8-6. This paragraph discusses basic information that applies to the formations and movements used in conducting a company drill:

• The company normally forms in a line formation; however, it may re-form in column when each Soldier can identify their exact position (equipment grounded) in the formation.  

• The company forms basically the same as the platoon. On the command fall in; (At Close Interval), FALL IN, the platoons form in line, centered on and facing the person forming the unit, with five-step intervals between platoons.

Note: To have the company assemble in a company mass formation, the command is Mass Formation, FALL IN. Before giving the commands, the person forming the unit announces the interval and the number of personnel in the front and designates the base person. In this situation, the first sergeant and platoon sergeants travel around the right flank of the formation when moving from post to post. The commander and platoon leaders travel around the left flank of the formation when moving from post to post.

• When armed, members fall in at Order (Sling) Arms. For safety, the person forming the unit commands Inspection, ARMS; Ready, Port, ARMS; Order (Sling), ARMS at the initial formation of the day, or when the last command is DISMISSED.  

• The company may be formed by the first sergeant and platoon sergeants or by the company commander and platoon leaders. When possible, the platoons assemble near the formation site before the arrival of the first sergeant or company commander. If the company is formed by the NCOs, the platoon leaders normally observe the procedures from a position to the rear of their platoons.  

• When the company is formed by the NCOs, the following procedures apply:

  • The first sergeant posts themselves nine steps in front of (center) and facing the line where the front rank of each platoon is to form. They then command fall in; (At Close Interval), FALL IN.  

  • On the command of execution, the platoons form in the same manner prescribed in platoon drill. Each platoon sergeant faces their platoon while the platoons are forming and directs their platoon to adjust (if necessary) and align on the platoon to its right at the correct interval (as described in paragraph 8-8). Once the platoon is formed, the platoon sergeants face about.

Note: If the command At Close Interval, FALL IN is given, the members of the platoon form at close interval; however, the five-step interval between platoons is maintained.

• When all platoon sergeants are facing to the front, the first sergeant commands (if appropriate) Inspection, ARMS; Ready, Port, ARMS; Order (Sling), ARMS. The first sergeant then directs (if appropriate) RECEIVE THE REPORT. The platoon sergeants face about and command REPORT. The squad leaders report (as described in chapter 7). Having received the report, the platoon sergeants face about. When all platoon sergeants are facing to the front, the first sergeant commands REPORT. The platoon sergeants turn their heads and eyes toward the first sergeant, salute and report (as described in chapter 7) in succession from right to left. The first sergeant turns their head and eyes toward the reporting platoon sergeant and returns each Salute individually. Having received the report from the platoon sergeants, the first sergeant faces about and awaits the arrival of the company commander if the commander is scheduled to receive the company.

Note: If the commander is not scheduled to receive or inspect the company, the first sergeant and platoon sergeants remain at their posts and execute company drill from their posts. For continuity purposes, the term “commander” may also be used to denote the first sergeant, just as “platoon leader” may be used to denote the platoon sergeant when the commander and platoon leaders are conducting company drill from their posts.

• When the company commander has halted at their post, the first 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 absent.” The company commander returns the Salute and commands POST. The first sergeant faces about and marches to their post three steps to the rear and at the center of the company, halts, and faces about. The guidon bearer steps forward three steps. The platoon sergeants face to the right in marching and assume their posts to the rear of their platoons (if the platoon leader is not present, they step forward three steps). The platoon leaders march around the left flank of their platoons and assume their posts by inclining facing to the front. The company executive officer assumes their post two steps to the rear of the first sergeant.

• When the company is formed by the company commander, the procedures are the same as forming with the NCOs except that the platoon leaders form their platoons and the first sergeant, platoon sergeants, and guidon bearer fall in at their posts (see figure 8-1 on page 8-3). The command POST is not necessary. If a platoon sergeant is to fill the post of platoon leader, they take a position six steps in front of and centered on the platoon.

8-7. The company changes interval in the same manner as prescribed for the platoon:  

• When the first sergeant wants the company to obtain close interval in a line formation while maintaining a five-step interval, they direct CLOSE ON THE BASE PLATOON AT CLOSE INTERVAL. The platoon sergeants face about and command Count, OFF. After the platoons have counted off, the platoon sergeants command Close Interval, MARCH. The second, third, and fourth platoon sergeants command Right, FACE and in succession command Half Step, MARCH. They halt at the five-step interval and face the platoon to the left. If the directive CLOSE ON THE THIRD PLATOON AT CLOSE INTERVAL is given, the platoon sergeants on the right of the designated platoon have their platoons obtain close interval, face their platoons to the left, march (Half Step) forward until the five-step interval is obtained, and then halt and face their platoons to the right.

