10-19. Units are moved to their positions on the ready line in the most convenient manner. For a large review, the COT prescribes the routes, sequence, and time of arrival on the ready line:

Note: If the ready line is not used, the units form on the final line. They are aligned and given the command Parade, REST. To alert the units that the ceremony is to begin, the adjutant (from their position near the band) directs SOUND ATTENTION. The band immediately sounds Attention. Unit commanders immediately face about and command their units (in sequence from right to left) to ATTENTION and then face about. When the last unit is at Attention, the adjutant directs SOUND ADJUTANT’S CALL. The band immediately sounds Adjutant’s Call. The adjutant then moves to their post midway between the line of troops and the designated post of the COT and faces the COT. When the adjutant has halted at their post, the COT marches their staff to their post midway between the line of troops and the reviewing officer’s post. The ceremony then continues as prescribed in this paragraph.

• In motorized and mechanized units, occupants of vehicles form dismounted in a formation corresponding to that of the other units. Their vehicles remain to the rear of the formation.  

• The band takes its position on the final line 12 steps to the right of the right flank unit’s marker. The adjutant’s initial post is three steps to the left of the band. After verification that all units are positioned on the ready line, the adjutant faces down the final line and over their right shoulder directs the band to SOUND ATTENTION.  

• The band sounds Attention, pauses, and waits for the directive to SOUND ADJUTANT’S CALL.  

• Upon hearing ATTENTION, unit commanders Face About, bring their units to Attention and Right Shoulder Arms, when appropriate, and face to the front. (Supplementary commands are not given in mass formations.)  

• When all units are at Attention, the adjutant directs SOUND ADJUTANT’S CALL.  

• The band sounds Adjutant’s Call, and (without pause) begins playing a march. It continues until the last unit halts on the final line.  

• Immediately after Adjutant’s Call, the following events take place simultaneously:

  • All unit commanders immediately command GUIDE ON LINE. The guide of each unit double-times (Port Arms) to their position on the final line of markers, halts with their right foot on the marker, executes Order Arms, and then faces to the right.  

  • The adjutant aligns the guides (if necessary) and immediately marches to a position centered on the command and halfway between the post of the COT and the final line. They halt and face to the left, facing the line of troops.  

  • As soon as the guides are on line, the unit commanders (in sequence from right to left) command Forward, MARCH. As they approach the positions of the guides, commanders command Mark Time, MARCH so that the rank of squad leaders begins to Mark Time and is on line with the left shoulder of the guide. The commander allows the unit to Mark Time for about eight counts and then commands Company (Battalion), HALT. On the command of execution HALT, the guide executes left face, which places their right foot on the marker. If the unit is at Right Shoulder Arms, the unit commanders command Order, ARMS. The unit is then aligned by the command At close interval, Dress Right, DRESS. At the command of execution DRESS, the platoon leader of the right platoon moves by the most direct route to the right flank and verifies the alignment of as many ranks as necessary to ensure proper alignment. When they have completed verification, they return to a position directly in front of their third squad leader, halt parallel to the formation, and face to the right. Other platoon leaders, on the command of execution DRESS, position themselves directly in line with their third squad by executing one (15-inch) step to the right. The commander then commands Ready, FRONT and, immediately, Parade, REST. They face about and assume Parade Rest. For larger reviews, the command AT EASE may be substituted for PARADE REST throughout the ceremony.

Note: . If a ceremony is conducted with a company formed in line with platoons in column, the commands COVER and RE-COVER are given to align the platoons.

• When all units are on the final line and are at Parade Rest, the adjutant directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION.  

• Unit commanders face about and (in sequence starting with the right flank unit) command Company (Battalion), ATTENTION. For larger formations, the commands may start with the center or right center unit, working toward both flanks. The unit commander then faces about.  

• When all units are at Attention, the adjutant faces about. That is the signal for the COT and their staff to move from their positions near the reviewing stand to their posts midway between the line of troops and the reviewing stand and face the line of troops.  

