In JROTC drill competitions—during the regulation drill sequence—questions occasionally arise regarding the authorized positioning of the flight. One recurring practice, observed most frequently in the west, but slowly creeping to other areas, involves the commander switching from the prescribed left side of the formation to the right side and eventually switching back through column movements. This article examines whether that practice is doctrinally supported.
The answer: unequivocally, NO.
The photo at the top: AFJROTC Proper Commander Position Through Column Right.
The Doctrinal Standard
Under Air Force–based drill doctrine, as reflected in Air Force Pamphlet (AFPAM) 34-1203, the flight commander occupies a defined and controlled position relative to the formation.
In general terms:
- When halted, the commander is positioned centered at the left side (when in column, in front of the formation when in line) of the unit.
- When marching, the commander is positioned on the left side of the formation, maintaining alignment and distance prescribed by regulation. Note: it is common to have the commander only three steps away instead of the prescribed six steps due to lack of spacing. This is not a doctrinal oversight or manipulation of the standards; it’s a modification for the regulation drill competition phase only.
This positioning is not discretionary. The commander’s location is part of the command-and-control system of the formation, designed to ensure consistency, predictability, and standardization across units.
The “Span of Control” Argument
A commonly cited justification for switching sides is the idea of span of control—the belief that the commander may reposition in order to avoid going out of bounds during the regulation drill sequence.
While the concept of span of control is valid in leadership, management, and instructional contexts, it is not a drill authorization.
Drill doctrine does not permit commanders to relocate themselves based on visibility preferences. Instead, doctrine assumes that control is exercised through:
- Correct command timing
- Proper use of preparatory and command of execution
- The Flight guide/guidon bearer and alignment principles
- Prescribed movements within formations
Visibility challenges are addressed through training and command technique—not by altering the commander’s prescribed position.
When Position Changes Are Authorized
It is important to distinguish between discretionary movement and movement caused by prescribed drill commands.
A commander change relative position:
- During training, when the commander is both leading and training the Flight
There is no other time the Flight commander may switch sides.
The same thing goes for switching sides for Eyes Right – This is NOT a “thing”! The Flight commander does not switch to the right side of the formation to render the hand/sword salute.
What is not authorized:
- Crossing from left to right to “check” alignment
- Alternating sides during a marching sequence
- Treating commander positioning as a tactical or stylistic choice
Why the Practice Persists
This side-switching practice is best understood as a regional artifact, reinforced by:
- Competitive normalization (“everyone does it here” – the west coast)
- Instructor-to-instructor tradition
- Informal judging tolerance
However, repetition does not create authorization. Judging tolerance does not equal doctrinal approval.
Regulation drill is intentionally restrictive. Its purpose is to demonstrate discipline, standardization, and command within constraints, not optimization through improvisation.
Competitive and Instructional Implications
From a judging perspective, discretionary side-switching represents:
- A deviation from standard positioning
- A breakdown in command uniformity
- A potential downgrade under military bearing, command presence, or adherence to standards (depending on the score sheet used)
From an instructional standpoint, teaching this practice undermines a foundational principle of regulation drill: commanders control formations through precision, not movement freedom.
Conclusion
There is no Air Force–based (or any other service) drill publication that authorizes a flight commander to switch sides during regulation drill at their discretion. The “span of control” justification, while logical in other leadership contexts, is not doctrinally valid in drill and ceremonies.
If a commander ends up on a different side as a result of a prescribed movement, that is correct.
If the commander chooses to relocate, it is not.
This distinction matters—especially in programs that claim to teach military standards.