Manual of Drill and Ceremonial | Chapter 7 Platoon, company and battalion drill

A-DH-201-000/PT-000

How members of a platoon, company or battalion should stand and move in a drill. Diagrams show positions, movements and distances of both individuals and groups.

Table of contents

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

GENERAL

  1. Once service personnel have learned individual and squad drill as described in previous chapters, they can function effectively as part of a formed unit on parade.
  2. The drill detailed in this chapter allows units to manoeuvre as one in order to carry out any routine or ceremonial task. It is derived from the marching and battle drills formerly used in combat. Thus:
    1. Units in line once presented their maximum frontage and brought all weapons to bear. Now they use line to show themselves to best advantage to reviewing officers and spectators. It is the most difficult formation to control on the march and units still demonstrate their high standards of drill and training by manoeuvring and marching past with sub-units in line.
    2. Troops in column reduced their frontage for ease of control or to pass through defiles and along roads.
    3. Manoeuvres such as changing direction by form and forming platoons (companies) allowed units and sub-units to change their formation in order to present their maximum frontage toward the designated directions.
    4. The use of advance and retire in line and the positions maintained by officers and non-commissioned officers relative to the ranks ensured that all were aware of the important direction being faced by the sub-unit concerned.
  3. As in the past, commanders order the movements their unit is to perform, and non-commissioned officers assist in control. Thus the former take post before their troops, and the latter on the flanks and in the rear. During dressing, non-commissioned officers control the exactness of the drill.

PLATOON DRILL

  1. The aim of platoon drill is to enable the platoon, when it takes its place in the company, to carry out any sequence of drill movements which the company commander orders.

COMPANY DRILL

  1. The aim of company drill is to manoeuvre the company together as one.

BATTALION DRILL

  1. The aim of battalion drill is to manoeuvre the battalion together as one unit.

FORMATION DRILL

  1. Larger formations, such as brigades, can manoeuvre together by applying the principles of battalion drill. Thus a brigade can parade with its component units in line, in column (or close column) of battalions, etc. Because of space limitations, formations most commonly parade in mass, that is with its component battalions in line, each battalion being in close column of companies.
  2. Control is difficult in large formations. Words of command are most often executed in succession by battalions or on an executive command sounded by trumpet or bugle.
  3. Since parade commanders order formation manoeuvres and ceremonial based on an extension of the principles discussed in this chapter, formation drill is not otherwise described in this manual.

SECTION 2 PLATOON DRILL

INTRODUCTION

  1. Although the words of commands and detail in this section specifically refer to movements executed in quick time, platoon drill may also be executed in slow and double time.
  2. Movements will be executed using either flank as the directing flank except during a wheel when dressing is taken from the inner flank.
  3. Details for exercising a squad with and without arms contained in previous chapters are applicable to platoon drill.
  4. When changing positions during platoon drill at the halt or on the march in slow time, persons in appointed positions and supernumerary ranks will move in quick time. While marching in quick time, changes will be made in double time.

PLATOON IN LINE

  1. Regardless of its frontage, when a platoon is formed up in line, the platoon commander shall position themself three paces in front and centre of the platoon and the platoon warrant officer three paces in rear and centre of the platoon (Figure 7-2-1).

Figure 7-2-1 Platoon in Line

PLATOON IN COLUMN OF THREES

  1. A platoon in column of threes is in the same formation as when in line, but facing a flank (Figure 7-2-2). Column of threes is the formation used by a platoon second in command to move platoons on the march.

PLATOON IN COLUMN OF ROUTE

  1. Column of route is similar to column of threes, except that the platoon commander is two paces in front of the centre single file of the platoon and the platoon warrant officer is two paces in rear of the centre single file of the platoon (Figure 7-2-3). Column of route is the formation most commonly used by platoon commanders to move platoons on the march.

Figure 7-2-2 Platoon in Column of Threes

DRESSING A PLATOON

  1. When the platoon commander wishes to dress the platoon at the halt, they shall face the platoon and order SHOULDER (ELBOW) DRESSING, RIGHT (LEFT) – DRESS:
    1. The platoon then acts as ordered.
    2. The platoon warrant officer:
      1. steps off, wheels to the right and marches six paces to the right of the right flank, wheels to the left and halts, facing and in line with the front rank;
      2. turns left and dresses the front rank. When the front rank is dressed, they orders FRONT RANK – STEADY;
      3. turns left, and, keeping their arms at the side, paces off the interval, halts, turns right, and dresses the centre rank. They then orders CENTRE RANK – STEADY; and
      4. turns left, keeping their arms at the side, again paces off the interval, halts, turns right, and dresses the rear rank. They then orders REAR RANK – STEADY.
    3. The platoon commander then orders EYES – FRONT. The platoon will act as ordered and the platoon warrant officer will step off and, by a series of wheels, returns to their original position in the rear of the platoon.
  2. When the platoon warrant officer is in command of the platoon and orders the right dress, the procedure above is followed. The command EYES – FRONT is ordered by the platoon warrant officer after they returns to their position in front of the platoon.

Figure 7-2-3 Platoon in Column of Route

ORDERING A PLATOON ON PARADE

  1. A platoon is ordered on parade in a similar manner to falling in a squad (see Chapter 2).
  2. The platoon warrant officer may then call the roll, size the platoon, etc.
  3. Supernumerary officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers act as follows:
    1. The warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers will form up in a supernumerary rank, three paces behind the rear rank, evenly spaced across the platoon frontage. They will act on the orders of the platoon warrant officer.
    2. Supernumerary officers will be ordered to fall in by the platoon commander after they has taken over command as in company drill, Section 3, paragraph 28 and section 3, table 7-3-1, No.20.
  4. The platoon shall be handed over to the platoon commander in the following manner:
    1. The platoon warrant officer calls the platoon to attention as the platoon commander approaches.
    2. The platoon commander halts two paces in front of the platoon warrant officer, who salutes and, when their salute has been acknowledged, reports the strength, condition, etc., of the platoon.
    3. Upon being ordered to fall in, the platoon warrant officer salutes and, after the salute has been acknowledged, turns right and proceeds by a series of wheels around the right flank to take up their position in rear of the platoon.
    4. The platoon commander marches forward two paces to take up their position.

Figure 7-2-4 Platoon Drill

PLATOON IN LINE ADVANCING AND RETIRING

  1. In line, the platoon is advancing when the original front rank is leading, and retiring when the original rear rank is leading (Figure 7-2-1).
  2. To advance, the command shall be PLATOON WILL ADVANCE BY THE RIGHT, QUICK – MARCH. The platoon commander and platoon warrant officer maintain their relative positions.
  3. On the command PLATOON WILL RETIRE, ABOUT – TURN, the platoon turns about. The platoon commander and platoon warrant officer maintain their position.

PLATOON MOVING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT IN COLUMN OF THREES

  1. On the command PLATOON WILL MOVE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT) IN COLUMN OF THREES, RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN, the platoon acts as ordered. The platoon commander and platoon warrant officer turn in the appropriate direction and maintain their positions.

PLATOON MOVING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT IN COLUMN OF ROUTE

  1. On the command PLATOON WILL MOVE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT) IN COLUMN OF ROUTE, RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN:
    1. the platoon will act as ordered; and
    2. the platoon commander and platoon warrant officer will turn in the appropriate direction, observe the standard pause and move to their positions in front and rear of the platoon.

PLATOON ADVANCING AND RETIRING IN COLUMN OF THREES

  1. The cautionary command ADVANCE (RETIRE) IN COLUMN OF THREES, warn the platoon of a turn, followed immediately by a wheel in the indicated direction.
  2. The command shall be PLATOON WILL ADVANCE IN COLUMN OF THREES FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN.
  3. This command shall be followed by, LEFT (RIGHT) WHEEL BY THE LEFT (RIGHT), QUICK – MARCH. The platoon wheels as it steps off.
  4. To retire, the commands are:
    1. PLATOON WILL RETIRE IN COLUMN OF THREES FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN;
    2. RIGHT (LEFT) WHEEL, BY THE RIGHT (LEFT), QUICK – MARCH; and
    3. on completion of the wheel, the platoon commander normally orders, BY THE LEFT (RIGHT) to ensure dressing by the original front rank.

