Posted on Jun 29, 2016
SGT Writer
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What usually happens - https://youtu.be/hu-hKkaUzOM?t=29s

The inner most should be half-stepping so the outer-most don't have to take huge steps to catch up.
Edited 9 y ago
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MSG Military Police
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More often than not. Left and Right FLANKS however ...
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1LT William Clardy
1LT William Clardy
9 y
Obliques as well, MSG (Join to see). There always seems to be some head-snaps thrown in...
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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Every time. It ain't that hard, Pyle.
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SGT Writer
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I highly doubt that.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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In the Marine Corps, practice makes perfect.
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How many times have you seen a column left/right march executed correctly?
LTC Stephen C.
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Edited 9 y ago
SGT (Join to see), I was a tactical officer at OCS during the mid/late seventies. All officer candidates became proficient in all aspects of drill and ceremonies. We had classes on D&C and each OC would have numerous opportunities to demonstrate his skill while in student leadership positions. Needless to say, all the tactical officers were experts and could quote the FM, chapter and verse. Maybe now that's not the case, but it was then! Sgt (Join to see) CSM Charles Hayden Sgt Tom Cunnally
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CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
9 y
LTC Stephen C. Colonel, my required D & C proficiency test was simple. W/ a platoon marching in column, 1st sqd, REAR MARCH; 2nd sqd, REAR MARCH; 3rd sqd, REAR MARCH; 4th sqd, REAR MARCH. Then to repeat those commands again. Once the 'leader' was able to do that successfully, he was on the way up!
Of course, I had learned the command as: TO THE REAR MARCH.
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SFC S2 Intelligence Ncoic
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Last time I've seen one done confidently and without ''chuckles'' was in Basic Training. lol
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SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
The answer I truly believe.
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SFC Pete Kain
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Toss in a forward HALT, people learn not to anticipate the command. More often then not the column left/right march is executed correctly. At least it used to be, why the question?
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CSM David Heidke
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Every time I taught it.
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CAPT Kevin B.
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Edited 9 y ago
The were serious about it when I was in Beast Barracks at West Point. Other than that, way back in Boot Camp and that's about it. Not marching on a regular basis makes you sloppy. That got fairly well known, so the command frequently was "Route Step Thataway". On the Navy side, it wasn't important enough to keep up the skill. I'd always get a laugh. Color Guards tend to keep up well which their routine. Sideboys take a few practice turns prior to the retirement ceremony. And us old farts would recall the day long gone we could march well and having to wear leggings to do it.
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Capt Tom Brown
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Too many times to count.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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Oh My! that is a challenging question, Probably by the Drill Teams in Washington, DC since I did 3 years there but I didn't spend much time admiring their skills. I know that my Company in Boot Camp captured all the Marching Flags but I'm not sure we did it that good.
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Cpl Beq Manager/Radio Nco
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Fairly often, that's an interesting question to ask.
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SSG Mark Franzen
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I HAVE SEVERAL TIMES THROUGH MY CAREER. WHY DO YOU ASK?
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CSM Charles Hayden
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SGT (Join to see) I no longer have a 22-5. One of my problems is that; I think I recall, "To the Rear March"
was replaced by; "Rear March"!

My displeasure is caused by losing a few steps to keep the troops settled down.

SMs w/a 22-5, am I correct? Thanks, CSM
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SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
9 y
FM 3-21.5 is D&C, last time I checked. "Rear March" is an accurate command, though.
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SFC Platoon Sergeant
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And the outer ranks make a column half left/right and then just bring it around, everyone gets stuck on making multiple half left/right.
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SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
You're saying two completely different things here. Can you clarify?
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SFC Combat Engineer
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The soldiers on the ends are going to have take the appropriate steps to get back on line. Once all soldiers come abreast they all step off with a 30 inch step. This takes a lot of practice to make it look good.
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SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
9 y
That's the problem. That's wrong. The closer the rank to the inside of the column turn, the short steps one should be taking to allow the outliers time to catch up.
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SFC Combat Engineer
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9 y
I was talking about the outside. Of course the base soldier is taking a half step until the other squad leaders come online. Those other squad leaders have to take the necessary steps to get back on line. It might be a 30 or more inch step.
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SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
9 y
SFC (Join to see) - You said "of course", however many of the responses on this thread don't indicate that as common knowledge.
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SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S.
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Many! However, I've been in one of those outside columns that almost has to double time to keep up. Generally, this happens because the base squad leader will resume marching with a 30" step before all the other squad member come abreast with him/her.
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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In the Corps it would be more like when I don't see it formed correctly. Practice does make perfect!
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SPC(P) Information Security (Is) Analyst
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Counter Column......Muhhhhhh. That is the Worst... and the rear march
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SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
Like demonstrating a DDOS attack using Soldiers.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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Every day of my career! Are we say todays Soldiers cannot march, or is it local to your area?
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Capt Retired
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LOL During OTS I was leading flight drill. I called out "Column Right March." The left line went left and the right line went right. Is that what you meant?

I then called for a halt, fall out and fall in. The person grading me was laughing hysterically. But said Good recovery.
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