Rest Positions — Four Positions of Rest
Four Positions of Rest
Four Rest Positions
There are four positions of rest:
- Parade rest
- At ease
- Rest
- Fall out
Required Starting Position
Attention Required First
The commander and members of the formation must be at the position of attention before going to any of the rest positions.
Resuming Attention
Resuming Attention
To resume the position of attention from any of the rests (except fall out, for which the commander uses the command "FALL IN"), the command is "Flight, ATTENTION."
Parade Rest
Parade Rest Command
The command for parade rest is "Parade, REST."
Foot Movement
Parade Rest Foot
On the command "REST," members of the formation:
- Raise the left foot from the hip just enough to clear the ground
- Move smartly to the left so the heels are 12 inches apart, as measured from the inside of the heels
Legs
Parade Rest Legs
Keep the legs straight but not stiff, and the heels on line.
Arms
Parade Rest Arms
As the left foot moves:
- Bring the arms fully extended to the back of the body
- Uncupping the hands in the process
- Straightening the fingers of each hand, pointing them toward the ground
Hands
Parade Rest Hands
Face the palms outward and place the right hand in the palm of the left, right thumb over the left to form an "X."
Head and Eyes
Parade Rest Head
Keep the head and eyes straight ahead and remain silent and immobile.
At Ease
At Ease Command
The command for at ease is "AT EASE."
Procedure
At Ease Procedure
On the command "AT EASE," members of the formation:
- May relax in a standing position
- Must keep the right foot in place
At Ease Position
Their position in the formation will not change.
At Ease Silence
Silence is maintained.
Rest
Rest Command
The command for rest is "REST."
Procedure
Rest Procedure
On the command "REST," the same requirements for at ease apply, but moderate speech is permitted.
Fall Out
Fall Out Command
The command for fall out is "FALL OUT."
Procedure
Fall Out Procedure
On the command "FALL OUT," individuals:
- May relax in a standing position, OR
- Break ranks
Boundary
Fall Out Boundary
They must remain in the immediate area.
No Specific Dispersal
No specific method of dispersal is required.
Fall Out Speech
Moderate speech is permitted.