Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard

 

March Other Than At Attention, Flanking movements

To March Other Than At Attention-  For "At Ease, March," the preparatory command is "At
Ease"
and the command of execution is "March."  On the command of execution, take one more
step then assume "At Ease."  Cadence is not required.  Silence, interval, and distance are required.
This type of marching will be performed until given the command of "Detail, Attention."  For
"Route Step, March," the preparatory command is "Route Step," and the command of execution
is "March."  On the command of execution "March" you follow the same procedure as "At Ease,
March"
except that silence need not be maintained.  Guard members may talk in moderate tones
until given the command of "Detail, Attention."  For "Detail, Attention" the preparatory command
is "Detail" and the command of execution is "Attention."  On the command of execution, the flight
will continue to march, assuming the position of attention, and adhering to the cadence of the leader.

Flanking Movements (While Marching)- The preparatory command is "Right (Left) Flank" and the
command of execution is "March."  On the command of execution, take one more full 30-inch step. 
Suspend arm swing.  Pivot 90' to the right (left) on the ball of the left (right) foot.  Step off with a full 30-inch
step.  Begin coordinated arm swing.  Dress, cover, interval, and distance will be maintained.

The commands for mass formation vary slightly from those of detail drill.  The command for turning
right or left is "Right (Left) Turn, March" instead of "Column Right (Left)" as you are used to.
You will respond to the preparatory command of squadron instead of detail.  Example: "Squadron,
Attention"
instead of "Detail, Attention."  The number of steps taken between the preparatory
command and the command of execution is greater in mass formation because of the large number of
people.  In detail drill there is one step between the commands, but in mass formation there are three
steps between the commands.  Another area of difference is the pivoting and steps taken in the right and
left turns.  If the command is "Left Turn, March," the first squad leader will take three paces and pivot
90' to the left, take a 30-inch step and begin the half step.  The other squad leaders will pivot 45' to the
left and take the required number of steps, which will be taught to you by your instructors.  After the
second pivot, you maintain 30-inch steps until even with the member marching on your left, then you begin
the half step.  Members of the formation will pivot at the points established by their squad leader taking
the same number of steps between pivots.  Right turn is executed the same as left turn, but in reverse.