• When the COT has halted at their post, the adjutant faces about and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO PRESENT ARMS.  

• Unit commanders face about and in sequence command Present, ARMS. They then face about and Salute.  

• After all units are at Present Arms, the adjutant faces about, Salutes, and reports, “Sir or Ma’am, the command is formed.”  

• The COT returns the salute of the adjutant and directs TAKE YOUR POST. (The members of the staff do not salute.) The adjutant takes their post by facing to the half left in marching, marches forward, halts at normal interval to the right of the right flank staff member and faces about. When the adjutant is in position, the COT directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ORDER ARMS. Unit commanders terminate their Salutes; face about; command Order, ARMS; and then face about. When all units are at Order Arms, the left flank staff officer commands Right, FACE; Forward, MARCH; Column Left, MARCH; Column Left, MARCH; Staff, HALT; and Left, FACE. At that time, the staff should be centered on, and two steps in front of, the COT (see figure 10-5 on page 10-10).

• When the units have completed Order Arms and the staff has reversed, the COT then faces the reviewing stand and waits for the reviewing officer to take their post. If, for some reason, the reviewing officer has been delayed, or if a delay is prearranged, the COT directs the units to Parade, REST and then directs them to ATTENTION before the reviewing officer’s arrival.

10-20. Use the following procedures to execute presentation and honors during a review:  

• When the reviewing officer has halted at their post, the COT faces about and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO PRESENT ARMS. Unit commanders face about; command Present, ARMS; face to the front; and Salute. When the units have completed this movement, the COT faces about and commands their staff and themselves to Present, ARMS.

Note:1. If the reviewing officer is entitled to honors (see AR 600-25), the COT should verify that the salute battery (executive officer’s right arm is raised) and the band (bandmaster’s arms are at the ready-play position) are prepared to render honors before the commander faces the reviewing officer. The Salute of the COT is the signal for the band and salute battery to render honors. The reviewing party, and all military personnel within sight or hearing, salute on the first note of the music and terminate their Salute when honors have been completed. 

2. If the reviewing officer is not entitled to honors, only the reviewing officer returns the salute of the COT.

3. During a review, Salutes (honors) are directed to the reviewing officer’s post. In some reviews, it is appropriate for a person (colonel) not entitled honors to participate as the reviewing officer, and a person (general) entitled honors to participate as host or distinguished guest. In that situation, honors (ruffles and flourishes and cannon salute) are not appropriate.

• Upon completion of the presentation and/or honors, the COT commands their staff to Order, ARMS; faces about; and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ORDER ARMS AND PARADE REST.  

• Unit commanders terminate their salutes, face about, and command Order, ARMS and Parade, REST. They then face to the front and execute Parade Rest.  

• When all troops are at Parade Rest, the COT faces about. The commander and their staff remain at Attention.

Note: . When scheduled, retreat is integrated into the review at this point. Procedures are outlined in paragraph 10-43.

Inspection

10-21. Use the following procedures to conduct an inspection during a review:

Note: The inspection may be omitted for decorations, awards, or retirement ceremonies.

• When the COT has faced the reviewing stand, the reviewing officer and the host or host commander move forward and halt three steps in front of the COT. Staffs, aides-de-camp, flag bearers, and orderlies do not normally accompany the inspecting party.  

• The COT salutes and reports “Sir or Ma’am, the command is prepared for inspection.” The band begins to play marching music on the Salute of the COT and continues to play until the reviewing officer has returned to their post.  

• The COT guides the reviewing party to the right flank of the band. The COT and the host or host commander march to the right of the reviewing officer. Whether marching or riding, the reviewing party passes between the line of brigade commanders and staffs, battalion commanders, and company commanders in division or similar-size reviews. In reviews for a battalion, or units of similar size, the inspecting party passes between the front rank of troops and the line of company commanders, or they pass immediately in front of the platoon leaders when companies are in a line formation.  