PLATOON ADVANCING AND RETIRING IN COLUMN OF ROUTE

  1. The cautionary command ADVANCE (RETIRE) IN COLUMN OF ROUTE warns the platoon of a turn, followed immediately by a wheel in the indicated direction. 
  2. The command shall be PLATOON WILL ADVANCE IN COLUMN OF ROUTE FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN.
  3. After the platoon commander and platoon warrant officer take up their new positions, this command shall be followed by LEFT (RIGHT) WHEEL, BY THE LEFT (RIGHT), QUICK – MARCH. The platoon wheels as it steps off.
  4. To retire, the commands are:
    1. PLATOON WILL RETIRE IN COLUMN OF ROUTE FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT), RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN;
    2. RIGHT (LEFT) WHEEL, BY THE RIGHT (LEFT), QUICK – MARCH; and
    3. on completion of the wheel, the platoon commander normally orders BY THE LEFT (RIGHT) to ensure dressing by the original front rank.

PLATOON MOVING TO A FLANK, REQUIRED TO TURN ABOUT

  1. On the command PLATOON MOVE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT) IN THREES (COLUMN OF ROUTE), ABOUT – TURN:
    1. The platoon will act as ordered.
    2. If in column of threes and remaining in column of threes, the platoon commander and platoon warrant officer shall turn about and maintain their relative positions.
    3. If column of route is ordered, the platoon commander and platoon warrant officer shall turn about, change into double time, and double to their new positions two paces in front and rear of the centre file (the platoon commander doubling past the front rank and the platoon warrant officer past the rear rank), where they will change back into quick time.

SECTION 3 COMPANY DRILL

INTRODUCTION

  1. A company consists of two or more platoons. It is commanded by a company commander, assisted by a deputy company commander and a master warrant officer. Other officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers not directly involved with the platoons shall be supernumeraries and form supernumerary ranks as directed by the company commander.
  2. Whenever space is limited, intervals and distances between units or sub-units may be decreased.
  3. For simplicity and as an example, this section uses “A” Company, consisting of Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Platoons.

COMPANY FORMATIONS

  1. General. Company formations are:
    1. line;
    2. column of threes;
    3. column of route;
    4. column of platoons (only used as part of battalion drill but must be practised at company level); and
    5. close column of platoons (only used as part of battalion drill but must be practised at company level).

Figure 7-3-1 Company in Line

  1. Company in Line. When a company is formed in line (Figure 7-3-1):
    1. the platoons are side-by-side on the same alignment, with a seven pace interval between platoons;
    2. each platoon is formed as in platoon drill;
    3. the company commander is centred three paces in front of the line of platoon commanders;
    4. the deputy commander is in line with the platoon commanders and three paces in front of the second single file from the right flank of the company;
    5. the master warrant officer (right guide) is one pace to the right of the No. 1 Platoon marker, in line with the front rank;
    6. the warrant officer (left guide) is one pace to the left of the left flank of the company, in line with the front rank;
    7. any supernumerary officers are evenly distributed across the frontage of the platoons, in line with the platoon commanders; and
    8. any supernumerary warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers are evenly distributed across the rear of the platoons, in line with the platoon warrant officers.
  2. Company in Column of Threes. A company formed in column of threes is in the same formation as when in line, but facing a flank (Figure 7-3-2).

Figure 7-3-2 Company in Column of Threes

  1. Company in Column of Route. A company in column of route (Figure 7-3-3) is similar to one in threes, except that:
    1. the company commander is centred two paces in front of the leading platoon commander;
    2. the deputy commander is centred two paces behind the rear platoon warrant officer;
    3. the master warrant officer (right guide) is one pace in front of the directing flank of the leading platoon;
    4. the warrant officer (left guide) is one pace in rear of the directing flank of the last platoon;
    5. if supernumerary officers are present, they are two paces in front of their respective platoons and the company commander and platoon commanders concerned are one pace further forward than normal to provide room; and
    6. if supernumerary warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers are present, they are one pace in rear of their respective platoons, while the warrant officer left guide and the platoon warrant officers concerned are one pace in rear of their normal positions to provide room.

Figure 7-3-3 Company in Column of Route

  1. Company in Column of Platoons. A company in column of platoons is formed with each platoon in line, one behind the other (Figure 7-3-4). If the platoons are of unequal strength, the leading platoon will be the strongest. The distance between platoons is the frontage of the leading platoon, plus seven paces, the minimum distance is 12 paces (i.e., the distance for close column, see paragraph 10):
    1. The company commander is centred three paces in front of the leading platoon commander.
    2. The deputy commander is centred three paces in rear of the rear platoon warrant officer.
    3. The master warrant officer is one pace to the right and in line with the front rank of the leading platoon.
    4. The warrant officer is one pace to the right and in line with the front rank of the rear platoon.
    5. Supernumerary officers are evenly spaced three paces in front of the platoon, in line with the platoon commanders.
    6. Any supernumerary warrant officers and non-commissioned officers are three paces in rear of the platoon with which they are parading, in line with the platoon warrant officers.
  2. Company in Close Column of Platoons. A company formed in close column of platoons maintains the same formation in all detail as for column of platoons except that the minimum distance between platoons is 12 paces, however, the distance between platoons may be reduced to suit the circumstances, but remains the same between each platoon.

Figure 7-3-4 Company in Column of Platoons

TELLING OFF A COMPANY

  1. If troops are not part of a formally established unit and do not parade together regularly, it may be necessary to organize and identify individual platoons. For newly assembled troops, they will normally first be divided into equal groups, often after being sized.
  2. The master warrant officer shall assemble the platoons in a convenient order. On the master warrant officer’s command TELL OFF BY PLATOONS, the platoon warrant officers call out in succession:
    1. No. 1 PLATOON;
    2. No. 2; and
    3. No. 3 PLATOON.
  3. The master warrant officer then orders, 1, 2 and 3 PLATOONS SHALL FORM “A” COMPANY.
  4. Only the first and last sub-units use the word “platoon”. Thus this word indicates the start of the telling off and that all have replied.

DRESSING A COMPANY IN LINE

  1. At the completion of all company drill movements, when a company is halted in line, the company shall be dressed.
  2. On the command RIGHT – DRESS, by the company commander:
    1. The officers about turn, turn their head and eyes to the left and dress on the second in command, then turn their head and eyes back to supervise the dressing of those under their command.
    2. The platoon warrant officer and supernumerary warrant officers and non-commissioned officers turn their head and eyes to the right and dress on the non-commissioned officer on the right flank, who looks straight to the front.
    3. The members in the ranks dress by the right; the right hand single file of the company look straight to their front.
    4. The platoon warrant officers of No. 2 and 3 Platoons shall pace off the proper interval between the platoon on their right and their own platoon and position their markers accordingly. Upon completion, they shall return to their normal positions in line and dress by their right.
    5. The master warrant officer turns right and marches five paces to the right of the company, about turns and dresses each rank in succession in a similar manner to dressing a platoon as detailed in Section 2, paragraph 11.
    6. When the master warrant officer orders REAR RANK – STEADY, the company commander shall give the command EYES – FRONT.
  3. On the command EYES – FRONT:
    1. officers about turn;
    2. the master warrant officer returns to their original position; and
    3. the remainder of the company act as ordered.
  4. When the master warrant officer is in charge of the company and orders right dress, the platoon warrant officer of the right hand platoon will act as detailed in Section 2, paragraph 11 and dress the company.

DRESSING A COMPANY IN COLUMN AND CLOSE COLUMN OF PLATOONS

  1. At the completion of all company drill movements, when a company has been halted in column or close column of platoons, the company shall be dressed.
  2. On the command RIGHT – DRESS by the company commander:
    1. All officers about turn and supervise the dressing, at the same time taking up their proper distance and dressing.
    2. The platoons act as ordered.
    3. The platoon warrant officers take up their positions six paces to the right of their front ranks as detailed in Section 2, paragraph 11.
    4. The master warrant officer marches forward to a position six paces in front of the right marker of the leading platoon, halts, turns about and ensures that the right hand file of each platoon is covered correctly and then orders RIGHT FLANK – STEADY.
  3. On the command RIGHT FLANK – STEADY, the platoon warrant officers dress their platoons normally. When the dressing has been completed, the platoon WOs shall, in succession, order NO. 1 PLATOON – STEADY; NO. 2 – STEADY; NO. 3 PLATOON – STEADY.
  4. On the command NO. 3 PLATOON – STEADY, the company commander orders “A” COMPANY, EYES – FRONT.
  5. On the command “A” COMPANY, EYES – FRONT:
    1. officers about turn;
    2. the master warrant officer returns to their original position;
    3. the platoon warrant officers return to their normal positions; and
    4. the remainder of the company acts as ordered.