Note: When the company is at close interval (line formation), the first sergeant may march the company (in column with less than correct distance) at the Half Step for short distances. If the first sergeant wants to march with a 30-inch step while marching with less than correct distance, they command Extend, MARCH. The first platoon sergeant commands Extend, MARCH. The other platoon sergeants command CONTINUE TO MARCH. As the first platoon begins to march with a 30-inch step, the second platoon sergeant commands Extend, MARCH. The remaining platoons execute the directive in the same manner as the second platoon.

• When the first sergeant wants the company to obtain normal interval from close interval in a line formation while maintaining a five-step interval, they direct EXTEND ON THE BASE PLATOON AT NORMAL INTERVAL. The platoon sergeants face about and march (Half Step) their platoons to a position that ensures the five-step interval between platoons after they have obtained normal interval. After halting and facing the platoons to the left, the platoon sergeants command Count, OFF. The platoon sergeants then command Normal Interval, MARCH. If necessary, the platoon sergeant can verify the interval as described in the note of paragraph 8-8.

8-8. To increase the distance between elements of a company (or larger unit) while marching in column to normal distance, use the following procedures:

Note: This movement is only executed from the half step when a company or larger-size element is marching in column at less than normal distance.

• To increase the distance between elements of a company (or larger unit) while marching in column at the half step to normal distance, the command is Extend, MARCH. On the preparatory command Extend of Extend, MARCH, the platoon sergeant echoes the preparatory command and all subsequent platoon sergeants issue the supplementary command CONTINUE TO MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH of Extend, MARCH, the front rank of the lead element takes one more 15-inch step, then steps off with a 30-inch step. All other ranks continue to march with a 15-inch step until the rank to their front has stepped off with a 30-inch step and has obtained normal distance (40 inches).  

• Subsequent platoon sergeants issue the command Extend, MARCH after the entire element to their front has obtained normal distance and has begun marching forward with a 30-inch step.

Note: From the Halt, the first sergeant directs HAVE YOUR PLATOONS EXTEND MARCH. The lead platoon sergeant gives the command Extend, MARCH. All subsequent platoon sergeants give the command Half Step, MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH of Extend, MARCH, the front rank steps off with a 30-inch step. All other ranks step off with a 15-inch step and execute the movement in the same manner as previously described in paragraph 8-6.

8-9. To align the company, use the following procedures:  

• To align the company in a line formation, the first sergeant directs HAVE YOUR PLATOONS DRESS RIGHT:

  • On the directive, all platoon sergeants face about. The right flank platoon sergeant commands Dress Right, DRESS and aligns their platoon as described in platoon drill. When the alignment of the first rank of the right platoon has been verified (the platoon sergeant has stepped off to align the second rank), the platoon sergeant to the left commands Dress Right, DRESS. They then face to the half right in marching, moves to a position on line with and one step to the left of the left flank Soldier of the first rank, and face (Left Face) down the line.  

  • After aligning the first rank, the platoon sergeant centers themselves on the first rank, faces to the right in marching, takes two short steps, halts, executes Left Face, and aligns the second rank. The third and fourth ranks are aligned in the same manner as the second rank.  

  • After aligning the fourth rank, the platoon sergeant faces to the left in marching; returns to their position, center of the platoon; halts perpendicular to the formation; faces to the right; commands Ready, FRONT; and faces about. All platoon sergeants to the left of the second platoon take the same actions as the second platoon sergeant.

• To align the company in column, the first sergeant directs HAVE YOUR PLATOONS COVER. On this directive, the first platoon sergeant faces about and commands COVER. The other platoon sergeants command STAND FAST. The first platoon covers as in platoon drill. The other platoons then execute the movement in succession as soon as the platoon to their front has completed the movement.

8-10. To Open Ranks, the first sergeant directs HAVE YOUR PLATOONS OPEN RANKS AND DRESS RIGHT. On the directive, all platoon sergeants face about. The right flank platoon sergeant commands Open Ranks, MARCH. When the platoon has completed the movement, they then command Dress Right, DRESS and aligns the platoon the same as in platoon drill. When the first rank of the right platoon has been aligned, the platoon sergeant to the left commands Open Ranks, MARCH and then commands Dress Right, DRESS. Then they align their platoon in the same manner described in paragraphs 7-28 and 8-8. All platoon sergeants to the left of the second platoon take the same actions as the second platoon sergeant.

