Changing the Direction of a Column, Left
STEP I
1. Instructional Formation, MARCH. AT EASE. The next movement, which I will name, explain, have demonstrated, and which you will conduct practical work on, is changing the direction of a column to the left from the halt.
2. This movement is used to change the direction of a column 90 degrees to the left.
3. The commands for this movement are Column Left, MARCH and HALT.
4. Column Left, MARCH is a two-part command, Column Left is the preparatory command and MARCH is the command of execution. Halt is also a two-part command when preceded by a preparatory command, such as Squad, Platoon, or Demonstrator. I will use Demonstrator as the preparatory command and Halt is the command of execution.
5. When given, these commands are as follows: Column Left, MARCH. Demonstrator, HALT.
STEP II
6. Demonstrators, POST. I will use the step-by-step method of instruction.
7. On the command of execution MARCH of Column Left, MARCH, the lead man faces to the left as in marching by pivoting to the left on the ball of the right foot and steps off in the indicated direction taking a 30-inch step with the left foot. All other squad members execute a 30-inch step forward. Column Left, MARCH.
8. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, the number two man adjusts his step by lengthening or shortening as necessary, to reach the approximate pivot point of the lead man. All other squad members execute a 30-inch step forward with the trail foot. Ready, STEP.
9. On the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, the number two man, having reached the approximate pivot point of the lead man, will pivot to the left on the ball of the lead foot and take a 30-inch step with the trail foot in the new direction. All other squad members execute a 30-inch step forward with the trail foot. Ready, STEP.
10. All remaining squad members will execute this movement in the same manner as the number two man until all squad members have executed the column left. Ready, STEP. Ready, STEP . . .
11. To terminate this movement the command is HALT. The halt is executed in two counts, basically the same as the halt from the 30-inch step. For instructional purposes, on the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, bring the trail foot alongside the lead foot and resume the position of attention. Ready, STEP. REFORM.
12. At normal cadence, this movement would look as follows: Column Left, MARCH. Demonstrators, HALT. AT EASE.
13. What are your questions pertaining to this movement when executed at normal cadence or using the step-by-step method of instruction?
14. Demonstrators, ATTENTION. You will now become my assistant instructors. FALL OUT.
STEP III
15. FALL IN. Squad leaders on the command FALL OUT move to your designated area. FALL OUT. Squad members on the command FALL OUT, fall in in a file behind your squad leader. FALL OUT.
16. I will use the step-by-step method of instruction.
