When is the correct time to use the command "Fall In"?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 20:45:01 -0500

I have heard several different opinion/answers from Senior NCO/Officers. Like it is only used for the first formation of the day, or it is only used if the subordinates are not organized around the formation leader. I reviewed Army TC 3-21.5, and I am still unsure. Are there any concrete answers?

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 28 at 2018 8:57 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 20:57:34 -0500

That command would be used anytime You are not standing in a formation yet any time of day or night but the people needed are present in the area and ready to do so. It doesn't matter if its the first forming, they were on a break anytime they aren't in formation and You want them to form up.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Jan 28 at 2018 9:12 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 21:12:43 -0500

My experience was that the command is used any time you want a group to get in to a formation when they are not already formed up. I'm not aware of any other formal command used for that.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 29 at 2018 2:08 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 02:08:34 -0500

2LT Private RallyPoint Member - Are you wanting a formation or just get everyone's attention? If the goal is to have everyone line up in formation, then I would say "Fall In" is appropriate no matter what time of day it is. If the goal is to simply get everyone to pay attention, I found a loudly stated, "Alright, Gather around and listen up!" to be effective.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jan 29 at 2018 12:30 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 12:30:56 -0500

The best time to do it is when a bunch of Privates are lollygagging around, minding their own business, maybe cleaning weapons or something and you're like 20 feet away behind them without them even knowning...you know, something along those lines.

Response by SPC David Willis made Jan 29 at 2018 2:11 PM

SPC David Willis — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:11:12 -0500

The only time I heard fall in belted as a command it was followed by receive the report. I heard it often in a casual manner usually synonymous with gather round or come here.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jan 29 at 2018 8:36 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 20:36:24 -0500

Per D&C Manual: FALL IN is used to assemble a formation or return it to its original configuration.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 3:29 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:29:22 -0500

"Fall In" is the command of execution used to transform a gaggle or mob into a formation, in smart fashion. It is often preceded by "Stand By", the preparatory command. In less formal indoor situations, such as VIP, CG or Commander arriving, one may be called to "Attention", and then be ordered "As You Were". This can also be used to check someone running off at the mouth as well as "At Ease". "Fall Out" returns formation to a gaggle i.e. carry out the Plan of the Day. "Dismissed" is given at the last formation of the day or activity, after being told your next appointed place/time of duty. In writing it means an Officer has really screwed up.