# Ten-hut?? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 6, 2013, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997 "2013-04-06T07:19:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/61 "2013-04-10T13:33:20Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > This statement, “There is no other command of execution that “Company” or “Platoon” is a preparatory command for” should be: > “There is no other command of execution given _while stationary_ that “Company” or “Platoon” is a preparatory command for”. “Company, fall out!”? I was Navy, but “fall out” was not “fall… OUT!”. “fall out” was almost one word, pretty much unstressed. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/62 "2013-04-10T13:41:43Z")
No. Fall Out is a combined command that is not preceded by any prepatory command. Combined commands as you mentioned do not have a stressed syllable. One would just command FALL OUT, though, not "Company, FALL OUT. " Leo Bloom, I will be happy to get to your question when I get back to a real keyboard. On my phone right now. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/63 "2013-04-10T15:56:01Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > Can you explain these terms? > (I am a musician, for many years a conductor, and am finding this whole tread fascinating.) They are methods of instruction for formally teaching Soldiers. Some methods are better for teaching certain movements than others. And the talk through is best for teaching most positions. For the Talk Through, demonstrations are combined with instruction. The demonstrator and/or student does everything as it is orally described. The instructor simply says how to do it, and it is executed as the instructor describes it. For example, when a Drill Sergeant is teaching “Rest Positions at the Halt” it would sound something like this: (Drill Sergeants are expected to memorize these modules and teach them practically verbatim) The first part is the Explanation Stage of the instruction. That stays the same no matter what method of instruction is being used. I will include it with the first example, but not the others following it. **Talk Through** The next positions, which I will name, explain, have demonstrated, and which you will conduct practical work on, are the rest positions while at the halt. These positions are used to rest an element for short periods, while at the halt. The commands for these positions are Parade, REST; Stand At, EASE; AT EASE; and REST. Parade, REST, and Stand At, EASE are two-part commands, with Parade and Stand At being the preparatory commands and REST and EASE are the commands of execution. AT EASE and REST are combined commands. When given, these commands are as follows: Parade, REST. Stand At, EASE. AT EASE. REST. Demonstrator, POST. I will use the talk-through method of instruction. NOTE: Any of the positions of rest may be commanded and executed from the Position of Attention. 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. 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 noncommissioned officers or when noncommissioned officers address noncommissioned officers of superior rank. … etc. In the step-by-step method of instruction, the explanation and demonstration are combined, and the movements are taught one step at a time. The instructor explains that on the command of execution, the demonstrator takes only one step and then stops in position until the command Ready, STEP (for the next step) is given. While the demonstrator is stopped in position, the instructor makes on-the-spot corrections and explains the actions to be taken on the next step. **Step-by-Step:** “Demonstrator, POST. I will use the step-by-step method of instruction. On the preparatory command Forward of Forward, MARCH, without noticeable movement, shift the weight of the body onto the right foot. Forward. On the command of execution MARCH of Forward, MARCH, step forward 30 inches with the left foot. The head, eyes, and body remain as in the Position of Attention. The arms swing in natural motion, without exaggeration and without bending the elbows, about 9 inches straight to the front and 6 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams. The fingers and thumbs are curled as in the Position of Attention, just barely clearing the trousers. MARCH. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. Once again, ensure that the head, eyes, and body remain as in the Position of Attention, and that the arms swing naturally, without exaggeration and without bending the elbows, about 9 inches straight to the front and 6 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams. The fingers and thumbs are curled, as in the Position of Attention, barely clearing the trousers. Ready, STEP. Notice that there are two steps explained: one from the Halt and one while marching. The command to terminate this movement is HALT. The preparatory command Demonstrator of Demonstrator, HALT, may be given as either foot strikes the marching surface. However, the command of execution HALT of Demonstrator, HALT, must be given the next time that same foot strikes the marching surface. The Halt is executed in two counts. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. When that foot strikes the marching surface, the demonstrator will receive the preparatory command Demonstrator of Demonstrator, HALT. Ready, STEP. Demonstrator. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. This is the intermediate (or thinking) step required between the preparatory command and the command of execution. Ready, STEP. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot. When the foot strikes the marching surface, the demonstrator will receive the command of execution HALT of Demonstrator, HALT. Ready, STEP. HALT. The Halt is executed in two counts. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, execute a 30-inch step with the trail foot, this being the additional step required after the command of execution. Ready, STEP. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, bring the trail foot alongside the lead foot, reassuming the Position of Attention, thus terminating this movement. (Ready, STEP. RE-FORM.) The By the Numbers method of instruction involves explaining each count, and then having them do it. Very similar to Step-by-Step: **By the Numbers** Demonstrator, POST. I will use the by-the-numbers method of instruction. Port Arms from Order Arms is a two-count movement. On the command of execution ARMS of Port, ARMS, this being count one, grasp the barrel of the rifle with the right hand and raise the rifle diagonally across the body, ensuring that the right elbow remains down without strain. Simultaneously, grasp the rifle with the left hand at the handguard just forward of the slip ring, keeping the rifle about 4 inches from the belt. By-the-numbers, Port, ARMS. On count two, release the grasp of the rifle with the right hand and regrasp the rifle at the small of the stock. Keep the rifle held diagonally across the body, about 4 inches from the belt, elbows drawn in at the sides, and ensure the right forearm is horizontal, thus assuming the position of Port Arms. Ready, TWO. Order Arms from Port Arms is a three-count movement. On the command of execution ARMS of Order, ARMS, this being count one, release the grasp of the rifle with the right hand and move the right hand up and across the body, approaching the front sight assembly from the right front, and firmly grasp the barrel without moving the rifle. Ensure the right elbow remains down without strain. Order, ARMS.” On count two, release the grasp of the rifle with the left hand, and with the right hand lower the rifle to the right side until it is about 1 inch off the marching surface. At the same time, guide the rifle into place with the left hand at the flash suppressor, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm facing the rear. Ready, TWO. On count three, sharply move the left hand to the left side as in the Position of Attention and, at the same time, gently lower the rifle to the marching surface with the right hand, assuming the position of Order Arms. Ready, THREE. Finally, there is Normal Cadence. That is where it is simply executed at the normal speed. Every method of instruction ends with a demonstration at normal speed. Hope that helps. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/64 "2013-04-10T15:56:03Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > This statement, “There is no other command of execution that “Company” or “Platoon” is a preparatory command for” should be: > “There is no other command of execution given _while stationary_ that “Company” or “Platoon” is a preparatory command for” > > Forgot about that one. The point still remains WRT what is the preparatory command, and what is the command of execution. And there is no confusion between what command is coming next after “Platoon” because HALT is never given while at a rest position, and ATTENTION is never given while marching. So the preparatory command still informs the Soldiers “what they’re about to do”. The way it was explained to me, when the group or unit is at rest, the first thing you can command IS “attention” because ALL movements start from that position. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/65 "2013-04-10T16:00:27Z")
It was too much coding to properly bold and italicize everything. But, here is an example of the talk through for Position of Attention, which is quite relevant to the thread. > **[Position of Attention - Army Education Benefits Blog](https://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Drill_Sergeant_Resources/Drill_sergeant_presentations/position-of-attention-2.shtml)** > > STEP I ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/66 "2013-04-10T16:06:41Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > The way it was explained to me, when the group or unit is at rest, the first thing you can command IS “attention” because ALL movements start from that position. All facing and marching movements do start from the position of attention. However, one doesn’t call “Attention” without a preparatory command of squad, platoon, etc. Also, it is quite possible to assemble a formation with the combined command, FALL IN, and then a Right, FACE; COVER; RECOVER; Forward, MARCH and moveout without ever giving a command of Platoon, ATTENTION since they fall in at that position already. Whenever the element is already at attention, it isn’t necessary to start with that command. And some commands, like AT EASE, can be given even if they are not at the position of attention. ETA: I just noticed you said “unit is at rest”. If they are at REST, they can be given AT EASE or Platoon, ATTENTION. On the preparatory command Platoon of Platoon, ATTENTION, they snap into the position of Parade Rest from Rest. Then, on the command of execution ATTENTION of Platoon, ATTENTION, they execute the position of attention. ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/67 "2013-04-10T16:21:44Z")
