Many believe that after the command “Fall Out or “Dismissed” the formation members must execute a step to the rear and an About/Right Face, yell out “Yes/aye-aye Sir!” or something to that affect. In general, there is no such requirement to leave the formation with any formality in any service.
If your unit chooses to, you can create a formal technique that is specific only to your formation and it can even be motivational, but it is not a requirement. I need to repeat that because so many cadets are taught one thing at their unit, they then believe it is gospel, and ridicule others for not doing exactly the same thing they do. Walking away from the formation is the only requirement after “Fall Out” or “Dismissed”. A statement, chant, step in any direction, or facing movement does not exist as a mandatory function after either command.
I was sent an email asking the meaning of both terms. I enjoy questions like this because then I get to dig deep and turn the response into an article. Did you know there is a difference between both terms, and did you know that most people don’t understand the difference and use either or both wrongly? Let’s take a look at their definitions and use.
Army
We look to Training Circular 3-21.5 where we find use of the terms but no specific definitions for the terms.
Fall Out
Chapter 3, paragraph 3-22 tells us that “Fall Out” is a combined command.
3-22. In combined commands, such as FALL IN and FALL OUT, the preparatory command and command of execution are combined. Give these commands without inflection and with the uniform high pitch and loudness of a normal command of execution.
Chapter 6, paragraph 6-28 gives us a definition. Notice! This paragraph tells us exactly what happens when certain individuals are removed from a formation. No one is to automatically “cover down”, you wait until given a command to dress/cover.
The command Fall Out will only be used when an individual or individuals are being removed from the formation and the entire formation is not being dismissed. For example, Sergeant Jones, Fall Out or Third Squad, Fall Out. In this situation, the remainder of the formation would stay at the current configuration until the command Dress Right, Dress (At Close Interval, Dress Right, Dress) or Cover are given. (emphasis mine)
Chapter 7, paragraph 7-32 and the Note following the paragraph give us insight into Fall Out.
The procedures for dismissing the platoon are basically the same as prescribed for the squad. If the platoon sergeant so desires, the squads may be released to the control of the squad leaders. The platoon sergeant commands TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR SQUADS, and Salutes are exchanged. The platoon sergeant is no longer part of the formation.
Note. Without leaving their positions, the squad leaders turn their heads and eyes over the left shoulder and command FALL OUT. The squad leaders move to a position in the immediate area, and command FALL IN. Then, they carry out the previous instructions and/or give any instructions for actions before the next duty formation.
Chapter 7, paragraph 7-53 and the Note following help us understand the meaning.
The platoon re-forms to the original column formation only from the Halt. The command is Column of fours to the right (left), MARCH:
Note. To re-form the platoon to its original column formation when the file was formed on the command In Sequence, MARCH, the commands FALL OUT and FALL IN must be given.
Dismissed
Chapter 6, paragraph 6-8.
When armed, squad members fall in at Order Arms or Sling Arms. For safety, the commands Inspection, ARMS; Ready, Port, ARMS; and Order (Sling), ARMS are commanded at the initial formation of the day or when the last command is DISMISSED.
6-27 and Note are quite relevant to our understanding of the term.
The squad is dismissed with the members at Attention. With armed troops, the commands are Inspection, ARMS; Ready, Port, ARMS; Order (Sling), ARMS; and DISMISSED. With unarmed troops, the command is DISMISSED.
Note. Unless otherwise stated (by the person in charge in their instructions before the command DISMISSED), the command DISMISSED terminates only the formation, not the duty day.
Chapter 8, paragraph 8-34.
“The company is dismissed while at Attention. It is usually dismissed by the first sergeant:” and the text that follows details the procedures.
Chapter 8, paragraph 11-3. This paragraph gives us historical information and helps with understanding that “Dismissed” is the end of the formation/ceremony.
Parades in the Revolutionary Army were usually held at “Troops” or about 8 AM and was the time used for sergeants to call the roll and report it to the adjutant. After the sergeants had returned to their posts, the commander directed that necessary orders and information be reported. After the adjutant had read the orders, they announced Parade is dismissed. At that time, officers moved to a position centered on the commanding officer. As the commander gave specific instructions to the officers, the first sergeants would march their units back to their respective company areas where they would be dismissed.
Chapter 15, paragraphs 15-10 and 23. Tell us that the color guard is not merely to fall out and be on their way, that there is a formality to receiving and dismissing the color guard.
15-10. When Colors are participating in a ceremony, they will be received and dismissed.
15-23.“The Color guard is dismissed at the conclusion of the ceremony. After being dismissed, the Color guard marches to the office, headquarters, or tent of the commanding officer. The Colors are received and dismissed from organizations smaller than a company, such as a funeral escort, in a similar manner. Casing and uncasing the Colors may be scheduled in conjunction with receiving and dismissing the Colors.”
To Sum Up
For the Army, “Fall Out” is given when individuals or even a squad needs to leave the formation. “Dismissed” is given for the whole formation, regardless of size, at the conclusion of a ceremony or just the requirements for creation of the formation being no longer necessary (e.g., morning formation is finished).