• When the inspection is made by motor vehicle, the reviewing party enters the vehicle in front of the reviewing stand. The reviewing officer enters first and occupies the left rear position. The host or COT, proceeds to the post of the COT and stops. The COT salutes, reports, and enters the vehicle, occupying the right front position.  

• Upon the departure of the reviewing party, the senior staff officer commands the staff to Parade, REST. After the inspection has been completed, the senior staff officer commands Staff, ATTENTION before the return of the COT.  

• When the reviewing party approaches the right flank of each unit, the unit commander faces about and commands Company, ATTENTION. The commander then faces to the front and over their right shoulder commands Eyes, RIGHT. On the command Eyes, RIGHT, the company commander, executive officer, and platoon leaders execute Eyes Right and Salute. The guidon bearers execute Eyes Right and Present Guidons. Each Soldier turns their head to the right and, as the reviewing officer comes into their line of vision, each Soldier follows the officer with their head and eyes until the reviewing officer reaches the front. At that point, the head and eyes of each Soldier remain to the front. As soon as the reviewing officer has cleared the unit, the commander commands Order, ARMS. The commander then faces about and commands Parade, REST, assumes the position themselves, and remains facing their unit. The left flank unit remains at Attention until the reviewing party has cleared the right rear of the unit. Other commanders remain facing to the rear and command their units to Attention as the party passes to the rear of their units. They then command Parade, REST, face to the front, and assume Parade Rest. 

Notes: 1. Platoon leaders give the command Eyes, RIGHT and Salute when the company is in a line formation. The company commander faces their unit, but neither they nor their guidon bearer salute. 

2. When in battalion mass formations, the battalion commander faces about and commands Battalion, ATTENTION and Eyes, RIGHT, but neither they nor their staff salute or execute eyes right. The unit commanders, executive officers, platoon leaders, and guidon bearers salute. The battalion commander remains facing their unit, until the reviewing officer has passed the left front of their unit, at which time they command Order, ARMS and Parade, REST. They then command their staff to Parade, REST but remains facing their unit.

• As the reviewing party approaches the Colors, the COT inconspicuously commands Present, ARMS (six steps from the Colors) and Order, ARMS (six steps beyond the Colors). They do not salute when passing to the rear of the Colors. The Color guard and bearers execute Eyes Right. The organizational Color dips (Salutes).  

• After passing in front of the troops (to include the salute battery), the inspection continues along the rear of the troops and terminates at the right flank of the band. The COT commands Party, HALT. The bandmaster has the band play softly until the reviewing party members begin marching back to their posts. The COT face to the half left in marching, takes two steps, halts, and face about. The host or host commander repositions themselves to the left of the reviewing officer. When the host or host commander is in position, the COT and the reviewing officer exchange Salutes. Upon termination of the Salutes, the reviewing officer and host or host commander immediately face to the half left in marching and return to their posts. The COT hesitates momentarily and then faces to the right in marching and returns to their post (see figure 10-6).

Honors to the Nation

10-22. Use the following procedures to execute honors to the Nation when conducting a review:  

• When the reviewing party members have returned to their posts, the COT faces about and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION. After all units are at Attention, the COT gives the command Colors Center (pause), MARCH. On the preparatory command Colors Center, the staff faces to the right. On the command of execution MARCH, the staff begins marching forward to a position offset to the left front of the reviewing stand, halts, and faces to the left. The Colors take seven steps forward and halt. The COT marches forward until they are three steps in front of the Color detail, halt, and then face about.

• To move the Colors forward, the COT commands Colors Forward, MARCH. On the command of execution MARCH, the COT and the Color detail march forward and then halt when the COT has reached their original post. The COT executes the Hand Salute and reports to the host commander, “Sir or Ma’am, the Colors are present.” The host commander then returns the Salute and directs the COT ASSUME YOUR POST AND PRESENT THE COMMAND. On this directive the COT faces to the right in marching and marches by the most direct route to their post two steps in front of and centered on their staff, halts perpendicular to their staff, then faces to the right. After facing to the right, the COT directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO PRESENT ARMS.

