Section 1

History

11-1. Battalion and brigade parades are opened by the adjutant’s call sounded on a trumpet. This call has opened parades of the American forces for over 150 years. After some preliminaries, the adjutant directs SOUND OFF and the band plays three chords. Having sounded off, the band marches in front of the troops and then countermarches to its original position. This March across the front of the line is said to have originated with the Crusades (A.D. 1095 to 1260). The troops offering themselves for holy service were drawn up in a long formation and the band countermarched only before those chosen to serve. In American ceremonies, the sound off has been handed down as a ceremonial tradition. 

11-2. After the band sounds off, the commanding officer may, if they wish, give the troops some Facings or movements of the manual of arms. This was the traditional way in which they established control over their command, and it has been practiced in the United States since the Revolutionary War. 

11-3. Parades in the Revolutionary Army were usually held at “Troops” or about 8 AM and was the time used for sergeants to call the roll and report it to the adjutant. After the sergeants had returned to their posts, the commander directed that necessary orders and information be reported. After the adjutant had read the orders, they announced Parade is dismissed. At that time, officers moved to a position centered on the commanding officer. As the commander gave specific instructions to the officers, the first sergeants would march their units back to their respective company areas where they would be dismissed.