Section 1
Formations
7-1. The platoon has two prescribed formations—line and column (see figure 7-1 on page 7-2 and figure 7-2 on page 7-3). However, the platoon may be formed into a file or a column of twos from a column formation. When in a line formation, the elements (squads) of a platoon are numbered from front to rear; in a column formation, from left to right.
Figure 7-1. Line formation
Figure 7-2. Column formation
7-2. For the most part, platoon drill merely provides the procedures for executing drill movements in conjunction with other squads formed in the same formation. Individual drill movements and the manual of arms are executed, as previously described in chapters 4, 5, and 6, while performing as a squad member during the conduct of platoon drill. For continuity purposes in this chapter, “platoon sergeant” may also denote “platoon leader” when the platoon sergeant is executing drill from their post.
7-3. During all drill and ceremonies, the platoon leader and platoon sergeant carry their rifles at Sling Arms. When the platoon drills as part of a larger unit, the platoon leader and platoon sergeant remain at Sling Arms during all manual of arms movements except when executing the Hand Salute while at Sling Arms.
7-4. When the platoon drills as a separate unit or as part of a larger unit in a line formation, without officers present, the post for the platoon sergeant is three steps in front of and centered on the platoon. When in column formation, the post for the platoon sergeant is three steps to left flank of and centered on the platoon. The post for the platoon sergeant with the platoon leader present is one step to the rear and centered on the platoon in line or column formation.
7-5. When assuming their post in column from a line formation with the platoon leader present, the platoon sergeant faces to the left in marching (on the command of execution FACE) and marches in the most direct route to their post. The platoon sergeant then halts and faces to the right. When assuming their post in line from a column formation, they face to the right in marching (on the command of execution FACE) and march in the most direct route to their post, halt centered on the platoon, and face to the left.
Note: When the files (columns) are uneven, the platoon sergeant normally directs the Soldiers in longer files to move to another file to balance the formation or may fill the vacancy themselves as the last person in the right file.
7-6. When control of the formation is being exchanged between the platoon sergeant and the platoon leader, the platoon sergeant will always travel around the right flank (squad leader) of the formation when marching from post to post. The platoon leader will always travel around the left flank of the formation when marching post to post.
7-7. On the command Open Ranks, MARCH; Backward, MARCH; Right (Left) Step, MARCH; Forward, MARCH and on commands that cause the platoon to change interval in line, they move at the same time (with the appropriate step) so as to maintain proper position.
7-8. The leader of the first squad serves as the base when the platoon is in a line formation. The leader of the fourth squad serves as the base when the platoon is in a column formation.
7-9. If for some reason the platoon is authorized a guidon or phase banner (in training units, for example), the bearer’s post is one step in front of and two 15-inch steps to the right of and facing the person forming the platoon. When the formation is faced to the right for a marching movement, they execute in the same manner as explained in appendix G, except that their post is three steps in front of and centered on the squad leaders. If the platoon leader is present and at their post, the bearer’s post is one step to the rear and two 15-inch steps to the left of the platoon leader.
7-10. When the platoon drills as a separate unit, in a line formation, the post for the platoon leader is six steps in front of and centered on the platoon; when in a column formation, the platoon leader is six steps to the left flank and centered on the platoon. When marching as part of a larger formation, their post is one step in front of and centered on the squad leaders.
7-11. When the platoon leader commands Open Ranks, MARCH; Backward, MARCH; Right (Left) Step, MARCH; Forward, MARCH or causes the platoon to change interval, they move at the same time (with the appropriate step) so as to maintain proper position:
When assuming their post in column from a line formation, the platoon leader faces to the right in marching (on the command of execution FACE) and marches in the most direct route to their post, halts, and faces to the left.
When assuming their post in line from a column formation, the platoon leader faces to the left in marching (on the command of execution FACE) and marches in the most direct route to their post, halts perpendicular to the formation, and faces to the right.
7-12. The platoon normally forms in a line formation; however, it may re-form in a column when each Soldier can identify their exact position (equipment grounded) in the formation.
7-13. The platoon forms basically the same as a squad. The platoon sergeant assumes the Position of Attention and commands FALL IN (At Close Interval, FALL IN or In Column, FALL IN). On the command FALL IN (At Close Interval, FALL IN), the squad leader and the first squad (when formed) are three steps in front of and centered on the platoon sergeant. Other squad leaders cover on the first squad leader at the correct distance, which is obtained by estimation. The members of the first squad fall in on their squad leader as prescribed for squad drill. Members of the other squads fall in on their squad leader, assume the Position of Attention, and turn their heads and eyes to the right. They obtain correct distance by taking short steps forward or backward and align themselves on the Soldier to their right. They then sharply turn their heads and eyes to the front as in the Position of Attention and obtain proper interval by taking short steps left and right to cover on the Soldier to their front. Members of all squads, other than the first squad, will not raise their left arms unless the Soldier to their immediate left has no one to their front in the formation on which to cover.
7-14. When armed, members fall in at Order Arms or Sling Arms. For safety, the commands Inspection, ARMS; Ready, Port, ARMS; Order (Sling), ARMS are given at the initial formation of the day and just before the last command, DISMISSED.
