Military Drill and Ettiquette Flashcards
There are a number of basic building blocks that you should learn before reaching Recruit Training Command (RTC). Becoming familiar with these basics will make the transition much smoother when you arrive for training.
(Command/Posture)
Attention
Attention
Bring the heel of your left foot to the heel of your right foot. Stand straight with your heels together. Your feet will form a 45-degree angle and your head and body will be erect, hips and shoulders level, and your chest will be lifted. Your arms will hang naturally with your thumbs aligned with the seam of your trousers. Your fingers will be joined and allowed to curl naturally. Your legs will be straight, but do not lock your knees. Your head and eyes should be directed forward. Your mouth should be closed and your chin should be tucked in slightly.
(Command/Posture)
Parade Rest
Parade Rest
Only given when already standing at attention. In a single movement, bring your left foot out to shoulder width and join your hands, right over left, palms facing swag from your body, at the small of your back.
(Command/Posture)
At Ease
At Ease
Once told “At Ease” you may relax and move about. While “At Ease,” your right foot must remain in place. While in this position, you are not allowed to talk.
(Command)
Fall Out
Fall Out
On the command, you may relax in a standing position or break ranks (move a few steps out of formation). You must remain in the immediate area, and return to the formation on the command “Fall In”. Moderate speech is permitted.
(Command/Posture)
Right (or Left) Face
Right (or Left) Face
This command can be given only when the formation is at the position of attention. The commands are “Right face” or “Left face.” On the command “Face,” raise the right (left) toe and left (right) heel slightly and pivot 90 degrees to the right (left) on the ball of the left (right) foot and the heel of the right (left) foot, assisted by slight pressure on the ball of the left (right) foot. Keep legs bent naturally, not stiff. The upper portion of the body remains at attention. This completes count 1 of the movement. Next, bring the left (right) foot smartly forward, ensuring that your heels are together and on line. Feet should now be forming a 45-degree angle, which means the position of attention has been resumed. This step completes count 2 of the movement.
(Command/Posture)
About Face
About Face
This command can be given only when the formation is at the position of attention. The command is “About, face.” On the command “Face,” lift the right foot from the hip just enough to clear the ground. While naturally bending the knees, place the ball of the right foot approximately half a shoe length behind and slightly to the left of the heel. Distribute the weight of the body on the ball of the right foot and the heel of the left foot. Keep both legs straight, but not stiff. The position of the foot has not changed. This step completes the first part of the movement. Keeping the upper portion of the body at the position of attention, pivot 180 degrees to the right on the ball of the right foot and heel of the left foot, with a twisting motion from the hips. Suspend arm swing during the movement and remain as though at attention. On completion of the pivot, heels should be together and in line and feet should form a 45-degree angle. The entire body is now at the position of attention.
(Command/Posture)
Dress Right, Dress
Dress Right, Dress
On the command “Dress Right, Dress,” all division members except the right flank member turn their heads and look and align themselves to the right. At the same time, each division member except the flank member lifts their left arm shoulder high (normal interval), or places their left hand on their hip (close interval). The right flank member holds position (stands fast) and looks to the front. The other division members use the right flank member as a guide and take short steps as necessary to align themselves and to achieve the proper interval. Once the alignment is complete, division members hold their position until the “Ready, Front” command is given. At this time, division members snap back to the “Attention” position.
(Action/Position)
Hand Salute
Hand Salute
Unless you are walking, the hand salute should be rendered while standing at “Attention”. Salute properly and smartly. Avoid saluting in a casual or perfunctory (minimum effort) manner. Always use your right hand, unless injured. Use your left hand to carry objects and leave your right hand free to salute. Look directly into the Officer’s eyes when saluting. Raise the right hand and bending your arm at the elbow, until the tip of your forefingers touches the lower part of your cover or forehead just above and to the right of your right eye. Fingers are extended and aligned with the thumb. With the elbow slightly in front of your body, your upper arm should be parallel with the deck or ground. The hand and wrist must be held in a straight line and the forearm should be at a 45-degree angle. Returning the arm to its normal position at your side completes the salute. This motion is done in one sharp, clean motion. Accompany your salute with a cheerful greeting, such as “Good morning, Sir.” It us unnecessary to identify an Officer by name, and NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE by their first name.
(Command/Position)
Cover, Down
Cover, Down
In formation, the first row of division members should not move. All division members behind the first row should line up behind the person in front of them, allowing for the division to stand in a uniform set of rows and columns.