FORMING UP A COMPANY

  1. Prior to forming the company, the platoon warrant officers call the roll and inspect their platoons. They then position their platoons (sized, if so ordered) as directed by the master warrant officer, normally at the edge of the parade ground. They shall report their platoon strengths to the master warrant officer prior to the markers being called.
  2. A company may be formed up in one of the following formations:
    1. line;
    2. column of platoon; and
    3. close column of platoons.
  3. The company is normally formed up in the centre of the allotted parade ground. Knowing the company’s strength and frontage, the master warrant officer selects the position to fall in the markers, by:
    1. dividing the frontage of the company’s leading (and largest) platoon by two and marching off an equal number of paces to the right flank from where the company will be centred, for column or close column of platoons, and
    2. dividing the company’s frontage, including intervals, in two and marching the appropriate number of paces to the right flank, for line.
  4. The words of command and the action taken to form up a company are detailed in Table 7-3-1.
Table 7-3-1 Forming Up a Company
No. Command By Action Remarks
1 - - The MWO marches to and halts in a position three paces to the left of and facing the position to be occupied by the marker of No. 1 Platoon. The platoons are normally positioned at the edge of the parade ground, standing easy. The MWO shall face the future position of the front rank if the company is to form up in line, and the right flank if the company is to form up in (close) column of platoons.
2 MARKERS MWO The platoon markers come to attention and march onto the parade ground. The marker of No. 1 Platoon halts three paces in front of and facing the MWO. The remainder halt on the left of the No. 1 Platoon marker and dress to the right at shoulder dressing. Upon completion of dressing they look to the front in succession from the right. Platoons formed on the edge of the parade ground adopt the stand at ease position. Standard pauses are observed between drill movements.
3 MARKERS – NUMBER MWO Markers number in succession from the right, e.g. “one”, “two”, etc. -
4 NO. 1 PLATOON, RIGHT, REMAINDER LEFT – TURN MWO No. 1 Platoon marker turns right, the remainder turn left. The MWO specifies the number of paces to be taken by Nos. 2 and 3 Platoon markers after completion of the left turn.
5 NO. 1 PLATOON, STAND FAST,
REMAINDER, QUICK – MARCH
MWO No. 1 Platoon marker stands fast, the remainder quick march the required distance and halt. -
6 NO. 1 PLATOON, STAND FAST, REMAINDER ABOUT – TURN MWO No. 1 Platoon marker stands fast, the remainder about turn and cover off the No. 1 Platoon marker. The MWO by wheeling, marches out six paces in front of No. 1 Platoon marker and ensures the markers are covered off.
7 MARKERS – STEADY MWO The markers stand fast. If the company is being formed up in line, the MWO shall proceed as detailed in No. 7a. If in column or close column, the MWO turns right, marches to and halts in a position six paces in front and centre of where the front platoon will be and turns left, facing the future company position. The MWO then proceeds as detailed in No 8.
7a MARKERS, LEFT – TURN MWO The markers turn left. This order places the markers in line. The MWO then, by wheeling, positions themself six paces in front of and facing the future centre of the company.
8 __ COMPANY, FALL – IN MWO The platoon WOs come to attention, about turn, facing their respective platoons together. -
9 NO. 1 PLATOON,
ATTEN – TION
No. 1
Pl WO
The platoon acts as ordered. Nos. 2 and 3 Platoon WOs order their platoons to attention in succession, following No. 1 Platoon.
10 NO. 1 PLATOON,
(RIGHT – TURN;)
QUICK – MARCH
No. 1
Pl WO
The platoon acts as ordered and marches. As above.
11 NO. 1 PLATOON – HALT No. 1
Pl WO
The platoon halts on its marker. As above. As the platoons fall in, the officers move to the parade ground and begin the promenade, normally on the flank.
12 NO. 1 PLATOON,
ADVANCE,
LEFT – TURN
No. 1
Pl WO
The platoon acts as ordered. As above. As the No. 3 Platoon WO gives the command LEFT – TURN, all three WOs will turn about and face the front together.
13 __ COMPANY,
ORDER – ARMS
MWO The company acts as ordered. -
14 __ COMPANY, OPEN
ORDER – MARCH
MWO The company acts as ordered. -
15 __ COMPANY,
RIGHT – DRESS
MWO The company acts as ordered. The MWO and platoon WOs dress the company.
16 __ COMPANY,
EYES – FRONT
MWO The company acts as ordered. -
17 REPORT YOUR – PLATOONS MWO Platoons WOs report their platoons. Platoons WOs, when indicating their platoons, shall use the procedure for telling off platoons. Meanwhile, the officers position themselves ready to fall in. The deputy company commander (DComd) shall position themself two paces behind the MWO.
18 - - The MWO turns about, salutes and reports the company to the DComd. The DComd orders the MWO to fall in. The MWO salutes, turns right and marches to their position on parade. The DComd takes two paces forward to assume MWO’s former position. All salutes are acknowledged. The DComd shall wait until the MWO has adopted their new position before giving any further commands.
19 OFFICERS,
FALL – IN
DComd The officers acts as ordered. Platoon WOs report their platoons and, after being ordered to fall in, turn right and march to their new positions. The company is now ready, at the appointed time, to receive its company commander (Coy Comd). The latter marches onto the parade ground and positions themself two paces from the DComd. The DComd turns about and calls the company to attention as the Coy Comd approaches.
20 — COMPANY, ATTEN – TION DComd The DComd salutes and reports the company to its commander. The Coy Comd orders the DComd to fall in. The DComd salutes, turns right and by a succession of wheels marches to their position on parade. The Coy Comd steps forward two paces adopting the position formerly occupied by the DComd. All salutes are acknowledged. The Coy Comd waits until the DComd has adopted their new position before issuing any further orders.
21 — COMPANY, STAND AT – EASE Coy
Comd
The company acts as ordered. The Coy Comd carries on by inspecting the platoons, having the platoon commanders inspect their own platoons, or proceeding with training or ceremonial.

Table 7-3-1 Forming Up a Company

Figure 7-3-5 Officers Fall in

FALLING IN THE OFFICERS

  1. The officers may commence promenading after the platoons have fallen in (Table 7-3-1, Item 12; see also Chapter 9, Section 1, paragraph 7). They continue until the deputy commander is ready to assume command of the company from the master warrant officer.
  2. The platoon commanders and supernumerary officers position themselves five paces in rear of and centred on the deputy commander. Dressing is automatic and officers stand at ease in succession from the right.
  3. After the deputy commander has ordered the master warrant officer to fall in and has moved to the master warrant officer’s former position, they will turn about and order the officers to fall in.
  4. On the command OFFICERS FALL – IN by the deputy commander, the officers come to attention, salute, turn left and march to their respective platoons, approaching their platoon warrant officers from the right flank front (Figure 7-3-5).
  5. Each platoon is handed over to its commander following the same procedure as for a platoon parading independently. Once the platoon warrant officers are in their new positions, the platoons are stood at ease by their commanders in succession from the front (right). On the executive word of command of the last platoon commander ordering their platoon to stand at ease, platoon commanders turn about and stand at ease together.

