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.
Proper Technique For the Platoon Commander
Here is the situation: The regulation drill sequence for a platoon. The commander, three steps away from and centered on the platoon in Line Formation, gives the following commands: Command The Commander Left Step Right Step Left Face Stands Fast Right Step Marches Backward at Half Step About Face Stands Fast Forward March Steps off with a Face-In-March to the …