7-15. When a report is appropriate, the platoon sergeant commands REPORT. The squad leaders, in succession from front to rear, turn their heads and eyes toward the platoon sergeant and salute (holding the Salute until returned) and report. The squad leaders do not state the unit. For example—
Situation 1. When all squad members are in formation, the report is “All present.”
Situation 2. When squad members are absent, the Soldiers name and reasons for absence are reported:
Private Smit—charge of quarter’s runner.
Private Miller—sick call.
Private Rodriguez—absent without leave
7-16. Platoon sergeants turn their head and eyes toward the reporting squad leader, receive the report, and return the salute. After receiving the report from the squad leaders, the platoon sergeant faces about and awaits the arrival of the platoon leader or a directive from the first sergeant to REPORT. When the platoon leader has halted at their post, the platoon sergeant salutes and reports, “Sir or Ma’am, All present,” or “Sir or Ma’am, All accounted for,” or “Sir or Ma’am, (so many) Soldiers are absent.” The platoon leader returns the Salute. After the Salute has been returned, the platoon sergeant faces to the right in marching, inclines around the squad leaders, halts at their post, and faces to the right. If reporting to the first sergeant, the platoon sergeant turns their head and eyes toward the first sergeant, salutes, and reports.
7-17. If the platoon leader is not present for the formation, and the commander is in charge of the formation, the platoon sergeant steps forward three steps to be a total of six steps and centered on their platoon (after receiving the squad leader’s report) and, on the command POST, assumes the duties of the platoon leader.
7-18. When appropriate, the platoon may be formed by the platoon leader rather than by the platoon sergeant. The procedures are the same as previously described in paragraph 7-17 except that the first squad forms six steps in front of and centered on the platoon leader, and the platoon sergeant forms at their post to the rear of the platoon. For continuity purposes in this chapter, “platoon sergeant” may also denote “platoon leader” when the platoon leader is executing drill from their post.
7-19. When the situation requires, the platoon sergeant directs: “Private Rodriguez (pause), front and center;” or “The following personnel front and center—Private Rodriguez (pause), Private Miller.” When the individual’s name is called, they assume the Position of Attention and reply, “Here, Sergeant (Sir or Ma’am).” They then take one (15-inch) step backward, halt, face to the right (left) in marching, and exit the formation by marching to the nearest flank. The Soldier does not look left or right. Once the individual has cleared the formation, they begin to double-time and halt two steps in front of and centered on the platoon sergeant.
Note: When a group of individuals are called from the formation, the group forms centered on the platoon sergeant. The platoon sergeant should direct (point) the first Soldier into position so that the rank will be centered when the last Soldier has joined the group.
7-20. The platoon counts off in the same manner as the squad. When in a line formation, the squads count in unison from right to left; each squad leader sounds off, “ONE.” When in a column formation, the Soldiers abreast of each other count in unison from front to rear; each squad leader sounds off, “ONE.”
7-21. The platoon changes interval in a line formation in the same manner as the squad. To change interval when the platoon is in a column at the Halt, the right file stands fast and serves as the base. All other members (abreast of each other) execute the movement as previously described in paragraph 6-10. To obtain Close Interval from Normal Interval, the third squad takes one right step, the second squad takes two right steps, and the first squad takes three right steps. To obtain Normal Interval, the procedures are the same except that the squads execute the same number of left steps.
7-22. To change interval when the platoon is marching in a column, the preparatory command Close Interval is given as the right foot strikes the marching surface, and the command of execution MARCH is given the next time the right foot strikes the marching surface. On the command of execution MARCH, the base squad (right file) takes one more 30-inch step and then executes the Half Step. All other Soldiers take one more step, simultaneously execute a Column Half Right, and march until Close Interval is obtained. They execute a Column Half Left and assume the Half Step when abreast of the corresponding Soldier of the base squad. On the command Forward, MARCH, all Soldiers resume marching with a 30-inch step. The commands Mark Time, MARCH and Platoon, HALT may also be given.
7-23. To resume marching at Normal Interval, the preparatory command Normal Interval is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface, and the command of execution MARCH is given the next time the left foot strikes the marching surface. On the command of execution MARCH, the platoon members obtain Normal Interval in the same manner prescribed for Close Interval except that they each execute Column Half Left and then Column Half Right.
7-24. To obtain Double Interval from Normal Interval, the procedures are the same as from Close Interval to Normal Interval.
7-25. To obtain Normal Interval from Double Interval (closing the formation in column from Open Ranks), the procedures are the same as obtaining Close Interval from Normal Interval.
7-26. The platoon is aligned similar to the squad. On the command of execution DRESS, the first squad leader stands fast and serves as the base. Other squad leaders obtain correct distance by estimation. The members of the first squad execute in the same manner as in squad drill to obtain exact interval. All other squads execute as the first squad, except that each squad member raises the left arm only for uniformity, covering (glancing out the corner of the left eye) on the Soldier to the front.