Note: When clearing grounded equipment, the company may march in column (Right FACE) from open ranks (Double Interval) for short distances. Having cleared the equipment, the first sergeant commands Normal Interval, MARCH. When returning to the equipment while marching at normal interval, the command Double Interval, MARCH is given. If the company is marching in reverse order, the commands FALL OUT and FALL IN should be given.

8-11. To Close Ranks, the first sergeant directs HAVE YOUR PLATOONS CLOSE RANKS. On the directive, all platoon sergeants face about and in sequence from right to left command Close Ranks, MARCH. The platoons execute the movement the same as in platoon drill. After the platoons have completed the movement, the platoon sergeants face about.

8-12. To change the direction of march of a column, use the following procedures:  

• The company changes the direction of march basically the same as the squad and platoon. The commands are Column Right (Left), Column Half Right (Left), MARCH.  

• The base element during a column movement is the lead platoon and the squad on the flank, in the direction of turn.  

• When at the Halt, the leading platoon sergeant repeats the first sergeant’s preparatory command. Succeeding platoon sergeants give the supplementary command Forward. On the command of execution MARCH, the leading platoon executes the movement as described in platoon drill; succeeding platoons execute the movement on their platoon sergeant’s command at approximately the same location.  

• While marching, the movement is executed as described from the Halt except that the succeeding platoon sergeants give the supplementary command Continue to March rather than Forward.  

• The company executes Rear March and inclines in the same manner as the platoon.  

• When executing Counter-Column March from the Halt, the leading platoon sergeant repeats the preparatory command. Succeeding platoon sergeants give the supplementary command Forward:

  • On the command of execution MARCH, the leading platoon executes the movement as described in platoon drill and marches through the other platoons. Succeeding platoons execute the movement on the platoon sergeant’s command at approximately the same location.  

  • When the movement is executed while marching, the command of execution is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface. The movement is executed basically the same as from the Halt except that the succeeding platoon sergeants give the supplementary command Continue to March rather than Forward.

  • The guidon bearer faces to the left in marching from the Halt or executes a Column Left in marching, marches by the most direct route outside of the formation, and repositions themselves in front of the lead platoon as it clears the rear of the company.  

  • If the first sergeant gives the command from their post in a separate unit, they move in the most convenient manner to their new position at the left flank of the unit. If they give the command while at the head of the company, they move in the same direction as the guidon bearer.

8-13. This movement is only executed when the company is in column with the platoons in column. The formation has been faced to the right for marching with the first sergeant and platoon sergeants at their posts. 

8-14. The first sergeant directs CLOSE ON THE LEADING PLATOON. The leading platoon sergeant commands STAND FAST. The leading platoon sergeant then faces to the left as in marching and marches, inclining as necessary, to the trail of the company. 

8-15. The succeeding platoon’s platoon sergeant marches their platoon forward and commands Mark Time, MARCH. They ensure that they give the command of execution MARCH when the squad leaders are three steps from the last Soldier in the leading platoon so that the Soldiers of the succeeding platoon begin marching in place at the correct distance. 

8-16. While Marking Time in formation, the Soldiers adjust position to ensure proper alignment and cover. The proper distance between Soldiers while marching is one-arm’s length plus 6 inches (approximately 36 inches). If necessary, the squad leaders take the appropriate number of steps to close any gaps should the trail of the leading platoon be uneven. The rest of the formation adjusts as necessary. 

8-17. After sensing that the members of the platoon have obtained proper alignment and cover, the platoon sergeant commands Platoon, HALT. After commanding the platoon to Halt, the platoon sergeant faces to the left as in marching and marches, inclining as necessary, to the trail of the company. 

8-18. The remaining platoons execute in the same manner as the succeeding platoon in order from front to rear. The platoon sergeants wait until the platoon sergeant to their front gives the command Mark Time, MARCH, before giving the command Forward, MARCH. 

8-19. The platoon sergeants form at the trail of the company one step to the rear and evenly spaced. The platoon sergeants are now part of the formation. If the first sergeant wants exact cover and alignment, they command COVER. The first sergeant remains at their post and marches the company.

8-20. The correct distance between platoons is five steps. To obtain correct distance (five steps) when the company is marching in column or is in column at the Halt, the first sergeant directs CORRECT ON LEADING PLATOON. 

8-21. When at the Halt, on the directive CORRECT ON LEADING PLATOON, the platoon sergeant of the leading platoon commands (over the right shoulder) STAND FAST. The succeeding platoon sergeants command (over the right shoulder) Forward, MARCH and then command Mark Time, MARCH and Platoon, HALT when correct distance is obtained. 

