Column Vs Flank Drill Movements

9021 MARINE CORPS DRILL AND CEREMONIES MANUAL
5. Upon the completion of physical drill, the command “Assemble, MARCH” is given.
On the command of execution, the odd numbered members of the base squad stand fast.
Even numbered members of the base squad step left in marching and double time to
their positions covered on the odd numbered members of the base squad and the guide
will return to a position in front of the base squad leader. At the same time, all
other members will face right as in marching and, at a double time cadence,
reassemble in column at normal interval and stand fast. The platoon commander
would then give the command of “COVER” in order for the platoon to quickly pick up
its alignment and cover.
6. The platoon commander, once the platoon is in column, gives all commands from a
position 6 paces in front of, centered on and facing the column. He/she makes
those movements necessary to maintain this position during the execution of the
movement(s).
9021. TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF A COLUMN
1. The purpose of this movement is to change the direction of march of a column.

It may be executed when the platoon is halted or marching in column at normal or
close interval. The command is “Column Right (Column Left, Column Half Right or
Column Half Left), MARCH.” The base element during the turn is the squad on the
flank in the direction of the turn. The leading member of the base squad,
excluding the platoon commander and guide, establishes the pivot for the movement.
2. When marching, the commands of execution are given on the foot in the direction
of the turn. On the command of execution “MARCH,” the leading member of the base
squad takes one more 30-inch step to the front and then pivots 90 degrees to the
right (left) on the ball of the left (right) foot. He/she then takes one 30-inch
step in the new direction before beginning to half step. At the same time other
members of the leading rank execute a right (left) oblique. They step in this
direction until they are on line with the new line of march (normally two, four and
six steps respectively) and then execute a second right (left) oblique. The
original interval is maintained while in the oblique. Stepping out of the second
oblique with a 30-inch step, they begin to half step as soon as they are aligned on
the base squad leader. When all members of the same rank have come abreast,
everyone in that rank resumes a full step. Ranks in rear of the leading rank
execute the pivot movements on the same points and in the same way as the leading
rank. (See figure 9-5.)
3. When halted, at the command of execution “MARCH,” the leading member of the
base squad faces to the right (left) as in marching and takes one 30-inch step in
the new direction with the right (left) foot. At the same time other members of
the leading rank step off in the right (left) oblique. Members behind the lead
rank step off to the front as in forward march. The remainder of the movement is
executed the same as in marching.
4. During column movements, the platoon commander and guide execute either an
oblique or a 90-degree pivot (depending on the direction of the movement) on the
command of execution. After completing their turn, they adjust their line of march
so that they are in front of the appropriate squad.
5. For slight changes of direction, the command is “INCLINE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT).”
At that command, the guide changes direction as commanded. This is not a precision
movement and is executed only while marching.
9-20
MARINE CORPS DRILL AND CEREMONIES MANUAL 9022
SECOND PIVOT POINT

L R L R
R
L L R L R
R R
L L
L R L R
R R R
Step & Pivot L L L L R L R
"MARCH" R R R R
1 2 3 4 = SQUAD NUMBER
Figure 9-5.--Executing Column Right (Left).
9022. TO MARCH TO THE FLANK
1. The purpose of this movement is to march the platoon to the right or left flank
for a short distance. It may be executed from any formation that is marching at
quick time or double time cadence. The command is “By the Right (Left) Flank,
MARCH.” The command of execution is given as the foot in the direction of the turn
strikes the deck.
2. To execute a right flank when marching at quick time, the command is “By the
Right Flank, MARCH.” On the command of execution “MARCH,” everyone takes one more
30-inch step to the front with the left foot and then pivots 90 degrees to the
right on the ball of the left foot. Stepping out of the pivot with a 30-inch step,
the entire platoon marches in line to the right flank. The platoon commander and
guide execute the flanking movement with the platoon, but do not change their
position within the platoon. (For the one exception to this, see paragraph 10011.)
For the platoon to resume marching in the original direction, the command is “By
the Left Flank, MARCH.” To march to the left flank, substitute left for right and
right for left in the above sequence. No other command may be given when marching
to the flank until the unit has resumed marching to the original front. (See
figure 9-6.)
3. When this movement is executed from a column at close interval, squad(s) to the
rear of the squad that becomes the leading squad takes up the half step. They
resume a full step as soon as a 40-inch distance has opened between squads. After
such a movement, the platoon maintains normal interval until close march is
commanded.
9-21
9022 MARINE CORPS DRILL AND CEREMONIES MANUAL
4. When marching at double time, on the command of execution “MARCH,” everyone

takes two more 36-inch steps to the front and then two 6-inch vertical steps in
place at double time cadence. While stepping in place, everyone turns 90 degrees
toward the direction commanded and then steps off with a 36-inch step in the new
direction.
5. When the platoon executes flank movements from a column at close interval,
squad(s) to the rear of the squad that becomes the leading squad, will take up a
half step. They resume a full step as soon as a 40-inch distance has opened
between squads. After such a movement, the platoon maintains normal interval until
close march is commanded.
Figure 9-6.--Right (Left) Flank.
9-22

Column Vs Flank Drill Movements

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9021 MARINE CORPS DRILL AND CEREMONIES MANUAL

9021. TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF A COLUMN

1. The purpose of this movement is to change the direction of march of a column.

SECOND PIVOT POINT

Step & Pivot L L L L R L R

Figure 9-5.--Executing Column Right (Left).

9022. TO MARCH TO THE FLANK

4. When marching at double time, on the command of execution “MARCH,” everyone

Figure 9-6.--Right (Left) Flank.

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