• Unit commanders face about and command Company (Battalion), Present, ARMS. Each commander then faces about and salutes. When all units have completed these movements, the COT faces about and commands Present, ARMS for themselves, their staff, and the Colors detail. On the execution of the Hand Salute by the COT, the band begins to play the national anthem.  

• The reviewing party and all military spectators salute while the national anthem is being played (see appendix I).  

• Upon completion of the national anthem, the COT, their staff, and the Colors detail terminate their Salutes on their command. They then face about and direct BRING YOUR UNITS TO ORDER ARMS AND PARADE REST.  

• Unit commanders terminate their Salutes; face about; command Order, ARMS and Parade, REST; face about; and execute Parade Rest.  

• When the last unit has executed the directive, the COT faces about and commands their staff and themselves to Parade, REST.

Note: Other ceremonial activities may be integrated into the review at this point. The sequence of events and actions of individuals are discussed in paragraphs 10-26 and 10-34.

Remarks

10-23. After the COT and their staff have assumed Parade Rest, the reviewing officer, the host or host commander, or the distinguished guest may address the command:  

• Upon completion of the remarks, the COT brings their staff to Attention, faces about, and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION. Unit commanders face about and command Company (Battalion), ATTENTION, and then face about. The COT faces about and commands Detachment, POST (pause), MARCH. On the command POST, the Colors Reverse March and halt.  

• On the command MARCH, Colors step off, return to their original posts, and the band begins to play.  

• As the Colors pass their position, the COT and their staff face to the left. They march their staff back to the center of the field and face them to the right as they face to the left. After the Colors are in position, the COT then faces the reviewing officer.

March in Review

10-24. Use the following procedures to conduct a march in review:  

• Upon completion of the remarks, the COT commands their staff to Attention, faces about, and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION. Unit commanders face about and command Company (Battalion), ATTENTION and face back to the front. When the units are at Attention, the COT faces the reviewing officer.  

• When the COT has faced the reviewing officer, the host or host commander directs PASS IN REVIEW.

• The COT faces about and directs PASS IN REVIEW. The band is then faced to the right and marched to a position that enables it to move straight forward onto the line of march without an initial turning movement, halts, and faces to the left. The left turn marker should be positioned to minimize the movement of the band (see figure 10-7).

Note: Commanders take no further action until drum majors turn their heads and eyes and point their arm toward the commander.

• Unit commanders face to the right when the COT directs PASS IN REVIEW. If weapons are to be carried at Right Shoulder Arms, the commander faces about and commands Right Shoulder, ARMS. The commander then faces to the left. The commander next to the band waits until the band moves into position. They then command Right Turn, MARCH loud enough for the band to hear. The band takes this command as its signal to begin playing and to march forward onto the line of march.  

• Other units move out in procession in the same manner and follow in column at the prescribed distance (see figure 10-8). For larger reviews, commanders may command their units (in sequence) to Parade Rest while waiting their turn to move onto the line of march.

• The band and each following unit change direction at points indicated by markers. The commander commands, Left turn, MARCH. The commander faces about while marching as their unit is making the turn. When their unit has completed the turn, the commander commands, Forward, MARCH, and faces back to the front.  

• All commanders, except the COT, move with their staff into positions in the column and at the head of their respective units just before turning onto the reviewing line (see figure 10-9 on page 10-18).

• The COT and their staff move forward and execute turning movements to arrive at a position 12 steps in front of the drum major on the reviewing line.  

• On command, the COT, the brigade and battalion commanders, their staffs, and the CSM execute Eyes, RIGHT and salute at the Eyes Right marker. The commander commands Ready, FRONT and terminates the Salute when the staffs have reached the Ready Front marker.  