OK, thanks for clearing up and correcting me. It’s unfortunate that the Army uses misleading words for things, but well, they do it the way they do it. It would be better if, when they picked technical terms, they used words that meant pretty much the same in both ordinary and technical sense. Literally, “COMPANY” is not “preparatory”, it’s “scoping”. But well, it’s the Army, what should we expect? In any case, some commands have to be executed at the same time to look smart, and there are no timing cues other than the command. For “Company … HALT”, one does not come to a halt when the word HALT is given, but two paces later. The extra timing cues are the pace, which is already well-established. For “Attention”, perhaps it’s not important for everyone to snap at the same time. If so, never mind. But if you want everyone to snap at the same time, you stress the last syllable, and issue the command with similar timing each time, so eveyone knows when to snap. This has nothing to do with how the Army teaches, it’s just reality. For “Fall out” it’s really not important for everyone to be in perfect synchronization. As long as nobody jumps the gun, it’s fine. In any case, thanks for correcting my errors concerning the technical jargon. I was using the words based on their normal meanings. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/68 "2013-04-10T16:52:43Z")
Keep in mind, one is still supposed to stress the last syllable in the word attention. It should be slightly louder and of a higher pitch than the rest of the word. So all soldiers still get the proper cues for perfectly uniform movement. Its just that the entire word counts as the command of execution, not just the last part. For halt, yea thats where PICAA comes in and why the step by step method is ideal for teaching that one. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/69 "2013-04-10T17:20:35Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > It was too much coding to properly bold and italicize everything. But, here is an example of the talk through for Position of Attention, which is quite relevant to the thread. > > [http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Drill\_Sergeant\_Resources/Drill\_sergeant\_presentations/position-of-attention-2.shtml](http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Drill_Sergeant_Resources/Drill_sergeant_presentations/position-of-attention-2.shtml) Thanks a lot. I wandered over there last night looking for something like this, gave up way too early, hopped a link to the Army publication site for Field Manuals and all other such stuff, looking for the Field Manual mentioned upthread. Gave up on _that_ (guess who never finished his dissertation proposal?), and downloaded _Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks: Warrior’s Skills, Level 1_. Then tried to download a couple Field Manuals for Special Operations Forces, Humint stuff, Nuclear Facility Maintenance manuals, and got nothing, not even a thank-you note from the Army for letting them silently record my ISP. Anyway, I’m having trouble recently, say, with “FALL OUT,” where I don’t know if the “fall” is long upbeat to the “OUT” or not, and some similar cases. I just spent half an hour in writing down slashes and numbers for temporal clicks, and then using syllable placement for even further subdivisions, but it looked like holy hell and I trashed it. One day I’ll pull a Guido and invent music writing, and link to a graphic (now that I know how thanks to those in another thread). ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/70 "2013-04-10T17:38:50Z")
FALL OUT is said uniformly without inflection. Basically at the same tone and pitch as the stressed (last) part of ATTENTION or any other command of execution. PM me your email address. I will send you the field manual for drill and ceremony and highlight the relevant parts to make it easy to find. Ill also go ahead and send you an audio clip of how the commands are supposed to sound. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/71 "2013-04-10T17:47:52Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > FALL OUT is said uniformly without inflection. Basically at the same tone and pitch as the stressed (last) part of ATTENTION or any other command of execution. PM me your email address. I will send you the field manual for drill and ceremony and highlight the relevant parts to make it easy to find. Ill also go ahead and send you an audio clip of how the commands are supposed to sound. Same with “at ease”. Oddly enough, “parade rest” has the preparatory pause. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/72 "2013-04-10T19:17:46Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > FALL OUT is said uniformly without inflection. Basically at the same tone and pitch as the stressed (last) part of ATTENTION or any other command of execution. PM me your email address. I will send you the field manual for drill and ceremony and highlight the relevant parts to make it easy to find. Ill also go ahead and send you an audio clip of how the commands are supposed to sound. Thanks so much. Just URL will do, unless the DOD has put in a security level higher than general release, in which case we’ve got more than the Norks to worry about. But then you wouldn’t have publicly announced your offer on SD. I can imagine a nice little comedy scene as the enemy decides how to best take advantage of stolen march drills. The link to audio is obviously what this entire thread needs. Pictures worth thousands and all that. My B.Mus was/is (sounds funny saying “is”) Choral Conducting (and “minor” in Harpsichord and Orchestral Conducting). I made almost a living at that for a long time. The exact beginning and ending of words was, as you can imagine, a big thang. Upbeats and little sub-upbeats that don’t obscure the rhythm are no joke. (Now, you DI’s and DS’s, get your guys to perform these commands in groups of three and other odd numbers and switch back and forth. Stravinsky ballet.) ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/73 "2013-04-10T21:53:08Z")
