Drill & Ceremonies - Column of Files

Column of Files, Column Right (Left). In conjunction with forming single files, column movements may be executed at the same time. The command is Column of Files From the Right (Left), Column Right (Left), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the guide executing a face in marching takes a position in front of the file that will move first. The element leader of the right (left) element commands Column Right (Left). The remaining element leaders command STAND FAST. On the command MARCH, the element leader and guide execute a face in marching to the right (left), and the element leader continues marching in the new direction with 24-inch steps. The guide marches to a position ahead of the element leader, then pivots 45 degrees to a position 40 inches in front of the element leader. The remaining individuals in the base file march forward on the command of execution, pivot in approximately the same location as their element leader, and maintain a 40-inch distance. The element leaders of the remaining elements command Column Right (Left), MARCH, at which time all airmen perform the movement in the same manner as the base element. The element leaders follow the leading elements in successive order. The commands Column of Files From the Left, Column Right, MARCH and Column of Files From the Right, Column Left, MARCH are not given.