Results for commands

What are the four types of drill commands?

Two-part commands, which have a preparatory command and a command of execution. Combined commands, where the two parts are combined into one, such as FALL IN, AT EASE, and REST. Supplementary commands, which subordinate leaders give to reinforce or complete the leader's command. Directives, which are oral orders that direct subordinate leaders to put their elements into motion.

Drill and Ceremonies

TC 3-21.5 is the Army's drill and ceremonies manual: individual and unit drill, the manual of arms, and the sequence for formations, reviews, and ceremonies. It is the single most quoted publication at promotion boards after the leadership doctrine. The May 2021 edition supersedes the January 2012 version.

Sustainment Operations

FM 4-0 is the Army's manual for planning and executing sustainment operations at echelon. It carries the detail behind ADP 4-0: how sustainment units are organized, how support is planned, and how the force is sustained through large-scale combat. The March 2026 edition is one of the newest publications in the Army's doctrine library.

What does a unit in formation do during retreat and To the Color?

At the first note of retreat, the leader commands parade rest and the formation holds it. The leader then calls the formation to attention, and at the first note of To the Color commands present arms. The formation holds present arms until the last note, then the leader commands order arms.

When is a salute not required?

When it is impractical or unsafe. Common examples are indoors except when reporting, in formation unless the leader commands present arms, in public gatherings such as sporting events or religious services, when either party is driving a vehicle, when carrying articles with both hands, when engaged in work that the salute would interrupt, and when in the field under tactical conditions where a salute would identify a leader to the enemy.