> [@Learjeff](#): > > It’s unfortunate that the Army uses misleading words for things, but well, they do it the way they do it. It would be better if, when they picked technical terms, they used words that meant pretty much the same in both ordinary and technical sense. Literally, “COMPANY” is not “preparatory”, it’s “scoping”. But well, it’s the Army, what should we expect? On second thought, the Army terms are reasonable and I’m fulla BS. Sorry for the distraction. Ignorance fought. > [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Keep in mind, one is still supposed to stress the last syllable in the word attention. It should be slightly louder and of a higher pitch than the rest of the word. So all soldiers still get the proper cues for perfectly uniform movement. Its just that the entire word counts as the command of execution, not just the last part. > For halt, yea thats where PICAA comes in and why the step by step method is ideal for teaching that one. Yeah, that makes sense. I also found that most people would use normal marching cadence, even when giving stationary commands, which helps. For example, “Port Arms” or “Order Arms”. No marching, but usually one step or two step beats between the first and second words, and execution doesn’t begin immediately, but one step beat after, and each motion takes the time of one normal cadence step. In any case, back to the OP’s question, when calling a whole battalion or whatever to attention, it takes a big voice, and I wasn’t surprised to hear the adjutant cry “HUT” rather than “SHUN”. I admit my experience is child’s play compared to Bear’s, but I doubt that “Ten-HUT” was invented by the movie industry. ---
**Author:** ![SSG\_Schwartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/74 "2013-04-11T02:30:56Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Four, actually. They are: > Talk Through > Step by Step > By the Numbers > Normal Cadence (Combat Speed) > > By the way, I got a 98% on thing you helped with with. Thanks again! Should have known not to speak unless I checked the reference. I was thinking there was one I was missing. Good job on the assignment. I felt good that I could help another NCO. SFC Schwartz ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/75 "2013-04-11T05:34:25Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Same with “at ease”. Oddly enough, “parade rest” has the preparatory pause. Yes, AT EASE is another combined command. Others include FALL IN, FALL OUT, REST, COVER, and RECOVER. Parade, REST is a two part command which is why it has the pause you mention. **Leo Bloom** , does this link work for you? [TC 3-21.5](https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog/view/100.ATSC/36E2FF6E-6A92-4FCE-A25F-09B684EEAA3C-1327075372265/tc3_21x5.pdf). You will likely find Chapter 3 the most interesting. Information about The Command Voice starts at Paragraph 3-6. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/76 "2013-04-11T05:56:38Z")
A decent video example that also includes a couple different methods of instruction: [Commands](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1739349016443&set=vb.445241370286&type=3&theater). ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/77 "2013-04-11T06:57:51Z")
Finally getting to these… > [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > **echo7tango** , you are _really_ too kind here–I was trying to get a rise out of you as drill sergeant. > > Now you look whooshed, and I feel bad. Sorry. FYI, I was never a drill sergeant / drill instructor. I marched troops a little bit as a platoon sergeant. And, don’t feel bad… > [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > No, because the pivot does not happen as part of that count. They cannot pivot until the left foot is down. And once it is down, that step has concluded. The pivot is simultaneous with the start of the final count, if that makes sense. > > … The pivot does happen as part of that count. It is a simultaneous step and pivot, done on the third time the left foot strikes the deck in this example: > [@echo7tango](#): > > I’d like to modify this slightly: > > **left > right** _(“Right Flank”)_ > **left** _(Intermediate step)_ > **right** _(“MARCH”)_ > **left** _This is where the command is executed. Everyone in the platoon pivots on this foot, to the right._ > **right** _(Soldiers execute the Action by stepping off with this foot in the new direction)_ With this, I was continuing the example provided by someone else. However, this is not how the Marine Corps gives this command, which is this: **right** _(“By the”)_ **left** _(“right”)_ **right** _(“flank”)_ **left** _(pause - Intermediate step)_ **right** _(“ **MARCH** ”)_ **left** _(The command is executed. Everyone pivots on this foot 90° to the right. Again, that’s a simultaneous step and pivot.)_ **right** _(Marines continue the action by stepping off with this foot in the new direction)_ Anyway, this is probably splitting hairs, and **Bear\_Nenno** is a drill sergeant so I trust his interpretation of Army marching commands. > [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > … > > … and ATTENTION is never given while marching. Actually, it can be given while marching, when in route step. Route step means the troops do not have to stay in step but are to maintain their spacing and intervals. The proper command to resume marching in step, given while marching, is PLATOON (or BATTERY / BATTALION), ATTENTION. Does the Army use Route Step marching? ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/78 "2013-04-11T07:57:49Z")