• The reviewing officer returns only the salute of the COT. (The return of the Salute by the reviewing officer represents the salute for all subordinate commanders. This enables the reviewing officer to observe the review without being interrupted by frequent Salutes.) The reviewing officer, the host or host commander, their staffs, and military spectators Salute the national Color when it passes.

• After terminating the Salute, the COT and their staff (without command) execute three wheeling movements and take their post with the COT on line with and to the right of the reviewing officer.  

• Troop units execute Eyes Right on command from their company commander or from the center company commander when in battalion mass. Commanders give the preparatory command Eyes over their right shoulder two steps from the marker as the right foot strikes the marching surface. The command of execution RIGHT is given when the right foot strikes the marching surface again and on line with the marker. On the preparatory command, the guidon bearer executes Raised Guidon. On the command of execution, the company commander, executive officer, and platoon leaders execute Eyes Right and the Hand Salute. The guidon bearer executes Eyes Right and Present Guidon. The company first sergeant only executes Eyes Right. The right file continues to look straight forward and maintains correct distance. All other members execute Eyes Right and maintain alignment. When the rear of the unit has passed six steps beyond the reviewing officer, company commanders command Ready as the left foot strikes the marching surface and FRONT the next time the left foot strikes the marching surface. Unit personnel end their Salutes and turn their heads and eyes to the front. The guidon bearer executes Raised Guidon on the command Ready and returns to the Carry Position on the command FRONT.

• When passing the reviewing officer, the bandmaster salutes and continues to look straight forward. Simultaneously, the drum major executes Eyes Right and Salutes. The other members of the band continue to play marching music without interruption. When the band has passed the reviewing officer, the drum major has the band execute three left turns into a position in front of and facing the reviewing officer and at least 12 steps from the left flank of the marching troops. As the Colors pass, the bandmaster and drum major salute while the band continues to play marching music without interruption

• As the Color guard passes the reviewing officer, each member, except the right flank Soldier, executes Eyes Right on the command of the senior Color sergeant. The organizational Color is dipped in Salute.

Conclusion

10-25. Follow these procedures to conclude a review:  

• When the last troop element has passed the reviewing stand and has executed Ready Front, the band goes into an eight-bar drum cadence.  

• It is appropriate for spectators to rise, stand at Attention, and sing while “The Army Goes Rolling Along” plays.  

• On the first beat following the drum cadence, the band begins playing (in place) the official version of “The Army Goes Rolling Along,” beginning at the introduction. At the appropriate time, the drum major has the band march forward and execute a left turn onto the reviewing line while continuing to play until the completion of the chorus.

Note: The band may play music representative of the command after the last troop element has passed the reviewing stand and before playing “The Army Goes Rolling Along.” 

• At the completion of the Army song, the COT and the reviewing officer face each other and exchange Salutes, thus officially terminating the ceremony

Review With Decoration, Awards, and Individual Retirement (Sequence of Events)

10-26. Unless otherwise specified, the sequence of events for a review with decorations, awards, and individual retirement is the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-18). Only changes to the sequence of events are listed herein.

Note: The procedures mentioned provide latitude for recognition of one or a group of retirees of various grades. However, the host or host commander should consider it appropriate to have the review conducted in the retiree’s honor when only one distinguished individual is retiring and allow that individual to participate as the reviewing officer. When the Colors halt, the reviewing officer (retiree) positions themselves in front of and centered on the Colors facing the reviewing stand. After awards are presented by the host, the retiree returns to the reviewing officer’s post. If there are several awardees and or retirees, it may be desirable to have the host or host commander act as the reviewing officer. In such case, the following sequence will apply.

Formation of Troops

10-27. Formation of troops is executed the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-19).

Presentation and Honors

10-28. Presentation and honors are executed the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-20).

Note: When scheduled, retreat is integrated into the review at this point. Procedures are outlined in paragraph 10-43.