8-22. While marching, on the directive CORRECT ON LEADING PLATOON, the platoon sergeant of the leading platoon commands (over the right shoulder) Half Step, MARCH. The succeeding platoon sergeants command (over the right shoulder) CONTINUE TO MARCH, and then command Half Step, MARCH as soon as the correct distance is obtained. 

8-23. The first sergeant commands Forward, MARCH; (HALT) as soon as all platoons have obtained the correct distance and are marching at the Half Step.

8-24. The company forms a column of twos basically the same as the platoon. The first sergeant must allow sufficient time for the platoon sergeants, and the squad leaders of the lead platoon, to give their supplementary commands before giving the command of execution. 

8-25. The command for this movement is Column of twos from the right (left), MARCH. The leading platoon sergeant repeats the preparatory command. Other platoon sergeants give the supplementary command Stand Fast. On the first sergeant’s command of execution MARCH, the leading platoon executes the movement as in platoon drill. Other platoons execute the movement on their platoon sergeant’s command. Succeeding platoon sergeants give their commands to follow with the prescribed five-step distance between platoons. 

8-26. Re-forming into a column of fours is executed only at the Halt. The command for this movement is Column of fours to the left (right), MARCH. On the first sergeant’s command of execution, all platoons execute the movement simultaneously as described in platoon drill. As soon as the platoons are re-formed, the platoon sergeants automatically march the platoons forward and obtain the five-step distance between platoons.

8-27. The company may form in mass from a company in column (platoons in column) when halted or while marching. The company must be at Close Interval (Close Interval, MARCH) before the command Company Mass Left, MARCH is given. 

8-28. On the preparatory command Company Mass Left, given at the Halt, the leading platoon sergeant commands Stand Fast. The platoon sergeants of the succeeding platoons command Column Half Left. On the command of execution MARCH, the leading platoon stands fast. The other platoons execute the Column Half Left and then execute a Column Half Right on the command of the platoon sergeants to a point (line) that ensures the platoons will be at Close Interval alongside the platoon to their right when halted. As the platoons come abreast of the base platoon, the platoon sergeants command Mark Time, MARCH. While the platoon is marking time, the members adjust their positions to ensure alignment on the Soldier to their right. The platoon sergeants allow their platoons to Mark Time for about eight counts and then command Platoon, HALT. 

8-29. On the preparatory command Company Mass Left while marching, given as the left foot strikes the marching surface, the leading platoon sergeant gives the supplementary command Mark Time. The succeeding platoon sergeants command Column Half Left. On the command of execution MARCH, the leading platoon begins to march in place. After marking time for about eight counts, the lead platoon sergeant commands Platoon, HALT. The other platoons form in the same manner as from the Halt.

Note: 1. If the commander is in charge of the formation, on the command of execution MARCH, the first sergeant and guidon bearer halt and immediately face to the right (left) in marching and reposition themselves centered on the company. 

2. If the platoon sergeants are marching at their posts on the left flank of their platoons, they must wait until the platoon sergeants to their front have commanded HALT and have moved to the front of the company before moving into position

8-30. To align a company in mass, use the following procedures:  

• As soon as the company has formed in mass, the first sergeant gives the command Order, ARMS (if appropriate) and then commands At Close Interval, Dress Right, DRESS.  

• On the command of execution DRESS, the platoon sergeant of the right platoon marches by the most direct route to the right flank and verifies the alignment of as many ranks as necessary to ensure proper alignment in the same manner as aligning the platoon. When they have finished the verification, the platoon sergeant returns to a position one step in front of and centered on the third squad, halts, and faces to the right. When the platoon sergeant has returned to their position, the first sergeant commands Ready, FRONT. Platoon sergeants align themselves to the right. The first sergeant directs the platoon sergeants to move left or right to ensure the platoon sergeants are evenly spaced across the front.

8-31. The company changes the direction of march in mass basically the same as a platoon column movement. This movement is normally executed with the commander at their post. For clarity purposes, the term “commander” is used:  

• When executed from the Halt, the commander has the unit execute Right Shoulder Arms (if appropriate), then faces in the desired direction of march, turns their head toward the formation, and commands Right (Left) Turn, MARCH:

  • marching and continue to march in an arc until parallel to the new direction of march. Then they begin marching with the Half Step, dressing on the right (left) flank platoon leader until the command Forward, MARCH is given.  

  • The right (left) guide (the base squad leader in the direction of turn) faces to the right (left) in marching, takes one 30-inch step in the indicated direction, and then takes up the Half Step. All other squad leaders (front rank) face to the half right (left) in marching and continue to march in an arc until they come on line with the guide.  

  • At this time, they begin marching with the Half Step and dress (glancing out of the corner of the eye) in the direction of the turn until the command Forward, MARCH is given. On that command, the dress is automatically to the right. All other members march forward and execute the movement in the same manner as their squad leaders.

