Section 2
Instructional Techniques
2-15. Basic drill instruction includes U, line, circular, and extended rectangular formations. Basic drill instruction also includes stationary and moving cadence counts and dedicated instruction to units and individuals.
2-16. Instructors could use one of the four formation types when providing instructions to their formation while conducting drill. In all phases of drill, instruction and practical work can best be presented by using the U-formation or line formation. As a rule, stationary movements are taught using the U-formation; marching movements, including squad, platoon, and company drills, are best taught from the line formation. Instructors also have the option to use the extended rectangular and circular formations. Soldiers should be taught in the smallest formation possible to ensure individual attention; however, squad drill, whenever possible, should be taught to squad-size units, platoon drill to platoon-size units, and company drill to company-size units.
U-Formation
2-17. The U-formation is formed by the instructor commanding Count, OFF. On the command of execution OFF of Count, OFF, all personnel, except the right flank personnel, turn their heads and eyes to the right and the right flank personnel count off with “ONE.” After the right flank Soldiers have counted their number, the Soldiers to their left count off with the next higher number and simultaneously turn their heads and eyes to the front. All other members of the formation count off in the same manner until the entire formation has counted off. The instructor then commands First and second squads, FALL OUT.
2-18. On the command of execution FALL OUT, the first squad faces to the right, and the second squad faces to the left. After the squads have faced, the instructor commands U-formation, FALL IN.
2-19. On the command of execution FALL IN, the following actions happen simultaneously:
The first squad faces right, executes a Column Left, and takes one more step than the highest number counted when the formation counted off; halts, and faces to the left without command.
The second squad faces left, marches forward until the lead Soldier clears the last vacated position of the first squad, and then executes a Column Right, taking three more steps than the highest number counted when the formation counted off; halts, and faces to the right without command.
The third squad stands fast, and the fourth squad executes one 15-Inch Step to the Left. The instructor ensures that the first and second squads are one step in front of and one step outside the flanks of the third squad before commanding AT EASE beginning the instruction.
2-20. To re-form the platoon in a line formation, the commands are: FALL OUT (pause); FALL IN. The members of the platoon execute in the reverse manner as prescribed above, taking the same number of steps
Line Formation
2-21. When instructing using the line formation at normal interval, it is recommended that the first rank kneels (right knee), second rank executes one 15-Inch Step to the Left and kneels (left knee), third rank stands fast, and the fourth rank takes one 15-Inch Step to the Left. (Rank is a line that is one element in-depth.) The instructor adjusts any additional ranks as necessary to ensure they are uncovered. This formation can quickly be formed by commanding Instructional Formation, MARCH. To re-form the unit into a line formation, the command is FALL IN. The members of the platoon execute in the reverse manner as prescribed above. (Normal interval is the lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by the Soldier on the right holding their left arm shoulder high, fingers and thumb extended and joined, with the tip of their middle finger touching the right shoulder of the Soldier to their left.)
Extended Rectangular Formation
The instructor may find using the extended rectangular formation more suitable for use:
To form the extended rectangular formation, the instructor commands Extend to the left, MARCH. All right flank Soldiers stand fast with only their left arm extended sideward with palm down, fingers and thumbs extended and joined. All other Soldiers turn to the left and double-time forward. After taking a sufficient number of steps, the Soldiers stop, face to the front, and extend both arms sideward with palms down, with fingers and thumbs extended and joined. The distance between the fingertips of one Soldier to another is 12 inches, dress is to the right and cover to the front. The remainder of the body is in the Position of Attention. (Distance is defined as the space between elements when the elements are one behind the other. Between units, it varies with the size of the formation; between individuals, it is an arm’s length to the front plus 6 inches, or about 36 inches, measured from the chest of one Soldier to the back of the Soldier immediately to their front.
The instructor then commands Arms downward, MOVE. The Soldiers lower their arms sharply to the sides as in the Position of Attention.
The instructor then commands Left, Face. All Soldiers execute a left face.
The instructor then commands Extend to the left, MARCH. All Soldiers execute as previously described.
The instructor then commands Arms downward, MOVE. All Soldiers execute as previously described.
The instructor then commands Right, FACE. All Soldiers execute a right face.
The instructor then commands From front to rear, COUNT OFF. (COUNT OFF is the entire command of execution.) Each member of the first rank turns their head and eyes to the right and counts off with ONE, then faces back to the front. The remaining ranks execute in the same manner as the first rank, counting off in the same manner as the first rank until the entire formation has counted off. The members of the last (rear) rank do not turn their heads and eyes.
The instructor then commands Even numbers to the left, UNCOVER. All even-numbered Soldiers jump squarely in the center of the interval, resuming the Position of Attention. The formation is now prepared for instruction.
To return the formation to the original configuration, the instructor commands Assemble to the right, MARCH. All Soldiers double-time to their original position in formation.
Circular Formation
The instructor may find the circular formation more suitable for training:
The instructor positions themselves in front of the lead Soldier in the lead squad, looks over their right shoulder, and commands Circle formation, FOLLOW ME. The instructor double-times in a circle large enough for the formation and moves to the center of the circle. The members of the lead squad follow at an arm’s length plus 6 inches (approximately 40 inches total). The squad leaders of the following squads begin double-timing at the correct distance from the last Soldier in the preceding squad without command. After the entire formation is in a circle, the instructor comes to the Position of Attention and commands Quick time, MARCH. The Soldiers begin marching normally. The instructor then gives directives to individual Soldiers and corrects the distance between them until each member is at approximately double arm interval.
The instructor then commands the formation to Halt using the appropriate preparatory command.
The instructor then commands Left, FACE. All personnel face toward the instructor. The formation is now ready for instruction.
To return the formation to its original configuration, the instructor commands the formation to attention and commands FALL OUT, then FALL IN. On the command FALL IN, all Soldiers return to their original position in formation.
2-24. When acting as instructors or assistant instructors, officers and NCOs go wherever they are needed. They correct mistakes and ensure steadiness and proper performance in ranks. When Soldiers shows that they are unable to execute the proper movements or assume the proper position, the instructor may physically assist them.
2-25. To enable Soldiers to learn or maintain cadence and develop rhythm, the instructor should have them count cadence while marching.
2-26. To count cadence while marching at quick time, the instructor gives the preparatory command, Count Cadence, as the left foot strikes the marching surface, and the command of execution, COUNT, the next time the left foot strikes the marching surface. The Soldier begins to count the next time the left foot strikes the marching surface and counts as each foot strikes the marching surface—ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR; ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR. To count cadence while double-timing, the procedures are basically the same, except the Soldier only counts each time the left foot strikes the marching surface. To maintain cadence when marching, Soldiers will be allowed to sing, or a drummer’s beat may provide cadence.
2-27. For stationary movements of two or more counts, the instructor commands In Cadence, Right, FACE. Soldiers simultaneously execute the first count of the movement on the command of execution and sounds off, ONE; as they execute the second count, they sound off, TWO.
Note: To halt execution of movements in cadence, the instructor commands Without Cadence, and resumes normal drill methods. For example, Without Cadence, MARCH when marching at Count Cadence or Without Cadence, Left, FACE for stationary movements.
2-28. As Soldiers begin to master the art of drill, instructors encourage a spirit of competition among individuals and between units. Although repetition is necessary when teaching drill, instructors use competitive drill exercises to ensure that drill does not become boring or monotonous.
2-29. Mass commands are used to develop confidence and promote enthusiasm. They are effective in developing a command voice when instructing a leadership course. Procedures for using mass commands are discussed in chapter 3.
