Aligning the Flight

Dress Right (Left) Dress (Line/Inverted Line Formation)

Normal Interval
Requirements: Halted at Attention; in Line Formation; at Normal Interval; in the Cadence of Quick Time

Action taken on the command of execution DRESS: (entire movement performed with snap)
The Guide must go to carry guidon position on the preparatory command of Dress Right and does not move feet.

The commands are Dress Right, DRESS and Ready, FRONT. On the command DRESS, everyone except the last airman in each element raises and extends the left arm laterally from the shoulder with snap so the arm is parallel with the ground.

As the arm is raised, uncup the hand at approximately waist level, keeping the palm down. Extend and join the fingers and place the thumb along the forefinger. At the same time as the left arm is raised, each individual (except the guide and second, third, and fourth element leaders) turns head and eyes 45 degrees to the right with snap.

The leading individual of each file establishes normal interval (by taking small choppy steps and aligning with the base file) and establishes exact shoulder-to-fingertip contact with the individual to the immediate right. The second, third, and fourth element leaders align themselves directly behind the person in front of them (using small choppy steps) and visually establish a 40-inch distance.

As the remaining members align themselves behind the individual in front of or to the right of them, their shoulders may or may not touch the fingertips of the individual to their right. If the arm is too long, place the extended hand behind the shoulder of the individual to the left. If the arm is too short, leave it extended toward the individual to the left and parallel to the ground.

Once dress, cover, interval, and distance have been established, the command Ready, FRONT will be given. On this command, airmen whose arms are up will lower their arms with snap to their sides (without slapping their sides) and recup their hands when their arm is at approximately waist level. As the arm is lowered, airmen whose heads are turned will return their heads to the front with snap. The body is now back to the position of attention.

Close Interval
Requirements: Halted at Attention; in Line Formation; at Close Interval; in the Cadence of Quick Time

Action taken on the command of execution DRESS: (entire movement performed with snap)

The command is At Close Interval, Dress Right, DRESS. On this command, all airmen except the last one in each element will raise their left hand so the heel of the hand rests on the left hip, fingers are extended and joined, thumb is along the forefinger, fingertips point toward the ground, and the elbow in line with the body.

At the same time the left hand is raised, all airmen except the guide and second, third, and fourth element leaders will turn their head and eyes 45 degrees to the right. First element airmen establish the interval by ensuring their upper right arm touches the extended elbow of the individual to their right.

The same procedures used to establish dress, cover, interval, and distance for normal interval will be used for close interval. At Close Interval, Dress Right (Left), DRESS is not given to a flight at normal interval, and Dress Right (Left), DRESS is not given to a flight at close interval.

Dress Left Dress
When giving the command Dress Left, DRESS or At Close Interval, Dress Left, DRESS, use the procedures for dress right dress except the flight must be in inverted line formation, the right arm/hand raised, and the head turned left.

Alignment Procedures
Moving by the most direct route, the flight commander takes the position on the flank of the flight toward which the dress is made, one pace from and in prolongation of the front rank, and faces down the line.

From this position, the flight commander verifies the alignment of the front rank. If necessary, individuals are called to move forward or backward by name or number. Military bearing is maintained and, instead of weaving from side to side, short sidesteps are taken to verify alignment.

The flight commander then faces to the left (right) in marching, halts on the propagation of each succeeding rank, executes right (left) face, and aligns the rank. After verifying the alignment of the ranks, the flight commander faces to the right (left) in marching, moves three paces beyond the front rank, faces to the left (right), and commands Ready, FRONT. Executing a minimum of movements, the flight commander takes the normal position by the most direct route in front of the flight.

Cover

Column Formation
To align the flight in column, the command is COVER. On this command, everyone except the guide adjusts by taking small choppy steps if needed and establishes dress, cover, interval, and distance.

The leading individual of each file (excluding the base file) obtains the proper interval (normal or close). The base file establishes and maintains a 40-inch distance. All others align themselves beside the individual to their right and behind the individual in front of them.

Inverted Column Formation
The same command and procedures used to reestablish dress, cover, interval, and distance while in column formation are used in inverted column. The exception to this is that the leading individual of the base element does not move and everyone else stablishes dress, cover, interval, and distance based on this individual.