COMPANY COMMANDER’S INSPECTION

  1. Inspections are carried out at the open order.
  2. When company commanders wish to inspect their companies, they do so one platoon at a time, normally accompanied by the appropriate platoon commanders and the deputy company commanders and master warrant officers. The company commander orders NO. 1 PLATOON, STAND FAST, REMAINDER STAND AT – EASE and then inspects the company, commencing with the platoon ordered to stand fast.
  3. As the company commander approaches the platoon that has been ordered to stand fast, the platoon commander turns right and moves to a position three paces in front of their platoon marker, where they shall salute the company commander and report their platoon (Figure 7-3-6). The remaining platoon commanders will observe the company commander, and as they commences inspecting the rear rank of the preceding platoon, they shall turn about to face their platoon, order their platoon to attention, turn left, and move to a position three paces in front of their respective markers, where they shall salute the company commander on their arrival and report their platoons.
  4. When the company commander does not wish to inspect the company personally, they may order the platoon commanders to carry on with the inspection. Platoon commanders then inspect their platoons, accompanied by the platoon warrant officers.

Figure 7-3-6 Company Commander’s Inspection: Company in Line, Column or Close Column of Platoons

  1. When the inspection of a platoon is completed, the platoon commander shall return to the platoon’s centre front, order close order march and stand at ease, following which the platoon commander will turn about to face the front, stand at ease, and await further orders from the company commander.
  2. When the inspection of the company is completed the company commander orders “A” COMPANY, ATTEN – TION, and then:
    1. exercises the company in drill or otherwise carries on with the purpose of the parade (Figure 7-3-7 and subsequent articles);
    2. turns the company over to the deputy commander;
    3. falls out the officers and turns the company over to the master warrant officer; or
    4. falls out the deputy commander, the master warrant officer and the warrant officer (left guide) and orders platoon commanders to carry on with platoon duties.

FALLING OUT THE OFFICERS

  1. Prior to giving the order for officers to fall out, the company commander positions themself so that officers may halt at the required distance in front of them, with sufficient space left for the platoon warrant to occupy the position vacated by the platoon commander of the first platoon when in column, or the centre platoon when in line.
  2. The command OFFICERS, FALL – OUT is given by the company commander when the company is at attention.
  3. The officers march by the most direct route and form up in a line, five paces in front of, centred on and facing, the company commander, at arm’s length interval (without raising the arm), the deputy commander on the right. When all are present and in line, the deputy commander shall take a half pace forward. As their right foot completes the movement, all officers will observe a standard pause and salute. After the company commander has finished speaking to them, they salute together and march five paces behind them, halt in line, turn about, return swords and stand at ease. When ordered by the company commander to DIS – MISS, the deputy commander will step back one half pace. All officers will observe the standard pause, salute with the hand and march straight off the parade ground.
  4. On the command OFFICERS, FALL – OUT, the platoon warrant officers march around the left flank of their platoons and occupy the positions vacated by the platoon commanders.
  5. When the platoon warrant officers are in position and the officers have been dismissed, the company commander orders “A” COMPANY, STAND AT – EASE.
  6. After the company has been stood at ease, the company commander will call the master warrant officer forward. On arrival, the master warrant officer shall salute, receive instructions and salute again. The company commander then turns and marches off the parade ground. The master warrant officer shall call the company to attention as the company commander departs. The master warrant officer then carries on as instructed.

COMPANY IN (CLOSE) COLUMN OF PLATOONS FORMING COLUMN OF THREES (COLUMN OF ROUTE)

  1. On the command “A” COMPANY, MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN COLUMN OF THREES, RIGHT – TURN:
    1. the company turns right; and
    2. the deputy commander moves to the position for column of threes.
  2. After the deputy commander takes up the new position, the leading platoon commander orders NO. 1 PLATOON, BY THE LEFT, QUICK – MARCH (Figure 7-3-7).
  3. The platoon commanders of the second and third platoons, in succession, order NO. 2 (3) PLATOON, LEFT WHEEL, BY THE LEFT, QUICK – MARCH. This command is given in time to obtain the correct distance in column of threes. When reaching a position in line with the leading platoon they order NO. 2 (3) PLATOON, RIGHT – WHEEL, and upon the platoon completing the wheel, order BY THE LEFT.

Figure 7-3-7 Company Drill

  1. For a company on the march in column of platoons, the command shall be IN SUCCESSION BY PLATOONS, MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN COLUMN OF THREES, after which:
    1. the leading platoon commander orders NO. 1 PLATOON, RIGHT – TURN;
    2. the commanders of the second and third platoons order their platoons to turn right when their platoons arrive at the position formerly occupied by the leading platoon when turning; and
    3. the company deputy commander moves directly to intercept the leading platoon and move to their new position.
  2. A company may move to the left in column of threes in a similar manner by exchanging the right and left directions noted above. A company may also be ordered to advance or retire in column of threes from the right or left, platoons wheeling as directed after turning.
  3. Similarly, a company may be ordered to move to the right or left IN COLUMN OF ROUTE. When at the halt, the leading platoon commander waits for all officers and warrant officers to take up their new positions before ordering NO. 1 (2) PLATOON, BY THE LEFT (RIGHT), QUICK – MARCH. It is unusual to order a company on the march in column of platoons to move to column of route; if the order is given, officers and warrant officers will double to their new positions.

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF THREES (COLUMN OF ROUTE) FORMING (CLOSE) COLUMN OF PLATOONS AT THE HALT FACING A FLANK

Figure 7-3-8 Company Drill: Column of Platoons to Column of Threes and Vice Versa

  1. On the command “A” COMPANY AT THE HALT, FACING LEFT, FORM (CLOSE) COLUMN OF PLATOONS:
    1. The leading platoon commander orders NO. 1 PLATOON – HALT. Upon completion of the halt, the platoon commander will, if necessary, march to their position in line, and face the platoon.
    2. The master warrant officer, after halting on the command of the platoon commander, turns right and paces the distance required between No. 1 and No. 2 Platoon and halts.
  2. The second platoon commander orders NO. 2 PLATOON, RIGHT – WHEEL, ensuring there is sufficient clearance from the left flank of No. 1 Platoon. The third platoon commander wheels their platoon right on the same ground on which the second platoon wheeled (Figure 7-3-8).
  3. When the marker of the second platoon is opposite the master warrant officer, the platoon commander orders NO. 2 PLATOON, LEFT – WHEEL. The platoon is halted one pace short of where the master warrant officer is standing and the platoon commander moves to their position in line if necessary and faces the platoon.
  4. After the second platoon halts, the master warrant officer paces to distance required between No. 2 and 3 Platoons and halts. When the marker of No. 3 Platoon is opposite the master warrant officer, the platoon commander orders a LEFT – WHEEL and halts the platoon one pace short of where the master warrant officer is standing. The platoon commander moves to their position in line if necessary and faces the platoon, while the master warrant officer moves to their position for close column of platoons.
  5. Once the master warrant officer halts in their position for close column of platoons, the platoon commanders in succession from the front shall order NO. 1 (2) (3) PLATOON ADVANCE, LEFT – TURN. Upon the rear platoon commander’s executive word of command, the three platoon commanders will turn about together.
  6. The following personnel will move to their appropriate new locations:
    1. The company commander, upon giving their order to form column of platoons will continue to march forward, halt in time with the leading platoon commander and then move to their new position in the front and centre of the leading platoon, facing the company.
    2. The deputy commander will halt in conjunction with the leading (in column of threes) or rear (column of route) platoon, march to their right to their new position in column of platoons.
    3. The warrant officer, after halting and turning left with the rear platoon, will march and, by a series of wheels, proceed around the rear of No. 3 Platoon to their new position in column of platoons.
    4. The platoon warrant officers will turn left upon their respective platoon commander’s command NO. __ PLATOON ADVANCE, LEFT – TURN.
  7. The left and right directions noted above are exchanged if the company is ordered to halt and form column of platoons facing the right.