Inspection

10-29. The inspection may be omitted for decorations, awards, or retirement ceremonies. If the inspection is omitted, the COT (following Order Arms after the presentation and honors, or after “To the Color” is played) commands Persons to be honored and Colors center (pause), MARCH. The ceremony then continues (as described in this paragraph). If the inspection is not omitted, use the procedures described in paragraph 10-21 to conduct an inspection during a review.

Honors to the Nation

10-30. Omit if retreat is conducted as part of the review.

Note: Other ceremonial activities may be integrated into the review at this point.

Remarks

10-31. After the COT and their staff have assumed Parade Rest, the reviewing officer, the host or host commander, or the distinguished guest may address the command:  

• Upon completion of the remarks, the COT brings their staff to Attention, faces about, and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION. Unit commanders face about and command Company (Battalion), ATTENTION, and then face about. The COT faces about and commands Detachment, POST (pause), MARCH. On the command POST, the following actions occur simultaneously:  

  • Colors Reverse March and halt. 

  •  Awardees and or retirees execute a Right Face; guidon bearers and commanders execute an About Face.

• On the command MARCH, Colors and awardees step off and the band begins to play:  

  • Persons who were decorated march forward, execute two Column Lefts, halt on line (six steps to the left of the reviewing officer), and execute a Left Face. The commands HALT and Left, FACE are given by the last Soldier in the file.

  • Colors step off and return to their original posts.  

• As the Colors pass their position, the COT faces themselves and their staff to the left, marches their staff back to the center of the field, and faces them to the right. The COT faces to the left; when the Colors are in position, they then face the reviewing officer.

March in Review

10-32. March in review is executed the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-24).

Conclusion

10-33. Conclusion is executed the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-25).

Review With Change of Command, Activation, or Deactivation (Sequence of Events)

10-34. Unless otherwise specified, the sequence of events for a review with change of command, activation, or deactivation is the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-19).

Formation of Troops

10-35. Formation of troops is executed the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-19).

Presentation and Honors

10-36. Presentation and honors is executed the same as described in the Sequence of Events and Individual Actions Section (see paragraph 10-20).

Inspection

10-37. The inspection may be omitted for change of command, activation, or deactivation ceremonies. If the inspection is not omitted, use the procedures described in paragraph 10-23 to conduct an inspection during a review. When the reviewing officer has completed the inspection, the COT faces about and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION. Unit commanders face about and command Company (Battalion), ATTENTION, then they face about. When the command has completed the movement, the COT commands Colors Center (pause), MARCH. On that command, the Colors are brought forward in the same manner as described in paragraph 10-21.

Honors to the Nation

10-38. Honors to the Nation is omitted if retreat is conducted as part of the review. On the completion of honors to the Nation, the COT commands Detachment order, ARMS, faces about, and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ORDER ARMS AND PARADE REST. Unit commanders terminate their Salutes, face about and command Order, ARMS and Parade, REST. They then face about and assume Parade Rest. The COT faces about and commands Parade, REST; the COT and their staff execute Parade Rest.

Note: Other ceremonial activities may be integrated into the review at this point.

Remarks

10-39. As soon as the COT and their staff have executed Parade Rest, the reviewing party moves forward to be within four steps of the Colors and halts. As the party marches forward, the senior commander positions themselves between the old and the new commander. The CSM moves from their post (at the rear of the reviewing party) by the most direct route and halts directly in front of the organizational Color. 

Note: At the beginning of the ceremony, the outgoing commander should assume the role of host or host commander. The senior official or commander designated to “pass the organizational Color” should assume the role of an honored guest or reviewing officer except during that brief portion of the ceremony wherein they may be called upon to act as a host or host commander for the purpose of passing the organizational Color. Since the inspection of troops normally occurs early in the ceremony, the incoming commander is also at that time treated as a guest and is expected to accompany the outgoing commander and senior official during the inspection. After the organizational Color has been passed, the incoming commander should assume the role of host or host commander, and the senior official and outgoing commander both become honored guests or reviewing officers at this point and remain as such for the balance of the ceremony (see figure 10-10).

