Drill & Ceremonies - Counter March

Counter March. This is not a precise movement, but it is used to permit flexibility in the movement of units where space is limited. The command is Counter, MARCH.

1. Marching. On the command MARCH (given on the left foot), execute the following:

1.1. The first element leader takes four 24-inch steps forward and executes a 90-degree pivot to the right (suspending armswing during the pivot), marches across the front of the flight just beyond the fourth element, and executes another 90-degree pivot to the right (again suspending armswing). Each succeeding member marches to the approximate pivot points established by the person in front of him or her and performs the same procedures as the first element leader.

1.2. The second element leader takes two 24-inch steps forward and executes a 90-degree pivot to the right with suspended armswing. He or she continues to march and executes another 90-degree pivot to the right (with suspended armswing) between the third and fourth elements. Each succeeding member marches to the pivot points established by the person in front of him or her and performs the same procedures as the second element leader.

1.3. The third element leader takes one 24-inch step forward, executes two 90-degree pivots to the left (with suspended armswing during the pivots), and marches between the remainder of the third and second elements. Each succeeding member marches to the approximate pivot points established by the person in front of him or her and performs the same procedures as the third element leader.

1.4. The fourth element leader takes three 24-inch steps forward and executes a 90-degree pivot to the left with suspended armswing. The element leader then marches across the front of the flight and executes another 90-degree pivot to the left between the first and second elements, suspending armswing during the pivot. Each succeeding member marches to the approximate pivot points established by the person in front of him or her and performs the same procedures as the fourth element leader.

1.5. The guide performs this movement in approximately the same manner as the fourth element leader, staying in front of the fourth element leader in the most practical manner.

1.6. As the fourth element leader marches past the last airman in the fourth element, he or she and the individuals of the file begin marching in a half step. The remaining element leaders begin the half step once they pass the last individual in each file. After the element leaders pass the last individual in each file, they incline, as necessary, to obtain close or normal interval; then they begin the half step. Forward MARCH will be given once all airmen have completed the movement and proper dress, cover, interval, and distance have been established.

2. Halted. This movement is performed in the same manner as if marching, but with the following exceptions: prior to executing the movement, the first element leader takes five paces forward, the third element leader takes two paces forward, the second element leader takes three paces forward, and the fourth element leader takes four paces forward.