The unit is formed in line formation facing the flag (if possible). Subunits may be in mass formation. Subunits are brought to Attention at the approach of the commander and their staff, or at a predesignated signal.
The COT forms their staff in line, takes their position two steps in front of the staff, and marches them to a position centered on and in front of the line of troops. The COT gives the proper commands to have themselves and their staff facing the line of troops when halted.
The adjutant, as soon as the staff is halted and without command, moves from their position with the staff to a position midway between the COT and the line of unit commanders. The adjutant commands REPORT. All unit commanders salute and report in succession from right to left “Sir or Ma’am, company all present or accounted for.” The adjutant returns each Salute. The adjutant then commands Present, ARMS, faces about, Salutes, and reports to the COT “Sir or Ma’am, all present or accounted for.”
The COT returns the Salute and directs POST. The adjutant moves to their position with the staff. The COT commands Order, ARMS.
The left flank member of the staff gives the commands to move the staff from behind the COT to a position two steps in front of the COT. The COT commands Parade, REST. If a band or field music is to be used, the commander comes to Attention at the appointed time and commands SOUND RETREAT. They then return to Parade Rest.
On the last note of “Retreat,” the evening gun is fired and the COT commands Battalion, ATTENTION and Present, ARMS. The COT then executes About Face and commands themselves and their staff to Present, ARMS. The commander’s Salute is the signal for the band to begin playing “To the Color” or the national anthem as the flag is lowered.
After the last note of music, the COT commands themselves and their staff to Order, ARMS, faces about, commands Order, ARMS and directs TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR UNITS. The unit commanders render the Hand Salute. The COT returns all Salutes with one Salute. The COT then marches their staff away or dismisses them.