27.2 Drill and Formation (AFH-1 Section 24E)

Drill and Formation (AFH 1, Section 24E)

Quick Answer: On the 15 February 2025 ADTC, Section 24E is B B B B C — B for SSgt and TSgt. The flight is the most practical drill group: at least two, but no more than four, elements. A drill command usually has a preparatory command and a command of execution. There are four rest positions: parade rest, at ease, rest, and fall out. On parade rest the heels are 12 inches apart. You must be at attention before any rest. From fall out, resume with "FALL IN," not "Flight, ATTENTION."

Section 24E is how a formation moves with order and precision — not a recap of flag courtesies. The detailed how-to is DAFPAM 34-1203, Drill and Ceremonies.

Why formations exist (24.30)

Drill formations honor distinguished persons, recognize special events, and demonstrate the proficiency and training state of Airmen. Good military bearing is essential whether giving or following commands. Precision marching, promptness, and teamwork produce the professional appearance of the formation during 24D ceremonies.

The flight is the most practical drill group: at least two, but no more than four, elements. A distractor that makes the squadron the basic drill unit, or that gives a flight five or six elements, is wrong.

Drill commands (24.31)

Do not confuse the 24-inch marching step with the 12-inch parade-rest stance — testers mix those two measurements. A cadence of 100 to 120 steps per minute, plus distance and interval, keeps movements orderly. A drill command is an oral order that usually has two parts: the preparatory command and the command of execution. The preparatory command explains what the movement will be and who will execute it; the command of execution is the movement itself. In "Flight, HALT," "Flight" names the unit; "HALT" is executed.

"PREPARE FOR INSPECTION" is informational. "STAND FAST" is supplementary. Mass commands are a training method, not a fifth rest position.

Fall in, attention, and ranks (24.32)

On "FALL IN," Airmen form a flight in line formation (shoulder to shoulder), automatically establishing dress, cover, interval, and distance, executing an automatic ready front, and remaining at attention.

On "Flight, ATTENTION," bring the heels together smartly and on line. Feet turn out equally to a 45-degree angle. Thumbs rest along the seams of the trousers or sides of the skirt. Hands are cupped, not clenched. Silence and immobility are required. Attention is the platform for facing movements, rests, and open ranks.

"Open Ranks, MARCH" is given only to a formation in line at normal intervals, and it is the inspection command. On "MARCH" the fourth rank stands fast and automatically executes dress right dress; the third rank takes one pace, the second two, and the first three. The flight commander aligns the flight and commands "Ready, FRONT." After inspection, the inspector marches off to the right flank (element leaders). On "Close Ranks, MARCH" the first rank stands fast; the second takes one pace, the third two, and the fourth three. Opening ranks, the rear rank stands fast; closing ranks, the front rank stands fast.

The four rest positions (24.33)

The four rests are parade rest, at ease, rest, and fall out. Members must be at attention before any rest. Resume attention from any rest except fall out with "Flight, ATTENTION." From fall out, use "FALL IN."

Traps: 12 inches, not 10; at ease is silent, rest allows moderate speech (right foot planted in both); fall out is the only rest that allows breaking ranks, and the only one you leave with "FALL IN." For E-5 and E-6, 24E is B.