• When executed while marching, the movement is the same as from the Halt except that the company commander faces about (marching backward) to give the command Right (Left) Turn, MARCH. The commander then faces about and completes the turning movement themselves. After the company has completed the turn, they face about, commands Forward, MARCH, and again faces about.

8-32. This movement is normally executed with the commander at their post. For clarity purposes, the term “commander” is used. To form a company in column from a company mass at the Halt, the command is Column of Platoons, Right Platoon, Column Right (Column Half Right), MARCH. The right platoon leader gives the supplementary command of Forward (Column Right or Column Half Right), and the other platoon leaders command Stand Fast: 

• On the command of execution MARCH, the right platoon marches in the direction indicated. All other platoons follow (in sequence) in column, executing Column Half Right and Column Half Left on the commands of the platoon leaders.

• To execute the movement when marching, the company commander commands Port, ARMS (unless at Sling Arms), and then commands Column of Platoons, Right Platoon, Double Time, MARCH. On the preparatory command, the right platoon leader gives the supplementary command Double Time, and the other platoon leader gives the supplementary command Continue to March. On the command of execution MARCH, the right platoon marches in double-time. Other platoon leaders (in sequence) command Column Half Right, Double Time, MARCH and Column Half Left, MARCH to bring the succeeding platoons in column with the leading platoon.  

• The platoon leader and the platoon sergeant reposition themselves after the supplementary command but before the command of execution.

8-33. This movement is normally executed with the commander at their post. For clarity purposes, the term “commander” is used. To form a company in column with platoons in line from a column formation at the Halt, the command is Column of platoons in line, MARCH. The platoon leader of the leading platoon gives the supplementary command Stand Fast. The second platoon leader gives the supplementary command Column Right. All other platoon leaders give the supplementary command Forward:  

• On the command of execution MARCH, the leading platoon Stands Fast, and the second platoon executes a Column Right, marches 12 steps past the right file of the first platoon, and executes a Column Left. As they come on line with the base platoon, the platoon leader commands Mark Time, MARCH. After the platoon has marched in place for eight counts, the platoon leader commands Platoon, HALT. The succeeding platoons execute a Column Right at approximately the same location as the platoon to their front and execute a Column Left and then halt in the same manner as the second platoon. When the platoons have halted in position, the company commander commands Left, FACE. On that command, the platoon leaders and platoon sergeants face in marching and assume their posts.

• When executed while marching, the movements are basically the same as from the Halt except that the commander gives the command of execution as the right foot strikes the marching surface. The leading platoon leader commands Mark Time. On the preparatory command, the second platoon leader commands Column Right, and the succeeding platoon leaders command Continue to March. On the command of execution MARCH, the leading platoon executes Mark Time and marches in place (approximately eight counts) until the platoon leader commands Platoon, HALT. The other platoons execute the movement in the same manner as from the Halt.

• To re-form in column with platoons in column, the company commander commands Right, Face; Column of Platoons, Left Platoon, MARCH. On the command Right, Face, the platoon leaders and platoon sergeants face in marching and resume their posts in column. On the preparatory command Column of Platoons, Left Platoon, the left platoon leader commands Forward, (Column Left [Half Left]). All other platoon leaders command Column Half Left. On the command of execution MARCH, the left platoon executes the movement. The other platoon leaders give the appropriate commands to follow the lead platoon at the correct distance.

Note: If necessary, the platoons following the second platoon automatically adjust the length of their step to ensure correct distance from the platoon to their front.

8-34. The company is dismissed while at Attention. It is usually dismissed by the first sergeant:  

• The first sergeant commands TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PLATOONS. The platoon sergeants Salute. The first sergeant returns all Salutes with one Salute. After Salutes are exchanged, the first sergeant and guidon bearer leave the formation. The platoon sergeants then dismiss their platoons as in platoon drill.

• When the company is dismissed by the company commander, they command TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PLATOONS. The platoon leaders salute. The company commander returns all Salutes with one Salute. After the Salutes are exchanged, the company commander, guidon bearer, first sergeant, and executive officer leave the formation:

  • The platoon leader(s) faces about and commands PLATOON SERGEANT. The platoon sergeant faces to the right in marching and marches (inclines) around the squad leader(s), halts three steps in front of and centered on the platoon leader and faces to the right. Each platoon leader then directs TAKE CHARGE OF THE PLATOON. Salutes are exchanged. The platoon leaders leave the formation.

  • The platoon sergeants step forward three steps, face about, and dismiss the platoons as in the platoon drill.