> [@echo7tango](#): > > The pivot does happen as part of that count. It is a simultaneous step and pivot, done on the third time the left foot strikes the deck in this example… > Anyway, this is probably splitting hairs, and **Bear\_Nenno** is a drill sergeant so I trust his interpretation of Army marching commands. I think it’s just splitting hairs. The Army considers the foot striking the marching surface to be the termination of the count/step. By that very definition, nothing that happens after that can also be a _part_ of it. The pivot could either be considered the end of a step, or the begining of the next. The Army considers the pivot and the simultaneous stepping off with the right foot to be the _begining_ of that last step. And though I believe you when you say the Marines have a different take on it. I think that if you actually do it step by step, you will probably agree with the Army. Stand up and try it: Start in a frozen-in-time forward march position. Your left foot and right arm forward. We’re going to do this Step-by-Step. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP execute a 30-inch step forward with the trail (right) foot. When that foot strikes the marching surface, you will receive the preparatory command “Right Flank” of Right Flank, MARCH. “ **_Ready_, STEP** ”. “_ **Right Flank** _” On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP execute a 30-inch step forward with your trail (left) foot. This is the intermediate step required between the preparatory command and the command of execution. “ **_Ready_, STEP** ”. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP execute a 30-inch step forward with your trail (right) foot. When that foot strikes the marching surface, you will receive the command of execution MARCH, of Right Flank, MARCH. “ **_Ready_, STEP** ”. “ **MARCH** ” On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP execute a 30-inch step forward with the trail foot; this being the additional step required between the command of execution and the Action Step. “ **_Ready_, STEP** ”. Now that is the end of that step. You should still be in the frozen-in-time forward march position. If, as the Marines declare it, the pivot happens simultaneously when that foot strikes the ground, go ahead and try it right now. Try to stand there, facing straight to the front with your left foot forward but pivoted 90 degrees to the right. It makes no sense to consider pivoting of the left foot to be part of this step. The final step is: On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP pivot 90 degrees to the right on the ball of the lead foot and simultaneously step off in the new direction with the trailing foot. “ **_Ready_, STEP** ” If you played along at home, I think you would agree with the Army. > [@](#): > > Does the Army use Route Step marching? Oh Gawd Yes. In a line unit, it is used almost exclusively. We also have At Ease, MARCH that is much less common. However, in the Army the command to resume marching in step again is **_Quick Time,_ MARCH**. We never use ATTENTION while marching. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/79 "2013-04-11T12:44:36Z")
Yes, I see what you mean, but I now realize that when I said pivot, I meant that it’s not just the foot that pivots. The foot and entire body pivot together. I went through boot camp in 1980, at MCRD San Diego. We learned and at first did facing movements “by the numbers”, halting between each move, but for COD we learned and executed the different commands “on the move”. It wasn’t at a quick time, but it was at a slower pace. We didn’t break it down and stop at the end of each step like your right flank example. At least, that’s what I remember, but that was a few years ago now. Technically I agree with the concept that when a step ends, anything that happens after it cannot still be part of that step. But where the USMC considers the end of a step, I don’t know. Are there any USMC DIs here? They might know, and only if the Marines break it down to that. MCO5060.20 is the USMC Drill and Ceremonies Manual (MCO is Marine Corps Order). In there, “Step” is defined this way: > [@](#): > > The distance from heel to heel between the feet of a marching > individual. The half step and back step are 15 inches. The right and left steps > are 12 inches. The steps in quick and double time are 30 and 36 inches, > respectively. There’s no defintion for when the step begins or ends. That might exist somewhere in all of the Marine Corps’s orders. If it does, I’ve never read it. So anyway, in the end I think we’re splitting hairs. Thanks for your breakdown of the movement. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997/80 "2013-04-11T22:06:03Z")
> [@SSG\_Schwartz](#): > > Such as: > > PL: If I die on a Russian front > Platoon: Repeats > PL: Bury me with a Russian…Rifle > Platoon: Huh??? > I still love doing that one. > > SFC Schwartz One of my favorite (clean), underused cadences was this from my DS in Basic: Left foot sure is fine Left foot left foot all the time Welllllll right foot right foot sure is cool Right foot right foot you silly fool. Wellllll Left foot sure is fine Left foot left foot all the time The whole point of the “Welllll” is to get the first word of that line on the right foot instead of left and then back again. We had to do it a couple times until we got it right. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-hut/654997.md?page=5)