Drill & Ceremonies - Half Step

Half Step:

1. The command Half Step, MARCH is given as either foot strikes the ground. On the command MARCH, the cadet takes one more 24-inch step followed by a 12-inch step (measured from heel to heel) in quick time, setting the heel down first without scraping the ground. The airman maintains coordinated arm swing and continues the half step until marched forward or halted.

2. To resume a full 24-inch step, the command Forward, MARCH is given as the heel of the left foot strikes the ground. On the command MARCH, the cadet takes one more 12-inch step with the right foot and then steps out with a full 24-inch step with the left foot.

3. The halt executed from half step is similar to the halt executed from a 24-inch step. The half step is not executed from the halt nor are changes of direction made from the half step. It is executed only in quick time, and normal arm swing is maintained.