Marine corps drill and ceremonies manual - Regimental Drum Major ...

at normal distance in single file behind the leading squad.
(2) Being in column of files, to reform column of threes, the
platoon commander commands COLUMN OF THREES TO THE LEFT (RIGHT), MARCH.
At the preparatory command, squad leaders give the following sedentary
commands: leading squad leader, STAND FAST; second squad leader, COLUMN
HALF LEFT (RIGHT); and third squad leader, FORWARD. On the platoon
commander’s command of execution, MARCH, the leading squad stands fast;
the second squad executes a column left (right), then on command, of its
squad leader, a column half right (left) so as to march at normal interval
abreast of the leading squad, then halts when the leading file is abreast
of the front file of the leading squad. The third squad marches forward,
then, on command of its squad leader, executes a column half left
(right), column half right (left), and marches at normal interval
alongside the second squad, halting when its leading file is abreast of
the front rank of the platoon.
c. When marching in column of twos, the platoon commander is ahead
of the left file and the right guide in front of the right file. When
marching in single file, the guide leads the platoon, the platoon
commander marching abreast of and to the left of the guide.
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