing movement would not face an element in the desired direction (for example, for a stationary element to face the direction of the flag to render honors [reveille or retreat]).
Facing to the Flank
4-8. Facing to the Flank is a two-count movement. The command is Left (Right), FACE:
- On the command of execution FACE, slightly raise the right heel and left toe, and turn 90 degrees to the left on the left heel, assisted by a slight pressure on the ball of the right foot. Keep the left leg straight without stiffness and allow the right leg to bend naturally.
- On count two, place the right foot beside the left foot, resuming the Position of Attention. Arms remain at the sides, as in the Position of Attention, throughout this movement (see figure 4-3).
Facing to the Rear
4-9. Facing to the Rear is a two-count movement. The command is About, FACE:
- On the command of execution FACE (count one), move the toe of the right foot to a point touching the marching surface about half the length of the foot to the rear and slightly to the left of the left heel. Rest most of the weight of the body on the heel of the left foot and allow the right knee to bend naturally.
- On count two, turn to the right 180 degrees on the left heel and ball of the right foot, resuming the Position of Attention. Arms remain at the sides, as in the Position of Attention, throughout this movement (see figure 4-4 on page 4-6).
Note. Throughout these movements, the remainder of the body remains in the Position of Attention.
Hand Salute
4-10. The Hand Salute is a one-count movement. The command is Present, ARMS. The Hand Salute may be executed while marching. When marching, only the Soldier in charge of the formation salutes and acknowledges salutes. When double-timing, an individual Soldier must come to Quick Time before saluting.
4-11. When wearing headgear with a visor (with or without glasses), on the command of execution ARMS, raise the right hand sharply, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm facing down, and place the tip of the right forefinger on the rim of the visor slightly to the right of the right eye. The outer edge of the hand is barely canted downward so that neither the back of the hand nor the palm is clearly visible from the front. The hand and wrist are straight, the elbow inclined slightly forward, and the upper arm horizontal (see figure 4-5, box 1).
4-12. When wearing headgear without a visor (or uncovered) and wearing glasses, execute the Hand Salute in the same manner as previously described in paragraph 4-11, except touch the tip of the right forefinger to that point on the glasses where the temple piece of the frame meets the right edge of the right brow (see figure 4-5, box 2).
4-13. When wearing headgear without a visor (or uncovered) and not wearing glasses, execute the Hand Salute in the same manner as previously described in paragraph 4-10, except touch the tip of the right forefinger to the forehead near and slightly to the right of the right eyebrow (see figure 4-5, box 3).
4-14. Order Arms from the Hand Salute is a one-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, return the hand sharply to the side, resuming the Position of Attention.
4-15. When reporting or rendering courtesy to an individual, turn the head and eyes toward the person addressed and simultaneously salute. In this situation, the actions are executed without command. The Salute is initiated by the subordinate at the appropriate time (six paces) and terminated upon acknowledgment. (See appendix A for more information on saluting.)
Next Page : Section 2 – Steps and Marching