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| element | An individual, squad, section, platoon, company, or other unit which is part of a larger unit. |
| formation | Arrangement of elements of a unit in line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner. |
| line | A formation in which the elements are abreast, except that a section or platoon is in line when its squads are in line and one behind the other. |
| rank | A line of men or vehicles placed side by side. |
| column | A formation in which elements are placed one behind the other, except that a section or platoon is in column when its squads are in column and abreast. |
| file | A single column of men or vehicles one behind the other. |
| flank | The right or left extremity of a unit either in line or in column. The element on the extreme right or left of the line. A direction at a right angle to the direction an element of a formation is facing. |
| depth | The space from head to rear of an element or a formation. The depth of a man is considered to be 12 inches. |
| front | The space occupied by an element or a formation, measured from one flank to the other. The front of a man is considered to be 22 inches. |
| distance | Space between elements in the direction of depth. Between individuals, the space between your chest and the man to the front. Between vehicles, the space between the front end of a vehicle and the rear of the vehicle to its front. Between troops in formation (either on foot, mounted, or in vehicles), the space from the front of the rear unit to the rear of the unit in front. Platoon commanders, guides, and others whose positions in a formation are 40 inches from a rank are, themselves, considered a rank. Otherwise, commanders and those with them are not considered in measuring distance between units. The color guard is not considered in measuring distance between subdivisions of the unit with which it is posted. In troop formations the distance between ranks is 40 inches. |
| interval | The lateral space between elements on the same line. Interval is measured between individuals from shoulder to shoulder. It is measured between elements other than individuals and between formations from flank to flank. Unit commanders and those with them are not considered in measuring interval between elements of the unit with which it is posted. Normal interval between individuals is one arms length. Close interval is the horizontal distance between the shoulder and elbow when the left hand is placed on the left hip. Close Interval between individuals is approximately four inches. |
| alignment | The dressing of several elements on a straight line. |
| base | The element on which a movement is regulated. |
| guide | The individual (base) upon whom a formation, or elements thereof, regulates its march. To guide: to regulate interval, direction, alignment, or cadence on a base file (right, left or center). |
| point of rest | The point toward which all elements of a unit establish their dress or alignment. |
| center | The middle point or element of a unit or the left center element for an even number of elements. |
| head | The leading element of a column. |
| pace | The length of a full step in quick time, 30 inches. |
| step | The distance from heel to heel between the feet of a marching man. The half step and back step are 15 inches. The right and left steps are 12 inches. The steps in quick and double time are 30 and 36 inches, respectively. |
| cadence | A rhythmic rate of march at a uniform step. |
| quick time | Cadence at 120 steps (12, 15, or 30 inches in length) per minute. It is the normal cadence for drill and ceremonies. |
| double time | Cadence at 180 steps (36 inches in length) per minute. |
| slow time | Cadence at 60 steps per minute. Used for funerals only. |
| left/right | Extreme left (right) element or edge of a body of troops. |
| mass formation | The formation of a company or larger unit in which the major elements are in column at close interval and abreast at close interval. |
| parade sling | The rifle will have a parade sling for all movements except for Stack Arms and Sling Arms. The rifle sling will be as tight as possible on the left hand side of the pistol grip near the selector. The upper sling keeper will be positioned so the sling does not dangle. |
| extended mass | The formation of a company or larger unit in which the major elements are in column at close or normal interval and abreast at a specified interval greater than normal interval. |
| piece | An individual firearm such as a rifle, carbine, or automatic rifle. |
| snap | In commands or signals, the quality that inspires immediate response. In drill, the immediate and smart execution of a movement. |
| prepatory command | Indicates a movement is to be executed. |
| command of execution | Causes the desired movement to be executed. |
| commands given without inflection | Have no preparatory command and are considered commands of execution. |
| supplementary commands | Are commands given by subordinates during the execution of platoon movements. |
| position of attention | Basic military position from which most other drill movements are executed. |
| rest | To give the troops a rest from the position of attention. |
| halt | To halt the unit. |
| eyes right/left | Used as a courtesy to reviewing officers and dignitaries during parades and ceremonies. |
| hand salute | Used as a form of courtesy used between members of the Armed Forces. |
| facing | To face the unit to the right, left or about. |
| mark time | To march in place at quick time cadence. |
| half step | To march forward at 120, 15-inch steps per minute. |
| back step | March the unit backwards for a short distance. |
| side step | To move the unit a short distance to the right or left. |
| change step | Change the cadence count but not the rhythm. |
| order arms | The basic position of the rifle. |
| trail arms | The command trail arms is used as a training technique only. When at order arms and a command is given to move the unit a short distance, to face the unit, or to align the unit, trail arms is executed automatically on the command of execution for the movement. The rifle is returned to order arms upon completion of the movement. |
| sling arms | To bring the rifle to sling arms. This position is used for long periods of marching and for taking interval. |
| adjust slings | To adjust the sling to a parade sling. |
| present arms | Used as a salute to persons and colors by sentries on post. |
| count off | To designate relative position in rank. |
