In the Drill and Ceremony manual, where can I find clarification on the command "fallout"?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 04:20:13 -0400

My TLs are having us practice for BLC. I was told in basic that once the word "fallout" was stated the sqd could fallout because that is the execution word. One of the TLs said that this is what is supposed to say, "On my command to fallout, fallout. Fallout!" This feels totally wrong, but I can't go to him til I find the regulation that says otherwise because I have "only been in 3 years and don't know anything". (Not his words or mine, but had this told to me).
Can someone help me find in the D&C book where this is? I have searched the 298 pages, but can't find it anywhere.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 4:52 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 04:52:16 -0400

Saying "on the command of fall out, fallout, and ..." is super common, you'll hear it every where. Its not wrong, per se, but its like saying ATM machine, the M is machine. It's just overly redundant. Obviously on the command of fall out, you fall out. Unless they changed something in the TC, there is no prepatory command for fall out, you just saying and walk away. Or if you're doing the horseshoe, "on the command of fallout, make a horse shoe formation."

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 6:03 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 06:03:02 -0400

Usually the expository statement before a command like that is give to clarify what is expected after the command is given. "On the command of fall out, fallout and go to the motor pool, or head into the classroom", for instance. It is not wrong, but it is unnecessary and redundant to say "on the command of fallout, fallout..."

"Fall Out" is also correctly used when a formation is modified from the typical line formation to the U formation. I won't go into detail here, it's in the FM

"Fall Out" is also used when an element of a formation is broken and reformed into smaller groups. A PSG may command "Take Charge of Your Squads" The Squad Leader will remain in place and command "Fall Out", then move to a nearby area and command "Fall In" and continue with their individual squads.

What is more common, and perhaps slightly more correct: the Sergeant leading the formation will give the extra details: "Company, Attention. Platoon Sergeants, take charge of your platoon and being motor stables, or conduct classroom training." Because the extra instruction is already given, all the PSG has to do is salute, about face and then has two choices. 1. command "Fall Out" and the implied instruction followed, or 2. Put the platoon "at ease" and give any information or additional specific instructions, bring them back to "Attention", followed by "Fall out".

Generally, the command "Fall Out" is used when it becomes necessary to break apart an element of a formation, and is almost always followed by new smaller elements formed under 'Fall In", or reforming the element in a different style of formation.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 7:01 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:01:34 -0400

Ok so by regulation aka the Module book the command "Fall out" is the command of execution anything given before "Fallout" would be the preparatory command. So if the person leading the formation stands at attention and gives the command "Fall out" Then yes that is the end of it and they done messed up.
But to often it is done with the extra stuff, as long as the person is not at the position of attention giving out the Execution command it would not be wrong. Reason why at DSS they make you stand at attention whenever you give out a command while pitching modules.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 7:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 19:15:08 -0400

The command DISMISSED terminates the formation, not the duty day.

Fall out isn’t defined as for its actual useage but typically it is used when there is a follow on formation. Eg. when you command fall out after conducting hip stability drill but command fall in immediately after for military movement drills. Or when a platoon sergeant dismisses his platoon, commands fall out, or otherwise relinquishes control to the squad leaders, the squad leaders could then look down the line or move and command Fall In.

However, if you say fall out, that does not give soldiers the ability to break formation. FALL OUT is a combined command and must be given at a higher inflection (as if commanding a command of execution). Chapter 3 of TC 3-21.5 covers commands and the command voice. So, you can say fall out as many times as you want, but until it is commanded at a higher inflection, people are just being smart asses if they break formation.

If you’re releasing a formation, let’s say, after concluding a pt session, DISMISSED would be the appropriate command.

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 29 at 2019 7:47 PM

SSG Dale London — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 19:47:20 -0400

First of all, fallout is the stuff you get from a nuclear blast. "Fall Out" is a two part command; "Fall" being the preparatory command and "Out" being the command of execution.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 9:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:51:51 -0400

To help me not say "fallout" three times i'll say "On my command when I fall you out..." than I'll say what the formation needs to do than finally say "fallout".

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Apr 29 at 2019 9:59 PM

MSgt Gerald Orvis — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:59:16 -0400

Marine Corps response here, but like in the Army, FALL OUT is a combined command (preparatory and command of execution combined), used for short duration breaks with the troops remaining in the immediate area. When I was in command of a formation, I'd usually say something like, "When you receive the command to fall out, I want you to remain in the immediate area, ready to fall back in upon command. You can relax in the shade and otherwise refresh yourself. FALL OUT!" When I was ready, I assumed my position at attention (with carried sword, if so armed) and commanded FALL IN (another combined command), and I expected the troops to get back into formation at the double with a minimum of confusion. We then went on from there.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Apr 30 at 2019 8:56 AM

SFC Scott Higgins — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 08:56:31 -0400

Okay, so despite not being specifically listed in TC 3-21.5 (FM 3-21.5 January 2012 in chapter 3 under combined commands 3.3, which are those commands which contain both the preparatory command and the command of execution, it is later listed under 3.8 as a combined command where it states "c. In combined commands, such as FALL IN and FALL OUT, ...". Further in chapter 7.9, Dismissing the Platoon. The command fallout is used to release soldiers from the formation, but not from the area. While giving instructions as to where soldiers are to go, or what they are to do when they leave the formation, is probably a good idea, it is not necessary to preface the command of FALL OUT with any such verbiage of, "On the command of FALL OUT..." it is simply redundant.