Posted on Jan 28, 2018
When is the correct time to use the command "Fall In"?
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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?
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Drill and Ceremony
Drill and Ceremony
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2LT (Join to see) - 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.
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1LT William Clardy
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P, the traditional military command to get everyone to shut up and pay attention is "AT EASE!"
Using traditional commands has the benefit of implicitly reinforcing military discipline by reminding all concerned of the command relationship. That way young leaders can avoid embarrassing spectacles like an incident I observed at Balad, where I saw and heard a young sergeant try to quiet a private by repeatedly screaming "Shut the f*** up!" in the private's face -- something that the private could yell right with just as much authority.
Using traditional commands has the benefit of implicitly reinforcing military discipline by reminding all concerned of the command relationship. That way young leaders can avoid embarrassing spectacles like an incident I observed at Balad, where I saw and heard a young sergeant try to quiet a private by repeatedly screaming "Shut the f*** up!" in the private's face -- something that the private could yell right with just as much authority.
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Per D&C Manual: FALL IN is used to assemble a formation or return it to its original configuration.
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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.
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SSG Lyle O'Rorke
This would be part of first formation for a unit usually. This may take place twice especially if a PT formation is held prior to the “First Formation” of the day.
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"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.
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