Change-of-Command Cerimonies

10-40. The outgoing commander positions themselves four steps in front of their organizational Color; the senior commander is directly to their left. The old and new commanders then take one step forward and execute Facing Movements so that they are facing each other:

• The CSM removes the organizational Color from the Color bearer’s sling (with their right hand above their left hand) and faces about. The narrator reads the assumption-of-command order.  

• Upon completion of the reading, the CSM steps forward and presents the organizational Color to the outgoing commander (see figure 10-11, item 1 on page 10-24), who grasps the organizational Color with their left hand above their right hand. The outgoing commander passes the organizational Color to the senior commander (see figure 10-11, item 2 on page 10-24), who grasps the Color with their right hand above their left hand and, in turn, passes the organizational Color to the new commander (see figure 10-11, item 3 on page 10-24), who grasps the organizational Color with their left hand above their right hand. The incoming commander passes the organizational Color to the CSM (see figure 10-11, item 4 on page 10-24) who grasps it with their right hand above their left hand, faces about and returns the organizational Color to the Color bearer’s sling.

• As the CSM faces about, both commanders then execute Facing Movements back to their original direction facing the Colors. The CSM and the reviewing party face about and return to their post. At this point, the commander makes their remarks.

Notes: . 1. This procedure allows the organizational Color to be over the heart of the incoming and outgoing commanders. 

2. For a company-level change of command, the reviewing party is lined up the same as in larger units. The guidon takes the place of the organizational Color and the first sergeant replaces the CSM. The guidon is passed in the same manner as the organizational Color. The sequence of events remains the same with modifications made to fit available assets.

• Upon completion of the remarks, the COT brings their staff to Attention, faces about, and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION. Unit commanders face about and command Company (Battalion), ATTENTION, and then face about. The COT faces about and commands Detachment, POST (pause), MARCH. On the command POST, the following actions occur simultaneously:  

  • Colors Reverse March and Halt.  

  • Awardees and retirees execute a Right Face; guidon bearers and commanders execute an About Face.

• On the command MARCH, Colors and awardees (if present) step off and the band begins to play:  

  • Persons who were decorated march forward, execute two Column Lefts, halt on line (six steps to the left of the reviewing officer), and execute a Left Face. The commands HALT and Left, FACE are given by the last Soldier in the file.

  • Colors step off and return to their original posts.  

  • As the Colors pass their position, the COT and their staff face to the left. They march their staff back to the center of the field and faces them to the right as they face to the left. After the Colors are in position, the COT then faces the reviewing officer.

Activation Ceremonies

10-41. The position of the senior commander is four steps in front of the Color bearer (with an empty sling for the organizational Color of the unit to be activated) with the unit commander to their left. The CSM moves from their post with the cased organizational Color and positions themselves in front of and facing the senior commander. The narrator reads the activation order:

• Upon completion of the reading, the CSM presents the cased organizational Color to the senior commander and steps backward. The senior commander lowers the cased organizational Color to allow the CSM to uncase it. The CSM folds the case and places it inside the Color bearer’s cartridge belt (rear center).  

• With the organizational Color uncased, the senior commander rotates the staff to allow the organizational Color to unfurl and drape freely. The senior commander presents the organizational Color to the commander of the unit to be activated. The CSM steps forward and accepts the organizational Color from the unit commander and places it in the Color bearer’s sling.  

• When the CSM faces about, the reviewing party faces about and returns to the reviewing stand. The CSM returns to their original post. Procedures from this point forward are the same as for change-of-command ceremonies.

Deactivation Ceremonies

10-42. The position of the commander is four steps in front of the organizational Color. The CSM moves from their post and positions themselves in front of the organizational Color. The CSM moves the organizational Color from the bearer’s sling and faces about. The narrator reads the deactivation order:  

• Upon completion of the reading, the CSM presents the organizational Color to the commander and steps backward. The organizational Color is grasped by the commanders and the CSM as described for change-of-command ceremonies. The commander rotates and lowers the organizational Color, allowing the CSM to case the organizational Color.