Marine Corps/Navy/Coast Guard
We look to Marine Corps Order 5060.20 for the information. Just like the Army, there are no specific definitions for the terms but we can get the meaning from their multiple uses.
Fall Out
Chapter 1, Paragraph 3. C. (1) tells us that “Fall Out” is a specific Combined Command
“The first is that no repetition is necessary for combined commands such as “FALL IN,” “FALL OUT,” “REST,” or “AT EASE.”.
Chapter 2, paragraph 1. h. This tells us that “Fall Out” and “Dismissed” have two different meanings.
“For example, when drilling a squad the command to bring them to attention would be “Squad, ATTENTION.” Thereafter, they move only as ordered until given “AT EASE,” “REST,” “FALL OUT,” or they are dismissed.”
Chapter 2, paragraph 2. Tells us that “Fall Out” is not a precise movement. Everyone in formation just walks away. It is a rest position, which means it is used after morning formation (for instance) to allow the members of the formation to go off and do whatever they are supposed to (a class) until the next formation.
“d. Fall Out. The command is “FALL OUT.” At the command, leave your position in ranks, but remain nearby or proceed to a pre-designated area. When “FALL IN” is given, return to your place in ranks at the position of attention.”
Dismissed
Chapter 7, paragraph 3. c. This tells us, in the context of the flag detail that just hoisted the flag, that “Dismissed” means the members of the formation are free to go do whatever they want. They are no longer required to remain in the area and perform duties.
The [flag] detail is again formed, marched to the guardhouse, and dismissed.
There are several references for “Dismissed” that all have the connotation that it is a final command including Chapter 8, paragraph 3. a.
The squad is dismissed only from a line with individuals at attention.
Chapter 10, paragraph 3. c. Forming the Company by Officers
“(1) Normally, the company is initially formed by the staff noncommissioned or noncommissioned officers, then received by the officers as described in paragraph 3 above. This permits detailed musters to be taken by the staff noncommissioned or noncommissioned officers. During the course of training, if the company has been dismissed for a short period of time, it may be initially reformed by the company commander to save time.”
Chapter 7, Section 3, paragraphs 4. b. and c. Tell us that the color guard is dismissed with formality.
b. The company (battalion) then executes present arms in the same manner described for receiving the colors, after which the color guard marches the colors to the quarters or office of the organizational commander.
c. The color guard is received by and dismissed from organizations smaller than a company (e.g., funeral escort) in a similar manner.
Leaving the Formation “Formally”
This is where the formality of falling out or being dismissed comes from. It is not required at any other time except for what is described below. Please stop assuming all instances of Fall Out or Dismissed follow this exact framework. Reread the first paragraph of this article if you need to.
Below is where the “formal” version of being dismissed comes from. Again, it does not exist anywhere else. Enclosure 2, Chapter 2, paragraph 5. Dismissing the Staff.
When the commander dismisses the staff, the staff must be at attention and swords returned. The commander, facing the staff, commands “Staff, DISMISSED.” The staff would take one step to the rear with the left foot, halt and execute a hand salute. The commander would return the salute. The staff would terminate the hand salute, face about and depart smartly from the field.
Chapter 5, paragraph 13. c. (3). This quote explains well when dismissed is given and what happens. When the ceremony is complete everyone may leave except those associated with the colors who have one more task to complete.
“On completion of the ceremony, the command is dismissed. The color guard and color company return the colors.” (emphasis mine)
To Sum Up
“Fall Out” means go to your course (for cadets). “Dismissed” means you are finished.
Air and Space Forces
AFPAM 34-1203, the sticky note that is the drill and ceremonies manual for the USAF and USSF, has definitions and descriptions for both “Fall Out” and “Dismissed”.
Fall Out
Paragraph 3.3.1.4. “all Out.” I have no idea where the “F” went but it needs to be there. We’ve never called commands leaving out the first letter of the word(s). This paragraph gives us the definition (it is a rest position) and the description for the command.
“The command is FALL OUT. On the command FALL OUT, individuals may relax in a standing position or break ranks. They must remain in the immediate area, and no specific method of dispersal is required. Moderate speech is permitted.”
Dismissed
Paragraph 4.3.4. tells us that “Fall Out” and “Dismissed” are two different commands.
“The only commands that may be given while the flight is in this formation are At Close Interval, Dress Right, DRESS; Ready, FRONT; AT EASE; ATTENTION; FALL OUT; and DISMISSED.”
Paragraph 4.3.5. This paragraph gives us the definition (it is a rest position) and the description for the command.
“The flight is usually formed and dismissed by the drill instructor or flight sergeant. On the command DISMISSED, service members break ranks and leave the area.”
Paragraph 7.32.8. Describes the formality with which a color guard is dismissed after a ceremony.
“When dismissing the color guard at the end of a drill or ceremony in which the US, Air Force, or Space Force flags have been carried, the color guard proceeds from its position and halts in front of and faces the squadron commander of the color squadron. The squadron presents arms. The color guard then escorts the US and Air Force or Space Force flags to the commanders’ office or other depository of flags. The color guard is dismissed from organizations smaller than a squadron (funeral escort) in a similar manner.“
To Sum Up
“Fall Out” means to leave the formation and remain in the area. “Dismissed” means to leave the formation and the area.