COMPANY IN CLOSE COLUMN OF PLATOONS FORMING COLUMN OF PLATOONS

  1. At The Halt. On the command AT THE HALT, ON NO. __ PLATOON, FORM COLUMN:
    1. To Form Column on the Rear Platoon. The rear platoon stands fast. The platoons in front are marched by the platoon commanders and halted at the column distance, the master warrant officer having paced the required distance.
    2. To Form Column on the Leading Platoon. The leading platoon stands fast. The remainder about turn, march the column distance, halt, and about turn, the master warrant officer having paced the required distance.
    3. To Form Column on the Centre Platoon. The leading platoon is marched by the platoon commander and halted at column distance. The centre platoon stands fast and the rear platoon about turns, marches to column distance, halts, and about turns, the master warrant officer having paced the required distance.
  2. Upon Stepping Off. On the command “A” COMPANY ADVANCE IN COLUMN:
    1. the leading platoon commander orders NO. 1 PLATOON ADVANCE, BY THE RIGHT, QUICK – MARCH; and
    2. the platoon commanders in the rear step off their platoons in succession at column distance, in step with the leading platoon.
  3. On the March. The company can move from close column to column of platoons based on either the rear or leading platoon:
    1. On the Rear Platoon. On the command “A” COMPANY, ON NO. 3 PLATOON, FORM COLUMN, REMAINDER, DOUBLE – MARCH, the company will form column on the rear platoon. The platoon commanders of the centre and leading platoon will order CHANGE TO QUICK TIME, QUICK – MARCH, when their platoons are at column distance.
    2. On the Leading Platoon. On the command “A” COMPANY, ON NO. 1 PLATOON, FORM COLUMN, REMAINDER, MARK – TIME, the company will form column on the leading platoon. The platoon commanders of the centre and rear platoons will order FOR – WARD, when their platoons are at column distance.

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF PLATOONS FORMING CLOSE COLUMN OF PLATOONS

  1. At the Halt. On the command ON NO. __ PLATOON, FORM CLOSE COLUMN, REMAINDER, QUICK – MARCH, the platoons required to close on the directing platoon are halted by their platoon commanders, when at close column distance. The master warrant officer paces the required distance.
  2. On the March
    1. On the command ON NO. __ PLATOON FORM CLOSE COLUMN, REMAINDER DOUBLE – MARCH, the platoons required to close on the designated platoon are given the order, CHANGE TO QUICK TIME, QUICK – MARCH, by their respective platoon commanders, when at close column distance.
    2. On the command AT THE HALT, FORM CLOSE – COLUMN, the leading platoon commander halts their platoon and the remaining platoon commanders halt their platoons when at close column distance.

COMPANY IN (CLOSE) COLUMN OF PLATOONS AT THE HALT MOVING TO A FLANK IN THREES

  1. On the commands “A” COMPANY WILL MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN (CLOSE) COLUMN OF PLATOONS IN THREES, RIGHT – TURN; and “A” COMPANY, QUICK – MARCH, the company turns right and steps off in quick time. The company commander then designates the direction flank.

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF PLATOONS FORMING LINE FACING A FLANK

  1. At the Halt
    1. On the command PLATOONS CHANGE DIRECTION LEFT, INTO LINE, LEFT – FORM; and QUICK – MARCH, the platoons act as in squad drill. The company marks time until the command FOR – WARD or HALT is given.
    2. On the command PLATOONS, AT THE HALT, CHANGE DIRECTION LEFT, INTO LINE, LEFT – FORM; and QUICK – MARCH, the platoons act as in squad drill, halting when the movement has been completed.
  2. On the March
    1. On the command PLATOONS, AT THE HALT, CHANGE DIRECTION LEFT, INTO LINE, LEFT – FORM, the platoons act as in squad drill, halting when the movement has been completed.
    2. On the command PLATOONS CHANGE DIRECTION LEFT, INTO LINE, LEFT – FORM, the platoons act as in squad drill. The company marks time until the command FOR – WARD or HALT is given.

Figure 7-3-9 Company in Line Forming Column of Platoons Facing a Flank

COMPANY IN LINE FORMING COLUMN OF PLATOONS FACING A FLANK

  1. At the Halt
    1. On the command PLATOONS, AT THE HALT, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT, INTO COLUMN, RIGHT FORM; QUICK – MARCH, the platoons act as in squad drill, halting when the movement has been completed (Figure 7-3-9).
    2. On the command PLATOONS, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT, INTO COLUMN, RIGHT FORM; QUICK – MARCH, the platoons act as in squad drill. The company marks time until the command FOR – WARD or HALT is given.
  2. On the March
    1. On the command PLATOONS, AT THE HALT, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT, INTO COLUMN, RIGHT – FORM, the platoons act as in squad drill, halting when the movement has been completed.
    2. On the command PLATOONS, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT, INTO COLUMN, RIGHT – FORM, the platoons act as in squad drill. The company marks time until the command FOR – WARD or HALT is given.

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF THREES ON THE MARCH FORMING COLUMN OF PLATOONS FACING A FLANK

  1. On the command “A” COMPANY, FACING LEFT, ADVANCE IN COLUMN:
    1. the leading platoon commander orders NO. 1 PLATOON, LEFT – TURN; and
    2. the commanders of the second and third platoons order their platoons to turn left when their platoons arrive at the position formerly occupied by the leading platoon (Figure 7-3-10).
  2. After each platoon turns, the platoon commander designates the directing flank.
  3. In conjunction with No. 1 and No. 3 Platoon Commander’s orders, the deputy commander and warrant officer move to their respective positions in column.

Figure 7-3-10 Company in Column of Threes On the March Forming Column of Platoons Facing a Flank

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF PLATOONS FORMING LINE FACING THE SAME DIRECTION

  1. At the Halt
    1. On the command AT THE HALT, ON THE LEFT, FORM LINE, REMAINDER LEFT IN – CLINE; QUICK – MARCH:
      1. the leading platoon stands fast; and
      2. the remainder left incline and then, on the second command, commence marching.
    2. Platoon commanders order RIGHT IN – CLINE as their platoons reach a position opposite their place in line and halt their platoons when they come into position in line.
  2. On the March
    1. On the command AT THE HALT, ON THE LEFT, FORM LINE; REMAINDER LEFT IN – CLINE:
      1. the leading platoon commander orders HALT; and
      2. the remaining platoon commanders order RIGHT IN – CLINE as their platoons reach a position opposite their place in line and halt their platoons when they come into position in line.
    2. If the command AT THE HALT is not given, the leading platoon continues marching in quick time and remainder advance at the double. In this case the order after LEFT IN – CLINE would be RIGHT INCLINE, CHANGE TO DOUBLE TIME, DOUBLE – MARCH. When the second and third platoons reach their positions, the platoon commanders order CHANGE TO QUICK TIME, QUICK – MARCH.

COMPANY IN LINE FORMING (CLOSE) COLUMN OF PLATOONS FACING THE SAME DIRECTION

  1. At the Halt. On the command AT THE HALT, ON NO. 1 PLATOON, FORM (CLOSE) COLUMN, REMAINDER, RIGHT TURN; QUICK – MARCH:
    1. the designated platoon stands fast: and
    2. the remainder of the company turns right, steps off in quick time and forms (close) column of platoons to the rear of the designated platoon in the same manner as forming column of platoons from column of threes (see paragraphs 51 to 57).
  2. On the March. On the command ADVANCE IN COLUMN, REMAINDER RIGHT – TURN, the right platoon continues to march to its front, the remainder of the company turns right (the company commander moving directly to their new position) and the commanders of the other platoons order LEFT – TURN as their platoons reach their positions in column.

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF PLATOONS MOVING TO A FLANK, FORMING COLUMN OF THREES BY WHEELING

  1. On the command ADVANCE IN COLUMN OF THREES, PLATOONS, LEFT – WHEEL, each platoon wheels to the left immediately.

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF THREES FORMING COLUMN OF PLATOONS MOVING TO A FLANK BY WHEELING

  1. On the command MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN COLUMN OF PLATOONS, IN THREES, PLATOONS, RIGHT – WHEEL, the platoons wheel immediately.

