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AFH 1 · Chapter 24 · Section 24.32

Drill Positions

Part of Career Progression · 2 sections · ~564 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Drill Positions — Fall In and Attention

Fall In

Fall In Command
The command for fall in is "FALL IN."

What Happens on Command

Fall In Procedure
On the command "FALL IN," individuals form a flight in line formation.

Line Formation Defined

Line Formation Definition
Line formation may best be described as falling into formation by forming a 'long' line from shoulder to shoulder.

Each Airman's Actions

Fall In Actions
Each Airman will fall in, automatically establishing their:
  • Dress
  • Cover
  • Interval
  • Distance

…executing an automatic ready front, and remaining at the position of attention.

Attention

Attention Command
The command for attention is "Flight, ATTENTION."

Foot Position

Heels Together
On the command "ATTENTION," members of the formation come to attention by bringing the heels together smartly and on line, as near each other as the conformation of the body permits.
45-Degree Angle
Feet are turned out equally to form a 45-degree angle.
Legs Straight
Keep the legs straight without stiffening or locking the knees.

Body Position

Body Position
The body is:
  • Erect with hips level
  • Chest lifted
  • Back arched
  • Shoulders square and even

Arms

Arms Position
Arms hang straight down alongside the body without stiffness and the wrists are straight with the forearms.

Thumbs

Thumb Position
Place thumbs, which are resting along the first joint of the forefinger, along the seams of the trousers or sides of the skirt.

Hands

Hands Position
Hands are cupped (but NOT clenched as a fist) with palms facing the leg.

Head

Head Position
The head is:
  • Held straight to the front
  • Chin is drawn slightly so the axis of the head and neck is vertical
  • Eyes are to the front with the line of sight parallel to the ground

Weight

Weight Distribution
The weight of the body rests equally on the heels and balls of both feet.

Required

Silence/Immobility
Silence and immobility are required.

Drill Positions — Open Ranks and Close Ranks

Open Ranks Command

Open Ranks Command
The command for open ranks is "Open Ranks, MARCH."

When Used

Open Ranks Use
The command "Open Ranks, MARCH" is ONLY given to a formation when in line at normal intervals.

Procedure on March

Open Ranks Procedure
On the command "MARCH":
  • The fourth rank stands fast and automatically executes dress right dress
  • The third rank takes one pace
  • The second rank takes two paces
  • The first rank takes three paces forward

Flight Commander Action

Open Ranks Alignment
The flight commander aligns the flight, then commands "Ready, FRONT."

Purpose of Open Ranks

Open Ranks for Inspection
Open ranks is a command given for inspecting the flight.

Inspector Departure

After Inspection
After inspecting the entire flight, the inspector marches off to the right flank (element leaders) of the flight.

Close Ranks

Close Ranks Command
The flight commander calls the flight to attention. The flight commander then commands "Close Ranks, MARCH."

Procedure

Close Ranks Procedure
On the command "MARCH":
  • The first rank stands fast
  • The second rank takes one pace forward and halts at the position of attention
  • The third and fourth ranks take two and three paces forward, respectively, and halt at attention

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