7-39. The platoon changes the direction of marching basically the same as the squad. During a column movement, the base element is the squad on the flank in the direction of the turn.
7-40. To change the direction 90 degrees, the command is Column Right (Left), MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH, the base squad executes the movement as in squad drill except that the squad leader takes one 30-inch step and then takes up the Half Step. The squad leader continues marching with the Half Step until the other squad leaders come abreast. The other squad leaders, while maintaining correct (offset) interval, execute a 45-degree pivot and continue marching in an arc. As they come on line (abreast) with the base squad leader, they take up the Half Step. When all squad leaders are abreast, they step off with a 30-inch step without command. All other platoon members march forward on the command of execution and execute the column movement at approximately the same location as their squad leaders and in the same manner.
Note: When the platoon sergeant is marching their platoon as a separate unit or when the company is marching without officers in charge, the platoon sergeant stays centered on the platoon. When the platoon leader and platoon sergeant are marching at their post in column as part of a larger formation, they execute a Column Half Right (Left) rather than a 90-degree column movement. After executing the Column Half Right (Left), they continue marching in an arc, incline as necessary, and resume their correct positions. After sensing that the squad leaders are abreast of each other, the platoon leader resumes the 30-inch step. At times, the platoon leader may find it necessary to shorten or lengthen their step to maintain correct distance from the unit to the front.
7-41. To change the direction 45 degrees, the command is Column Half Right (Left), MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH, the platoon executes the movement in the same manner as a 90-degree turn except that the base squad leader, as well as the other squad leaders, execute a Column Half Right (Left).
Note: When executing a column movement at Double Time, elements adjust the length of their steps so that interval and distance are maintained through and beyond the pivot point.
7-42. To march a platoon in the opposite direction, the command Rear, MARCH is given by the platoon sergeant the same way as previously discussed in paragraphs 4-20 and 6-26. The platoon marches in the opposite direction (Rear, MARCH) in the same manner as the squad.
7-43. The platoon inclines in the same manner as the squad discussed in paragraph 6-24. The squad nearest the direction of the turn serves as the base. To avoid an obstacle in the path of the march, the platoon leader directs INCLINE AROUND LEFT (RIGHT).
7-44. When space is limited and the platoon sergeant wants to march their unit in the opposite direction (reverse), with the squad leaders at the head of their squads, they command Counter-Column, MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH (at the Halt), the first squad marches forward three steps, executes a Column Right, marches across the front of the platoon, and executes another Column Right just beyond the fourth squad. The second squad steps forward one step, executes a Column Right, marches forward, and executes another Column Right between the third and fourth squads. The third squad executes two short Column Lefts from the Halt and marches between the remainder of the third squad and the second squad. The fourth squad marches forward two steps, executes a Column Left, marches across the front of the platoon, and executes another Column Left between the first and second squads (see figure 7-3 on page 7-10).
7-45. As the third squad leader marches past the last person in the third squad, they and their squad begin to march at the Half Step. After marching past the last Soldier in each file, all other squads incline to the right and left as necessary, obtain Normal Interval on the third squad and begin to march with the Half Step. When all squads are abreast of each other, they begin marching with a 30-inch step without command.
7-46. If a guidon or phase banner is present, on the command of execution MARCH of Counter-Column, MARCH the bearer executes a Column Right, marches across the platoon, and executes another Column Right just beyond the fourth squad, and then inclines as necessary to return to the bearers post.
7-47. During the movement, without the platoon leader present, the platoon sergeant marches alongside the first squad. With the platoon leader present, the platoon sergeant marches one step to the rear and centered between the second and third squads (see figure 7-2 on page 7-3) and the platoon leader marches alongside the first squad.
7-48. When marching, the preparatory command Counter-Column 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 executes the movement basically the same as from the Halt, except that the squad takes one additional step to ensure that the pivot foot is in the correct position to execute the movement.
Note: 1. When there are only three squads in the column, the first squad takes two steps before executing.
2. When the platoon leader and platoon sergeant are marching at their posts as part of a larger formation, the platoon leader takes three steps forward and executes a column right, marches across the front of the platoon, executes another column right (just beyond fourth squad), marches to their post in the most direct manner, takes up the Half Step, and then steps off with a 30-inch step when the squad leaders come on line. The platoon sergeant inclines to the right, follows the third squad until the movement is completed, and then resumes their post.