The Badge Archive

Marching Basics

Attention:

  • Command: “Attention!”
  • Pose: Stand straight with feet together, arms at your sides, and eyes forward. This is the starting position for all marching activities.
  • Video of Attention Position

Parade Rest:

  • Command: “Parade, Rest!”
  • Pose: Move the left foot about 12 inches to the side, keep the right foot in place, and place hands behind your back, right hand over left. This is a relaxed standing position.
  • Video of the Three at Rest Positions

At Ease

  • Command: “At Ease!”
  • Pose: Relax and stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Keep the right foot in place and shift your weight to a comfortable stance. Hands can be loosely clasped behind your back or at your sides. This is a relaxed standing position that allows for some movement but maintains readiness.
  • Video of the Three at Rest Positions

Rest

  • Command: “Rest!”
  • Pose: Move the left foot about 12 inches to the side, similar to Parade Rest. However, you can relax further by moving your arms, shifting your weight, and talking quietly. This position is more relaxed than “At Ease” and allows for more freedom of movement while maintaining a basic level of order and readiness.
  • Video of the Three at Rest Positions

Forward March:

  • Command: “Forward, March!”
  • Pose: Begin marching forward with the left foot, maintaining a steady pace and swinging arms naturally.
  • Video of Marching

Halt:

  • Command: “Halt!”
  • Pose: Stop marching and return to the attention position.
  • Video of Halting

Left Face:

  • Command: “Left, Face!”
  • Pose: Pivot on the left heel and right toe to turn 90 degrees to the left, then bring the right foot alongside the left.
  • Video of Facing Commands

Right Face:

  • Command: “Right, Face!”
  • Pose: Pivot on the right heel and left toe to turn 90 degrees to the right, then bring the left foot alongside the right.
  • Video of Facing Commands

About Face:

  • Command: “About, Face!”
  • Pose: Pivot on the right heel and left toe to turn 180 degrees to the right, ending up facing the opposite direction.
  • Video of Facing Commands

Dress Right, Dress:

  • Command: “Dress Right, Dress!”
  • Pose: Extend the left arm to the side at shoulder height, keep the head turned to the right, and align with the person to the right.
  • Video of Dress Right, Dress
Tia Kennard