The Drill Pad
Army Drill


Marching to the Flank and Facing in Marching


Marching to the Flank


The squad may be marched to the flank (for short distances only) when marching in column.

The command for this movement is Right (Left) flank, MARCH. The preparatory command is given as the foot in the desired direction strikes the marching surface, and the command of execution is given the next time the foot in the desired direction strikes the marching surface. On the command of execution MARCH, all members take one more step, pivot 90 degrees in the commanded direction on the ball of the lead foot, and step off in the new direction with the trailing foot. As the members begin to march in the new direction, they glance out of the corner of the right eye and dress to the right.


Facing in Marching

Facings in marching from a halt are important parts of the following movements: alignments, column movements, inspecting soldiers in ranks, and changing from normal interval to double interval or double interval to normal interval.

For instructional purposes only, the command Face to the right (left) in marching, MARCH may be used to teach the individual to execute the movement properly. On the preparatory command Face to the right (left) in marching, shift the weight of the body without noticeable movement
onto the right foot. On the command of execution MARCH, pivot to the right (left) on the ball of the right foot (90 degrees) and step off in the indicated direction with the left foot. Execute the pivot and step in one count, and continue marching in the new direction.

Facing to the half-right (half-left) in marching from the halt is executed in the same manner as facing to the right (left) in marching from a halt, except the facing movement is made at a 45-degree angle to the right (left).

The halt from facing in marching is executed in two counts, the same as the halt from the 30-inch step.

Flight/Platoon Drill