Drill & Ceremonies - Close/Extend March

Close or Extend March. To obtain close interval between files when in column at normal interval at a halt or while marching at quick time, the command is Close, MARCH. To obtain normal interval from close interval, the command is Extend, MARCH.

1. Close March (Halted). On the command MARCH, the fourth element stands fast. The  remaining elements take the required number of right steps, all at the same time, and halt together. The third element takes two steps, the second element takes four steps, and the first element takes six steps.

2. Close March (Marching). On the command MARCH, which is given on the right foot, the fourth element takes up the half step (beginning with the left foot) following the command of execution. The third element obtains close interval by pivoting 45 degrees to the right on the ball of the left foot, taking one 24-inch step (with coordinated armswing) toward the fourth element, and then pivoting 45 degrees back to the left on the ball of the right foot. The second element takes three steps between pivots, and the first element takes five steps between pivots. The original direction of march is resumed; the half step is taken up once close interval is obtained; and dress, cover, interval, and distance are reestablished. On the command Forward, MARCH, all elements resume a 24-inch step.

3. Extend March (Halted). Reverse the procedures used to obtain close interval to obtain normal interval.

4. Extend March (Marching). The same procedures and steps used to obtain close interval are used except the command is given on the left foot and the pivots are made on the right foot.