Physical Fitness Training

The Extended Rectangular Formation

Extended Rectangular Formation

The Physical Readiness Trainer (PRT) leader will position a platoon-size unit in a line formation so that the unit is centered and five paces away from the PRT platform after they have assumed the rectangular formation. The PRT leader gives the following commands:

  • “Extend to the left, MARCH.” Soldiers in the right flank file stand fast with their left arm extended sideward with palm down, fingers and thumbs extended and joined. All other Soldiers turn to the left and double-time forward. After taking the sufficient number of steps, all Soldiers face the front and extend both arms sideward with palms down, fingers and thumbs extended and joined. The distance between fingertips is about 12 inches and dress is to the right.
  • “Arms downward, MOVE.” The Soldiers lower their arms smartly to their sides. Soldiers in the right flank file lower their left arms to their sides.
  • “Left, FACE.” Soldiers execute the left face.
  • “Extend to the left, MARCH.” Soldiers in the right flank file stand fast with their left arms extended sideward with palm down, fingers and thumbs extended and joined. All other Soldiers turn to the left and double-time forward. After taking the sufficient number of steps, all Soldiers face the front and extend both arms sideward with palms down, fingers and thumbs extended and joined. The distance between fingertips is about 12 inches and dress is to the right.
  • “Arms downward, MOVE.” Soldiers lower their arms smartly to their sides. Soldiers in the right flank file lower their left arms to their sides.
  • “Right, FACE.” Soldiers execute the right face.
  • “From front to rear, COUNT OFF.” The front Soldier in each column turns his head to the right rear, and then calls off, “ONE,” and faces the front. Successive Soldiers in each column call off in turn “TWO,” “THREE,” “FOUR,” and so on. The last Soldier in each column will not turn his head and eyes to the right while sounding off.
  • "Even number to the left, UNCOVER.” Even-numbered Soldiers side step to the left squarely in the center of the interval, bringing their feet together.