Figure 7-3-11 Company in Column of Threes Forming Column of Platoons Facing the Same Direction

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF THREES FORMING COLUMN OF PLATOONS FACING THE SAME DIRECTION

  1. At the Halt
    1. On the command AT THE HALT, ON THE LEFT, INTO COLUMN, FORM PLATOONS; QUICK – MARCH, the platoons act as ordered.
    2. The same procedure is used to form close column of platoons with the following exceptions:
      1. the company commander shall order ON THE LEFT, INTO CLOSE COLUMN, FORM PLATOONS; QUICK – MARCH;
      2. the leading platoon shall act to form platoon normally;
      3. as the centre and rear platoons complete the form, the platoon commanders shall order, NO. __ PLATOON, FOR – WARD, and as each platoon arrives at close column distance they shall order, NO. __ PLATOON, MARK – TIME; and
      4. the company commander then shall order “A” COMPANY, FOR – WARD or HALT.
  2. On the March
    1. On the command ON THE LEFT, INTO COLUMN, FORM – PLATOONS, the platoons act as ordered (Figure 7-3-11).
    2. The same procedure is used to form close column of platoons with the following exceptions:
      1. the company commander shall order ON THE LEFT, INTO CLOSE COLUMN, FORM – PLATOONS;
      2. the leading platoon shall act to form platoon normally;
      3. as the centre and rear platoons complete the form, the platoon commanders shall order, NO. __ PLATOON, FOR – WARD, and as each platoon arrives at close column distance they shall order NO. __ PLATOON, MARK – TIME; and
      4. the company commander shall then order “A” COMPANY, FOR – WARD or HALT.

COMPANY IN COLUMN OF PLATOONS CHANGING DIRECTION BY FORMING

  1. On the command BY THE RIGHT, CHANGE DIRECTION RIGHT, the leading platoon commander orders NO. 1 PLATOON RIGHT – FORM and then FOR – WARD. The remaining platoons conform on reaching the same ground (Figure 7-3-12).

COMPANY IN CLOSE COLUMN OF PLATOONS ON THE MARCH FORMING LINE FACING A FLANK

  1. On the command AT THE HALT, FACING LEFT, FORM – LINE, the rear platoon commander orders NO. 3 PLATOON, LEFT – FORM. The remaining platoon commanders give the same order so as to reach their positions in line.
  2. If the cautionary command AT THE HALT is not given, the company marks time until the order FOR – WARD or HALT is given.

Figure 7-3-12 Company in Column of Platoons Changing Direction by Forming

COMPANY IN CLOSE COLUMN OF PLATOONS HALTED, FORMING LINE FACING THE SAME DIRECTION

  1. On the command ON THE LEFT FORM LINE, REMAINDER LEFT TURN; QUICK – MARCH, the rear platoons wheel right and then left to arrive at their positions in line. Keeping the correct order of platoons, the platoon commanders halt and advance their platoons.

SECTION 4 BATTALION DRILL

INTRODUCTION

  1. Detail for exercising a squad, platoon and company with and without arms is applicable to battalion drill.
  2. A battalion consists of two or more companies. It is commanded by a commanding officer, assisted by a deputy commander, an adjutant and a chief warrant officer. Their positions on parade are summarized in Figure 7-4-5. Other officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers not directly involved with the companies shall be supernumeraries and form supernumerary ranks as directed by the commanding officer. For colour bearing units, positions of colours on parade are described and illustrated in Chapter 8, Section 7.
  3. The intervals and distances between units and sub-units, may be altered to suit available parade ground space.
  4. For simplicity, the battalion described in this section consists of “A”, “B” and “C” companies, and its headquarters personnel occupy parade positions or are distributed among the companies on parade. If an actual unit’s headquarters is large enough to parade as a separate company, and it is to be maintained as such, it will take post on the right of the line.

BATTALION FORMATIONS

  1. General. Battalion formations are:
    1. line;
    2. column of threes;
    3. column of route;
    4. column of companies;
    5. close column of companies; and
    6. mass.
  2. Battalion in Line. When a battalion is formed in line (see Figure 7-4-1):
    1. the companies are in line, side-by-side on the same alignment, with a 10 pace interval between companies;
    2. each company is formed in line as in company drill;
    3. the commanding officer is in the centre of the battalion 15 paces in front of the front rank;
    4. the deputy commander is in line with the company commanders and six paces in front of the second single file from the left of the left flank platoon of the battalion;
    5. the adjutant is in line with the company commanders and six paces in front of the second single file from the right of the right flank platoon of the battalion; and
    6. the chief warrant officer is one pace to the right of the leading company master warrant officer, in line with the front rank.
  3. Battalion in Column of Threes. A battalion formed in column of threes is in the same formation as when in line, but facing a flank (see Figure 7-4-2).
  4. Battalion in Column of Route. A battalion in column of route (see Figure 7-4-3) is similar to one in column of threes, except that:
    1. the commanding officer is in the front of the battalion, eight paces in front of the centre single file;
    2. the deputy commander is six paces in rear of the centre single file;
    3. the adjutant is six paces in front of the right single file; and
    4. the chief warrant officer is six paces in front of the left single file.

Figure 7-4-1 Battalion in Line

Figure 7-4-2 Battalion in Column of Threes

  1. Battalion in Column of Companies. A Battalion in column of companies is formed with each company in line, one behind the other (see Figure 7-4-4). If the companies are of unequal strength, the front company shall be the strongest. The distance between companies is the frontage of the strongest company plus 10 paces. In column of companies:
    1. the commanding officer is 15 paces in front of the front rank and at the centre of the leading company;
    2. the deputy commander is six paces in front of the second single file from the left of the left flank platoon of the front company of the battalion:
    3. the adjutant is six paces in front of the second single file from the right, of the right flank platoon of the front company of the battalion; and
    4. the chief warrant officer is one pace to the right of the leading company master warrant officer, in line with the front rank.
  2. Battalion in Close Column of Companies. A battalion formed in close column of companies maintains the same formation in all detail as for column of companies (see Figure 7-4-4) except that:
    1. the distance between companies may be reduced to suit the circumstances, but remains the same between each company; and
    2. the minimum distance between companies is 15 paces.
  3. Battalion in Mass. When a battalion is in mass (Figure 7-4-5):
    1. the companies are formed in close column of platoons on the same alignment;
    2. there is a 10-pace interval between companies;
    3. the commanding officer is in the centre of the battalion, 15 paces in front of the front rank of the battalion;
    4. the deputy commander is six paces in front of the second single file from the left of the front platoon of the left flank company;
    5. the adjutant is six paces in front of the second single file from the right of the front platoon of the right flank company; and
    6. the chief warrant officer is one pace to the right of the leading company master warrant officer, in line with the front rank.

Figure 7-4-3 Battalion in Column of Route

Figure 7-4-4 Battalion in Column (Close Column) of Companies

Figure 7-4-5 Battalion in Mass

TELLING OFF A BATTALION

  1. When troops do not parade together regularly, it may be necessary to organize and identify companies and platoons. The troops will be assembled in groups, often after being sized.
  2. If the groups are platoons or platoon-sized units, the chief warrant officer shall assemble them in a convenient order and command TELL OFF BY PLATOONS. The platoon warrant officers shall call out their number in succession as noted in Section 3, paragraph 12. The chief warrant officer then orders:
    1. 1, 2 AND 3 PLATOONS SHALL FORM “A” COMPANY; and
    2. 4, 5 AND 6 PLATOONS SHALL FORM “B” COMPANY, etc.
  3. If the groups are companies or company-sized units, the chief warrant officer will command TELL OFF BY COMPANIES and the master warrant officer’s shall reply in succession:
    1. “A” COMPANY;
    2. “B”; and
    3. “C” COMPANY.
  4. Only the first and last companies shall be identified by use of the word “company”, thus indicating that all companies have answered the order.
  5. The chief warrant officer then confirms these designations by ordering “A”, “B” and “C” COMPANIES WILL FORM THE BATTALION.

DRESSING A BATTALION IN LINE

  1. At the completion of all battalion drill movements, when a battalion is halted in line, the battalion shall be dressed.
  2. On the command RIGHT – DRESS by the commanding officer:
    1. all officers turn about;
    2. the battalion deputy commander and the company commanders dress on the adjutant;
    3. the platoon commanders, company deputy commanders and supernumerary officers dress on the company deputy commander of “A” Company;
    4. the platoon warrant officers, supernumerary warrant officers and non-commissioned officers dress on the warrant officer or non-commissioned officers on the right flank, who looks to the front;
    5. the members in the ranks dress by the right, while the file on the right flank looks to the front;
    6. the chief warrant officer turns right and marches five paces to the right of the battalion, about turns and dresses each rank in succession in a similar manner to dressing a platoon as detailed in Section 2, paragraph 10; and
    7. when the chief warrant officer orders REAR RANK – STEADY, the commanding officer orders BATTALION, EYES – FRONT.
  3. On the command BATTALION, EYES – FRONT:
    1. officers about turn;
    2. the chief warrant officer returns to their original position; and
    3. the remainder of the battalion act as ordered.
  4. If it is necessary to have the interval between platoons and companies paced off, it shall be done by the master warrant officers of “B” and “C” companies.
  5. When the chief warrant officer is in charge of the battalion and orders RIGHT – DRESS, the master warrant officer of the right flank company will carry out the instructions detailed for the chief warrant officer above.

