First Step- How to Step Off

One of the things I really did not like about Basic Training was my TI and/or DI yelling things like, “You look like trees in the wind!” “Stop be-bopping!” But, in Basic, there is not time for the “why” of what does not work. I’m going to explain the “why.”

“Stop be-bopping” is regarding vertical movement when marching and the “trees in the wind” comment has to do with beginning to march from the position of Attention when a flight or platoon leans into the first step because the Drillers know no other way.

I’ll address “be-bopping” in another article, but right now, let’s look at stopping the “trees in the wind.”

When I train others I start from the very beginning:

1. Standing Manual
2. First Step
3. Marching Technique
4. Etc.

Standing Manual: For more info on the complete honor guard (veteran, military, first responder) Standing Manual, see The Honor Guard Manual.

First Step: This is the isolated term I began using when working with Vanden High School (Fairfield, CA) Marching Band and continued to use when we moved to Germany and I was an instructor with the Spangdahlem Air Base Honor Guard.

I say “isolated” because the military drill world, as a whole, hasn’t considered this one small movement that has so much impact on a Driller, team and performance.

How to train this technique (for stepping off with the left foot- which is what we do in the military):

1. Stand at Attention using either Method.
2. Push down with the right heel while you- lift the left foot to bring it forward (see Force picture at right).
3. Stop when you are on your right platform (ball of the foot across to the little toe) and left heel; your center of balance should be exactly between each foot with your body centered over it (see First Step picture above).
4. Balance there for a moment (good balance training) to help muscle memory.
5. Go back to Attention.
6. Repeat as necessary and then begin this exercise: march a few steps, halt, march a few steps, halt.

Marching Technique: That’s another article!