7-27. If the platoon sergeant wants exact alignment, they face to the Half Left (Half Right) in marching and march (on the command of execution DRESS) by the most direct route to a position on line with the first squad, halt one step from the squad leader or left flank Soldier, and face down the line. From this position, they verify the alignment of the first squad, directing the Soldier to move forward or backward, as necessary, calling them by name or number: “Private Smit, forward 2 inches; Number eight, backward 4 inches.” The platoon sergeant remains at Attention, taking short steps to the right or left as necessary, to see down the squad:
Having aligned the first squad, the platoon sergeant, after centering themselves on the first squad, faces to the Left (Right) in marching, taking two (three if at open ranks) short steps to the next squad, halts, faces down the line, and aligns the squad in the same manner.
After the last squad is aligned, the platoon sergeant centers themselves on the squad leader by taking short steps left or right, faces to the Right (Left) in marching, returns to their position (centered on the platoon), halts perpendicular to the formation, faces to the Left (Right), and commands Ready, FRONT.
Note: When the platoon dresses as part of a larger formation, all squad leaders turn their heads and eyes to their right and align themselves on the unit to their right. The platoon sergeant aligns the platoon from the left flank rather than from the right flank when their platoon is not formed as the right flank platoon.
7-28. To align the platoon in column, the commands are COVER and RE-COVER. On the command COVER, the fourth squad leader stands fast and serves as base. The squad leaders, except for the left flank squad leader, raise their arms laterally and turn their heads and eyes to the right. The members of the fourth squad raise their left arms horizontally (as in squad drill) to the front and cover the Soldier to their front at correct distance (one arm’s length plus 6 inches). Squad members of the third, second, and first squads raise their left arms horizontally to the front (for uniformity only), cover on the Soldier to their front, and, at the same time, glance out of the corner of their right eyes aligning on the Soldiers to their right. To resume the Position of Attention, the command is RE-COVER. On this command, each Soldier sharply returns to the Position of Attention.
Note: When the platoon is aligned in column as part of a larger unit but is not the lead platoon, the squad leaders do not raise their arms or turn their heads and eyes but cover on the squad to their front. The platoon sergeant must wait until the platoon to their front has been given the command RE-COVER before giving the command COVER. If the platoon leader is at their post, they must wait until the platoon leader of the platoon to their front has commanded RE-COVER before they face about and give the command COVER.
7-29. Open Ranks, MARCH is executed from a line formation while at the halt. It may be executed while at any of the prescribed intervals. The command for this movement is Open Ranks, MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH, the front rank takes two steps forward, the second rank takes one step forward, the third rank stands fast, and the fourth rank takes two 15-inch steps backward. If additional ranks are present, the fifth rank takes four steps backward, and the sixth rank takes six steps backward.
Note: After taking the prescribed steps, the Soldiers do not raise their arms. If the platoon sergeant wants exact interval or alignment, they command At Close Interval (At Double Interval), Dress Right, DRESS. If the platoon is to align on an element to the right, the squad leaders turn their heads and eyes to the right and align themselves with that element.
7-30. To Close Ranks, the command is Close Ranks, MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH, the first rank takes four steps backward, the second rank takes two steps backward, the third rank stands fast, and the fourth rank takes one step forward. On the command of execution MARCH, the platoon leader and platoon sergeant take the appropriate number of steps to maintain their posts.
7-31. The platoon rests in the same manner prescribed previously in paragraphs 4-6 and 5-4. The platoon sergeant places the platoon at the Position of Attention and then into one of the rest positions.
7-32. The procedures for dismissing the platoon are basically the same as prescribed for the squad. If the platoon sergeant so desires, the squads may be released to the control of the squad leaders. The platoon sergeant commands TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR SQUADS, and Salutes are exchanged. The platoon sergeant is no longer part of the formation
Note: Without leaving their positions, the squad leaders turn their heads and eyes over the left shoulder and command FALL OUT. The squad leaders move to a position in the immediate area, and command FALL IN. Then, they carry out the previous instructions and/or give any instructions for actions before the next duty formation.
7-33. At times the platoon sergeant may want to turn the formation over to a subordinate; for example, to have the subordinate march the platoon to a different location:
The platoon sergeant calls on an individual and the individual breaks rank (see paragraph 7-3). The designated Soldier posts two steps from and facing the platoon sergeant. The platoon sergeant passes on any additional instructions and Salutes are exchanged. After exchanging Salutes, the platoon sergeant moves to a position where they can observe, or they may resume their post at the rear of the formation.
The subordinate steps forward two steps and assumes the post of the platoon sergeant. The platoon sergeant is no longer part of the formation; however, they may march alongside of, or behind, the formation to make any corrections or to give further guidance, if necessary.
7-34. If the platoon leader is at their post, they command PLATOON SERGEANT. The platoon sergeant faces to the left in marching and inclines around the squad leaders’ left flank, halts three steps in front of and centered on the platoon and faces to the right. The platoon leader then commands TAKE CHARGE OF THE PLATOON, and Salutes are exchanged. The platoon leader is no longer part of the formation. The platoon sergeant remains at their post, faces about, and carries out the platoon leader’s instructions.
