Posted on Aug 13, 2018
Where did the rumor come from that "Fall In!" should only to be used for the initial formation of the day?
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Hello all!
So yesterday evening, we had an interesting situation play out. We were forming up for our final formation, the PSG called "FALL IN". Our MAJ told us that the command "FALL IN" was not correct, and to try it again. So the PSG called "FALL OUT" and we all got together, talked it over, decided that "FALL IN" was, in fact correct, and to do it the same way again and just be confident that we are correct. So the PSG again called "FALL IN" and of course we got dropped for not listening, not learning, etc. So the third time, we just assembled into a formation and the PSG called us to attention, since it was clear that's what he wanted.
So I got home from drill and even though I was about 90% sure that "FALL IN" was correct in that scenario, I wanted to be absolutely sure and check the regs. And of course "FALL IN" is indeed correct, it doesn't say anything about it only being used for the initial formation of the day. Actually the only thing I saw about anything being for only the initial formation was inspection arms.
So (finally) to the question. While it's rare that I hear someone say that FALL IN is only to be used in the initial formation for the day, it's not the first time I've heard it. Does anyone know where this came from? Was it that way in some outdated reg, or just misinformation that has been passed down? TC 3-21.5 doesn't explicitly state that you DO use FALL IN multiple times per day, but it doesn't say that you don't, either.
I'm certainly okay with being wrong on this one, but I don't think that I am. The big thing is that I don't want to just go with it, mainly for the non-prior service folks that we have that may start to think that that's the proper way to do it, then pass it on to their soldiers when they get to their unit.
So yesterday evening, we had an interesting situation play out. We were forming up for our final formation, the PSG called "FALL IN". Our MAJ told us that the command "FALL IN" was not correct, and to try it again. So the PSG called "FALL OUT" and we all got together, talked it over, decided that "FALL IN" was, in fact correct, and to do it the same way again and just be confident that we are correct. So the PSG again called "FALL IN" and of course we got dropped for not listening, not learning, etc. So the third time, we just assembled into a formation and the PSG called us to attention, since it was clear that's what he wanted.
So I got home from drill and even though I was about 90% sure that "FALL IN" was correct in that scenario, I wanted to be absolutely sure and check the regs. And of course "FALL IN" is indeed correct, it doesn't say anything about it only being used for the initial formation of the day. Actually the only thing I saw about anything being for only the initial formation was inspection arms.
So (finally) to the question. While it's rare that I hear someone say that FALL IN is only to be used in the initial formation for the day, it's not the first time I've heard it. Does anyone know where this came from? Was it that way in some outdated reg, or just misinformation that has been passed down? TC 3-21.5 doesn't explicitly state that you DO use FALL IN multiple times per day, but it doesn't say that you don't, either.
I'm certainly okay with being wrong on this one, but I don't think that I am. The big thing is that I don't want to just go with it, mainly for the non-prior service folks that we have that may start to think that that's the proper way to do it, then pass it on to their soldiers when they get to their unit.
Posted in these groups: 
Drill and Ceremony
Drill and Ceremony
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
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hmm.. The Drill Sergeant in me wants to say a lot, but I will only say one thing. "Fall In" is not only used for the initial morning formation. That is all I need to say.
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Never heard that even as a rumor holding formations for 31 years active duty. Lots of formations. If the Maj persists provide him with the reg. Thank you for your service.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thanks SGM! I had never heard it either, but when I was searching online for any truth to it, I did see a couple people say it in some forums posts. So it's pretty rare, but there are a few people out there that believe it to be true.
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SSG (Join to see) -
The major is incorrect and I would add - TC 3-21.5 (FM 3-21.5) January 2012 states unequivocally that "Fall In" is used to assemble a formation or return it to its original configuration (such as when having been told to gather around or U-foramation by teams) AFTER the element identifier is given.
These identifiers are for the element size such as "Platoon", "2nd Squad" or even another name "Commo Section" - so the troops of the element understand WHO is being ordered to assemble.
The major is incorrect and I would add - TC 3-21.5 (FM 3-21.5) January 2012 states unequivocally that "Fall In" is used to assemble a formation or return it to its original configuration (such as when having been told to gather around or U-foramation by teams) AFTER the element identifier is given.
These identifiers are for the element size such as "Platoon", "2nd Squad" or even another name "Commo Section" - so the troops of the element understand WHO is being ordered to assemble.
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