Forming a file from a column of twos is executed only from the halt. The command is File from the left (right), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the lead team leader commands Forward. The trailing team leader commands Stand fast. On the command of execution MARCH, the lead team marches forward. The trailing team leader commands Column half left (right) when the second man from the rear of the lead team is abreast. He gives the command MARCH when the last man of the lead team is abreast of him and his right foot strikes the marching surface. He then inclines right or left to follow the lead team at the correct distance.


Forming a File and Re-forming (Platoon Drill)

The platoon forms a single file, from the right, left, or as designated, only when in column and at the halt. The commands are File from the left (right), MARCH or File in sequence three-two-four-one, MARCH.

On the preparatory command, the squad leader of the designated squad gives the supplementary command Forward. The other squad leaders command STAND FAST. On the command of execution MARCH, the lead squad marches forward. The squad leader next to the lead element (or as designated) looks over the shoulder nearest the moving element and commands Column half left (right) when the second from the last man is on line with him. The squad leader gives the command of execution MARCH as the right foot of the last man strikes the marching surface when abreast of him. On the command of execution, the squad leader executes the column half left (right), then inclines without command to the right (left), and follows the last man of the preceding squad at correct distance. Other members of the squad march forward and execute the same movements as the squad leader. The remaining squads form the file in the same manner as the squad immediately behind the lead element.

The platoon may form a file and execute a column movement simultaneously from a column formation. The command for this movement is File from the left (right), Column left (right), MARCH. Following the platoon leader’s preparatory command, the squad leader of the lead element commands Column left (right), instead of forward. The other squad leaders command STAND FAST. On the platoon leader’s command of execution MARCH, the lead squad executes the column left (right). The other squad leaders command Column left (right) at the appropriate time. They give the command of execution MARCH as the right foot of the last man strikes the marching surface at the pivot (column left), or the first time the last man’s right foot strikes the marching surface after the pivot (column right).

The platoon re-forms to the original column formation only from the halt. The command is Column of fours to the right (left), MARCH.

NOTE: To re-form the platoon to its original column formation when the file was formed on the command In sequence, ___________MARCH, the commands FALL OUT and FALL IN must be given.

On the preparatory command, the squad leader of the base squad commands STAND FAST. All other squad leaders command Column half right (left). On the platoon leader’s command of execution MARCH, the base squad stands fast all other squads execute the column half right (left) simultaneously. As each of the moving squad leaders reach a point (line) that ensures correct interval on the element to their left (right), they automatically incline to the left (right) and command Mark time, MARCH and Squad, HALT so that their squad is abreast of the base (other) squad when halted.

Forming a Column of Twos and Re-forming (Platton)

The platoon forms a column of twos from the right or left when in a column of fours at the halt. The command is Column of twos from the left (right), MARCH.

On the preparatory command, the squad leaders of the two lead squads command Forward. The other two squad leaders command STAND FAST. On the platoon leader’s command of execution MARCH, the two lead squads march forward. The squad leader (second or third) next to the lead element gives the command to start both of the remaining squads in motion. Looking over the shoulder nearest the moving elements, the squad leader gives the preparatory command Column half left (right) (when the second from the last man is abreast of him) and then gives the command of execution MARCH as the right foot of the last man strikes the marching surface abreast of him. On the platoon leader’s command of execution, both squad leaders execute the column half left (right), incline to the right (left) without command, and follow the last men of the preceding squads. at correct distance (do not close the space if the files of the two leading squads are not even). Other members of the remaining squads march forward and execute the same movements as their squad leaders.

The platoon may form a column of twos and execute a column movement simultaneously from a column formation. The command for this movement is Column of twos from the left (right), Column left (right), MARCH. The squad leaders of the lead squads command Column left (right) instead of forward. The squad leader of the second (third) squad gives the command Column left (right); however, he executes column half left (right). The remaining two squad leaders command STAND FAST. On the platoon leader’s command of execution MARCH, the lead squads execute the column left (right). The squad leader (second or third) next to the lead elements gives the command to start both squads in motion. Looking over the shoulder nearest the moving elements, the squad leader gives the preparatory command Column left (right) when the second from the last man is abreast of him; then he gives the command of execution MARCH as the right foot of the last man strikes the marching surface at the pivot (column left) or the first time the last man’s right foot strikes the marching surface after the pivot (column right). Although the command is Column left (right), the outside squads (fourth or first) execute column half left (right).

The platoon re-forms to the original column formation only from the halt. The command is Column of fours to the right (left), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the squad leaders of the base squads command STAND FAST. The trailing squad leaders command Column half right (left). On the platoon leader’s command of execution MARCH, the base squads stand fast. The trailing squad leaders execute slightly more than the column half right (left) simultaneously. As the trailing squad leaders reach a point (line) that will ensure correct interval on the element to their left (right), they automatically incline to the left (right). The squad leader nearest the stationary squads (second or third) commands Mark time, MARCH and Squads, HALT.