Military Drill and Ceremonies 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the prescribed interval between soldiers when marching in a column formation?
- One arm's length to the right
- 40 inches from head to chest (Correct answer)
- One step to the rear
- Arm's length to the front
Correct answer: 40 inches from head to chest
The distance between soldiers in a column (front to back) is 40 inches, measured from the back of one soldier's head to the chest of the soldier behind.
Question 2: In a company-sized formation, what is the role of the first sergeant during Retreat?
- Posts at the flag and lowers it
- Forms the unit and transfers command to the commander (Correct answer)
- Reads the retreat order
- Stands at parade rest until the flag is lowered
Correct answer: Forms the unit and transfers command to the commander
The first sergeant forms the unit and then transfers control of the formation to the company commander for the retreat ceremony.
Question 3: What is the correct action when 'Colors' are passed within six paces of a soldier not in formation?
- Continue walking at a normal pace
- Stop, face the colors, and render the hand salute (Correct answer)
- Come to parade rest
- Snap to attention without saluting
Correct answer: Stop, face the colors, and render the hand salute
When Colors pass within six paces, a soldier not in formation faces the colors and renders the hand salute until they pass.
Question 4: What command is used to face a unit to the left while they are at the halt?
- Left Turn
- Left Face (Correct answer)
- Left March
- About Face
Correct answer: Left Face
Left Face is the command that causes the unit to rotate 90 degrees to the left while standing at the halt.
Question 5: When executing 'About Face,' on which foot is the pivot made?
- Left foot only
- Right foot only
- Right heel and left ball of foot simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Either foot depending on individual balance
Correct answer: Right heel and left ball of foot simultaneously
About Face is executed by pivoting on the right heel and the ball of the left foot simultaneously to turn 180 degrees.
Question 6: Which type of salute is rendered indoors by a soldier without headgear?
- No salute is rendered (Correct answer)
- The hand salute
- The rifle salute
- Come to attention only
Correct answer: No salute is rendered
Indoors without headgear, soldiers do not render the hand salute except when reporting to a superior officer.
Question 7: In a battalion formation, where does the battalion commander stand relative to the formation?
- Six paces in front of the center (Correct answer)
- On the right flank of the first company
- Three paces behind the adjutant
- In line with the company commanders
Correct answer: Six paces in front of the center
The battalion commander is positioned six paces in front of and centered on the battalion formation.
Military Drill and Ceremonies 4
What is the prescribed interval between soldiers when marching in a column formation?