• Upon completion of the casing, the commander presents the cased organizational Color to the senior commander and the CSM steps forward and accepts the organizational Color from the senior commander. The reviewing party faces about and returns to the reviewing stand.  

• The CSM hands the cased organizational Color to a designated Soldier who marches from the field and the CSM returns to their post. The Color bearer of the deactivated unit marches with the Color guard for the remainder of the ceremony with an empty sling. Procedures from this point forward are the same as for change-of-command ceremonies.

Review With Retreat 

10-43. Unless otherwise specified, the sequence of events and individual actions for a review with retreat are the same as described in paragraph 10-24. Only changes to the sequence of events are listed herein.

Note: Honors to the Nation is omitted when retreat is conducted as part of a review

Formation of Troops and Presentations and Honors

10-44. Formation of troops is executed the same as described in paragraph 10-19.

Retreat

10-45. Upon completion of the presentation and honors, the COT commands their staff to Order, ARMS; faces about; and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ORDER ARMS AND PARADE REST. Unit commanders terminate their Salutes, face about, and command Order, ARMS and Parade, REST. They then face to the front and execute Parade Rest. The COT directs SOUND RETREAT, faces about, and commands their staff to Parade, REST. As soon as the COT and their staff are at Parade Rest, the band sounds retreat. At the conclusion of retreat, the COT commands their staff to ATTENTION, faces the troops, and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ATTENTION AND PRESENT ARMS. When the units have completed these movements, the commander then faces the reviewing officer and commands their staff to Present, ARMS. This is the signal for the band to play “To the Color.”

• When the ceremony is held on an Army post, the cannon is fired on the last note of “Retreat,” and the flag is lowered while “To the Color” is played. (See appendix I regarding appropriate procedures.)  

• The reviewing officer and their staff stand at Attention during the sounding of the retreat. On the first note of “To the Color,” they Salute and hold the Salute until the last note is played. 

• On the last note of the music, the COT commands Order, ARMS for themselves and their staff, faces about, and directs BRING YOUR UNITS TO ORDER ARMS AND PARADE REST. When the units have completed these movements, the COT then faces the reviewing officer.  

• The review then proceeds with the inspection as in a normal review; if omitted, other parts are integrated into the review as described in paragraphs 10-26 

Special Review

10-46. A special review is conducted by a composite or representative unit and serves the same purposes as a standard review when a larger formation is not practical. The composite unit normally consists of a band, Colors, two or more platoons, and a salute battery (when appropriate). The reduced formation is not a reason to eliminate any of the components of a review or change their sequence:

• A special review is essentially the same as a battalion or larger unit review, except—

  • The troops are formed on a final line.  

  • Attention and Adjutant’s Call are not sounded.  

  • Neither the adjutant nor a staff participate.  

  • Unit guidons are not used in this formation. (Organizational Colors represent the unit conducting the review.)  

  • The COT gives commands rather than directives.  

  • The band positions itself in front of the reviewing officer by executing a Left Turn at a point midway between the final line and the reviewing line, and then turns right when on line and centered on the reviewing officer.  

  • Platoons pass the reviewing stand in line formation rather than column formation.  

  • On the directive Pass in review the COT commands Right, FACE (Right Shoulder, ARMS, if appropriate); Forward, MARCH. The band steps off playing a march on the command of Forward, MARCH. Platoon leaders remain six steps to the front of and centered on their platoons. Platoon sergeants remain one step to the rear of and centered on their platoon.  

  • Platoon leaders command Column Left, MARCH at the first turn marker and Left Flank, MARCH when centered on the reviewing line.

• Indoor ceremonies retain the same sequence as a normal review, excluding elements that are precluded because of space. Generally, a pass in review cannot be conducted indoors.