DRESSING A BATTALION IN COLUMN AND CLOSE COLUMN OF COMPANIES

  1. At the completion of all battalion drill movements, when a battalion is halted in column and close column of companies, the battalion shall be dressed.
  2. On the command RIGHT – DRESS, by the commanding officer:
    1. all officers about turn, and the battalion deputy commander and the “A” company commander dress on the adjutant;
    2. the remainder act as for company drill; and
    3. the chief warrant officer marches forward to a position six paces in front of the right hand marker of the leading company, halts, about turns, and ensures that the right hand file of each company is covered correctly and then orders RIGHT FLANK – STEADY.
  3. On the command RIGHT FLANK – STEADY, the master warrant officers dress their companies normally. When the dressing has been completed the master warrant officers shall, in succession, order
    __ COMPANY, REAR RANK – STEADY.
  4. After the master warrant officer of the rear company orders REAR RANK – STEADY, the commanding officer orders BATTALION, EYES FRONT.
  5. On the command BATTALION, EYES – FRONT:
    1. all officers about turn;
    2. the chief warrant officer returns to their original position;
    3. the master warrant officers return to their original positions; and
    4. the remainder of the battalion acts as ordered.
  6. If it is necessary to have the interval between platoons paced off, it shall be done by the platoon warrant officers of the second and third platoon of each company.
  7. When the chief warrant officer is in charge of the battalion and orders RIGHT – DRESS, the master warrant officer of the front company will carry out the duties of the chief warrant officer and the No. 1 Platoon warrant officer will carry out the duties of the front company master warrant officer.

DRESSING A BATTALION IN MASS

  1. At the completion of all battalion drill movements, when a battalion is halted in mass, the battalion shall be dressed.
  2. On the command RIGHT – DRESS by the commanding officer:
    1. all officers about turn, dressing on the officers on the right flank;
    2. the platoon warrant officer and supernumerary warrant officers and non-commissioned officers dress on the non-commissioned officers on the right flank, who look straight to the front;
    3. the members in the ranks dress by the right, with the file on the right flank looking straight to the front;
    4. the chief warrant officer marches to a position six paces in front of and facing the right front marker and dresses the right flank of the battalion;
    5. the platoon warrant officers of the right hand company take up normal positions six paces to the right of their front ranks as for platoon drill and dress the battalion after the chief warrant officer has given the command RIGHT FLANK – STEADY;
    6. the platoon warrant officers order each rank STEADY in succession from the front before moving as a group, acting on the rear platoon warrant officer’s order of STEADY, to the next rank; and
    7. after the rear platoon warrant officer orders REAR RANK – STEADY, the commanding officer orders BATTALION, EYES – FRONT.
  3. On the command BATTALION, EYES – FRONT:
    1. all officers about turn;
    2. the chief warrant officer and the platoon warrant officers return to their original positions; and
    3. the remainder of the battalion acts as ordered.
  4. If it is necessary to have the interval between companies paced off, it shall be done by the master warrant officers of “B” and “C” Companies.
  5. When the chief warrant officer is in charge of the battalion and orders RIGHT – DRESS, the master warrant officer of the right flank company will carry out the duties of the chief warrant officer.

FORMING UP A BATTALION

  1. Prior to a battalion parade, the companies are formed in their company area by their master warrant officer. The master warrant officers ensure that the platoon warrant officers call the roll, size and inspect their respective platoons. The strength of the platoons is reported to the master warrant officers.
  2. Company markers will report to the chief warrant officer at the edge of the parade grounds, opposite the position they will occupy when fallen in. Markers shall know the frontage of their leading (largest) platoon.
  3. The battalion may be formed up in mass, line or (close) column of companies.
  4. The words of command and the action taken to form a battalion in mass are detailed in Table 7-4-1.
Table 7-4-1 Forming Up a Battalion
No. Command By Action Remarks
1 - - CWO marches to and halts three paces in front of the position to be occupied by the “A” Coy marker. Companies are formed in a designated area, standing easy. The CWO shall face the future position of the front rank if the battalion is to form up in line or mass, and the right flank if the battalion is to form up in (close) column of companies.
2 MARKERS CWO The company markers come to attention and march onto the parade ground. The leading company marker halts three paces in front of and facing the CWO. The remainder halt and dress on the left of that marker at shoulder dressing. Upon completion of dressing, they look to the front in succession from the right. Companies adopt the stand at ease position. Standard pauses are observed between drill movements.
Note:
On ceremonial occasions, the CWO may order or signal a bugler to sound MARKERS. The company markers act on the last note, or on an executive “G” note, depending on unit custom.
3 MARKERS – NUMBER CWO The markers number consecutively from right to left. -
4 NO. 1 RIGHT, REMAINDER LEFT – TURN CWO “A” Company marker turns right, the remainder turn left. The CWO specifies the number of paces to be taken by each marker.
5 NO. 1 STAND FAST, REMAINDER QUICK – MARCH CWO “A” Company marker stands fast, the remainder march the required distance and halt. -
6 NO. 1 STAND FAST, REMAINDER ABOUT – TURN CWO “A” Company marker stands fast, the remainder about turn and cover off the “A” Company marker. The CWO marches out six paces in front of “A” Company marker, halts, turns about and ensure the markers are covered off.
7 MARKERS – STEADY CWO The markers stand fast. If the battalion is being formed in line or mass, the CWO shall proceed as detailed in No. 7a. If in (close) column, the CWO turns right and marches to a position 15 paces in front and centre of where the battalion will be formed. The CWO then proceeds as detailed in No. 8.
7a MARKERS, LEFT – TURN CWO The markers turn left. This order places the markers in line. The CWO marches to a position 15 paces in front and centre of where the battalion will be formed.
8 BATTALION, FALL – IN CWO Each company MWO comes to attention and turns about to face their company. Note:
On ceremonial occasions, the CWO may order or signal bugler to sound ADVANCE. Company MWOs act on the last note, or on an executive “G” note, depending on unit custom.
9 __ COMPANY, ATTEN – TION MWO The company acts as ordered. The company commands are given by each MWO consecutively.
10 __ COMPANY, MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN COLUMN OF THREES, RIGHT – TURN MWO The company acts as ordered. -
11 __ COMPANY, QUICK – MARCH MWO The company acts as ordered. Where required, commands for wheeling will be given to bring the company to its marker. If the battalion is being formed in line or column of companies, each company will be halted on its marker, and the MWOs will act as detailed in No. 13. If the battalion is being formed in mass, each company will be manoeuvred to bring its lead platoon in line with its marker from the left, and the MWOs will act as detailed in No. 14.
12 __ COMPANY, HALT MWO The company acts as ordered. Officers may begin promenading.
12a __ COMPANY, ADVANCE, LEFT (RIGHT) – TURN MWO The company acts as ordered. Companies are advanced consecutively from the right (front). On the last company MWO’s word of command, MWOs turn about simultaneously to face the front. The CWO then proceeds as detailed in No. 15.
13 __ COMPANY, AT THE HALT, FACING LEFT, FORM COLUMN (CLOSE COLUMN) OF PLATOONS MWO The company acts as ordered, the platoon WOs halting their platoons in column of platoons. The MWO marches off the required distance between each platoon as for dressing the company. Officers may begin promenading.
13a NO. 1 PLATOON, ADVANCE, LEFT – TURN No. 1 PL WO No. 1 Platoon acts as ordered, the platoon WO remains facing their platoon. Each platoon in the company acts in sequence. The MWO and the platoon WOs, acting on the executive command TURN by the rear platoon WO, turn about together to face the front. The sequence is repeated by successive companies. After the last company’s non-commissioned officers are facing the front, the CWO proceeds as detailed in No. 15.
14 BATTALION, OPEN ORDER – MARCH CWO The battalion acts as ordered. -
15 BATTALION, RIGHT – DRESS CWO The battalion acts as ordered. The MWOs of “B” and “C” Companies pace off the interval between companies once the front rank of the platoon to their right stands firm, and then return to their original positions.
16 BATTALION, EYES – FRONT CWO The battalion acts as ordered. -
17 REPORT YOUR COMPANIES CWO The MWOs report the strength of their companies consecutively from the right. The MWO will state “__ Company, __ all ranks on parade, Sir / Mam” when reporting or according to unit custom. The battalion deputy commander (DComd) moves to a position two paces in rear of the CWO at the end of this segment, while the other officers position themselves in line five paces in rear of the DComd, facing their respective companies, ready to fall in.
18 - - The CWO turns about, salutes, and reports the battalion to the DComd. The DComd orders the CWO to fall in. The CWO salutes, turns right, and marches to their position on parade. The DComd takes two paces forward to assume the CWO’s former position. The DComd shall wait until the CWO has adopted their new position before giving any further commands. It is common for the DComd to exercise the battalion by ordering it to stand at ease and then back to attention before proceeding to No. 21.
19 OFFICERS, FALL – IN DComd Officers will act as ordered, as for company drill. MWOs and platoon WOs will report their sub-units to their officers and, after being ordered to fall in, march to their new positions. Once the platoon WO has adopted their new position, the platoon commander will turn about facing the front.
20 COMPANY, STAND AT EASE Coy Comd The company acts as ordered. Given consecutively from the right front by each company commander (Coy Comd). Upon the last Coy Comd giving the command, all Coy Comds turn about and stand at ease together. The battalion is now ready, at the appointed time, to receive its commander. The CO marches on the parade ground and adopts a position two paces in rear of the DComd. The DComd turns about and calls the battalion to attention as the CO approaches.
21 BATTALION, ATTEN – TION DComd The DComd salutes and reports the battalion to its CO; the CO orders the DComd to fall in. The DComd salutes, turns left, and marches to their position on parade. The CO steps forward to assume the DComd’s former position. The CO shall wait until the DComd is in position before giving further orders.
22 BATTALION, STAND AT EASE CO The battalion acts as ordered. The CO then carries on by inspecting the battalion, having subordinate commanders inspect their own sub-units, or proceeding with training or ceremonial.

