The unit is formed in a line formation facing the flag, if possible. Subunits may be in mass formation. Subunits are commanded to Attention at the approach of the commander and their staff.
The COT takes their post two steps in front of and centered on their staff, commands Forward, MARCH, and marches their staff to a position centered on and in front of the line of troops. The COT gives the proper commands to halt their staff in a position facing the line of troops.
As soon as the staff is halted by the COT, the adjutant moves (without command) from their position with the staff to a position midway between the COT and the line of unit commanders. The adjutant commands Present, ARMS, faces the COT, salutes, and reports “Sir or Ma’am, the battalion (brigade) is formed.”
The COT returns the Salute and directs the adjutant to receive the reports. The adjutant faces about and commands Order, ARMS and REPORT.
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 unit commander’s Salute. After all unit commanders have reported, the adjutant faces the COT, salutes, and reports “Sir or Ma’am, all present or accounted for.” The COT returns the Salute and directs the adjutant to publish the orders.
The adjutant faces about without saluting and commands ATTENTION TO ORDERS. The adjutant then reads any orders or makes any announcements the COT wishes to publish. The adjutant, on completion of the publishing of orders, faces about and takes their post with the staff without saluting.
When the adjutant is in position, the left flank staff member commands Right, FACE; Forward, MARCH; Column Left, MARCH; Column Left, MARCH. When the staff is centered on the COT, they then command Staff, HALT; Left, FACE. About 30 seconds before the sounding of reveille, the COT commands Present, ARMS, executes About Face and commands Staff, Present, ARMS. Reveille is then sounded either by record, field music, or band as the flag is raised.
At the first note of “Reveille,” the morning gun is fired. After the last note of music, the COT commands Staff, Order, ARMS, executes About Face, and commands Order, ARMS; they then direct, TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR UNITS. The unit commanders salute. The COT returns all Salutes with one Salute. They then march their staff away or dismiss them. This terminates the ceremony