Table 7-4-1 Forming Up a Battalion

FALLING OUT THE OFFICERS

  1. Prior to giving the order to officers to fall out, the commanding officer positions themself so that the officers may halt at the required distance in front of them, with sufficient space left for the master warrant officers to occupy the positions vacated by the company commanders.
  2. The command OFFICERS FALL – OUT is given by the commanding officer when the battalion is at attention.
  3. The officers march by the most direct route and form up in a line, five paces in front of, centred on and facing the commanding officer, at arm’s length interval (without raising the arm), the deputy commander on the right.
  4. When all officers are present, the deputy commander shall take a half pace forward. As their right foot completed the movement, all officers will observe a standard pause and salute. After the commanding officer has finished speaking to them, they shall salute together and march five paces behind them, halt in line, turn about return swords and stand at ease. When ordered by the commanding officer to DIS – MISS, the deputy commander shall step back one half pace. All officers will observe the standard pause, salute with the hand and march straight off the parade ground.
  5. On the command OFFICERS FALL – OUT, the master warrant officer and the platoon warrant officers march to the positions vacated by the company and platoon commanders, the platoon warrant officers moving around the left flank of their respective platoons.
  6. After dismissing the officers, the commanding officer orders the battalion to STAND AT – EASE.
  7. After standing the battalion at ease, the commanding officer calls the chief warrant officer forward. On arrival, the chief warrant officer shall salute, receive instructions and salute again. The commanding officer then turns and marches off the parade ground. The chief warrant officer shall call the battalion to attention as the commanding officer departs. The chief warrant officer then carries on as instructed.

BATTALION IN MASS MOVING OFF IN COLUMN OF THREES (COLUMN OF ROUTE)

  1. The battalion may be ordered to advance, retire or move to a flank in column of threes or column of route.
  2. To advance (retire) in column of threes:
    1. The commanding officer orders ADVANCE (RETIRE) FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT), IN COLUMN OF THREES, __ COMPANY LEADING, RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN. The battalion acts as ordered.
    2. The leading platoon commander of the leading company orders NO. __ PLATOON, LEFT (RIGHT) WHEEL BY THE LEFT (RIGHT), QUICK – MARCH. The remaining platoon commanders give appropriate orders to enable their platoons to follow the route taken by the first platoon of the leading company.
  3. To move to a flank in column of threes:
    1. The commanding officer shall order MOVE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT) IN COLUMN OF THREES, __ COMPANY LEADING, RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN.
    2. The battalion acts are ordered. Upon executing the right (left) turn, the leading platoon commander shall order, NO. __ PLATOON BY THE RIGHT (LEFT), QUICK – MARCH. The remaining platoon commanders give appropriate orders to enable their platoons to follow the route taken by the first platoon.
  4. Similar commands are given to advance, retire or move to a flank in column of route. The leading platoon commander shall wait for all appointments to assume their positions in column of route before giving orders. The remaining platoon commanders give appropriate orders to enable their platoons to follow the route taken by the first platoon.

BATTALION IN COLUMN OF THREES OR COLUMN OF ROUTE FORMING MASS

  1. The commanding officer orders ON __ COMPANY, FORM – MASS. The company designated shall be the leading company.
  2. The company commander of the leading company orders AT THE HALT, FACING LEFT, FORM CLOSE COLUMN OF PLATOONS. The company acts as ordered.
  3. The remaining company commanders give the same order in time to enable their companies to form close column of platoons at an interval of 10 paces to the left of the leading company.

BATTALION IN (CLOSE) COLUMN OF COMPANIES MOVING OFF IN COLUMN OF THREES (COLUMN OF ROUTE)

  1. The battalion may be ordered to advance, retire or move to a flank in column of threes or column of route.
  2. To advance (retire) in column of threes:
    1. The commanding officer orders ADVANCE (RETIRE), FROM THE RIGHT (LEFT), IN COLUMN OF THREES, __ COMPANY LEADING, RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN. The battalion acts as ordered.
    2. The company commander of the leading company orders __ COMPANY, LEFT (RIGHT) WHEEL, BY THE LEFT (RIGHT), QUICK MARCH. The remaining company commanders shall give appropriate orders for their companies to gain their correct positions in column of threes.
  3. To move to a flank in column of threes:
    1. The commanding officer shall order MOVE TO THE RIGHT (LEFT) IN COLUMN OF THREES, __ COMPANY LEADING, RIGHT (LEFT) – TURN. The battalion acts as ordered.
    2. Upon executing the right (left) turn, the company commander of the leading company shall order __ COMPANY, BY THE RIGHT (LEFT), QUICK – MARCH. The remaining company commanders shall give the appropriate order to follow the route taken by the leading company.
  4. Similar commands are given to advance, retire or move to a flank in column of route. The leading company commander shall wait for all appointments to assume their positions in column of route before giving their orders. The remaining company commanders give appropriate orders to gain their correct positions in column of route.

BATTALION IN COLUMN OF THREES OR COLUMN OF ROUTE FORMING CLOSE COLUMN OF COMPANIES AT THE HALT FACING A FLANK

  1. The commanding officer orders AT THE HALT, FACING LEFT (RIGHT), FORM CLOSE COLUMN OF COMPANIES.
  2. The company commanders give orders as for platoon orders (Section 3, paragraphs 51 to 56).

BATTALION IN COLUMN OF THREES OR COLUMN OF ROUTE FORMING CLOSE COLUMN OF COMPANIES AT THE HALT FACING THE SAME DIRECTION

  1. The commanding officer orders AT THE HALT, FACING LEFT, FORM CLOSE COLUMN OF COMPANIES.
  2. The companies act as do platoons in company drill (Section 3, paragraph 78).

Page details

Date modified: