Homeschool Helps

I have boys... they love anything to do with the military. Why not learn the phonetic alphabet and Morse Code. It's fun and they'll be a step ahead!

While we're at it... military time too. Their drill instructors will be so proud!

As a part of our KONOS Obedience unit we are learning some marching drills. Soon we'll be going to see a Citadel Dress Parade as an example of execellent marching!

• "Fall in" - Individuals form a formation at the position of attention.
• "Fall out" - Individuals drop out of formation. By custom, officers usually take a single step backward with their left foot. Non-commissioned personnel take a step back with the left foot, then with their right, and then perform an about face.
• "[formation], ATTENTION" - Individuals snap to the position in which they are standing straight, looking forward, and not moving. When called while in "Forward March" the formation will begin to march in cadence.The command "Route Step (forward),March" is given when there is no need to stay in step.
• "Dress right, DRESS" - Movement in which individuals except those on the extreme left side raise their left arms parallel to the ground and lock their heads to the far right in order to get the proper distance from each other. This is maintained until the command: "Ready, FRONT." At which point, the individuals return to the position of attention.
• "Parade, REST" - Individuals spread their feet about 12 inches while bringing both of their arms behind their back interlocking their hands. The back of the left hand rests against the back. The back of the right hand rests on the palm of the left, with the left thumb locked over the right hand and the right thumb locked over the left thumb. If armed, individuals put their left hand behind their back, extending their rifle while the butt remains on the ground by their right foot.
• "Stand at, ease" - Individuals perform the command of parade rest, but their eyes and head follow the person in charge.
• "At ease" - Individuals are permitted light movement given their right foot does not leave the ground; they are not allowed to talk.
• "Rest" - Individuals are permitted light movement and may also engage in quiet conversation as long as their right leg is planted on the ground. Can also be expressed by the command "Relax"
• "Forward, MARCH" - Individuals begin marching, from the left foot and a 30-inch step (Army) or 24-inch step (Air Force) at 120 steps per minute.
• "Company/Platoon/Squad/Detail, HALT" or in the Air Force, "Wing/Group/Squadron/Flight, HALT"- Used to stop a unit (formation) from marching by calling it either on the right or left foot.
• "Right, FACE" - A command given from a halt towards a formation to turn 90 degrees to the right or left as one unit. Pivot 90 degrees to right on heel of right foot and ball of left.
• "About, FACE" - A turn 180 degrees facing the opposite direction, executed to the right. Place toe of right foot behind heel of left; push with right and pivot with left.
• "COVER" - Used to align to the person in front of them in formation,
• "Mark time, MARCH" - Marching in place.
• "Half step, MARCH" - Marching at half the distance, often bringing the upper leg parallel to the ground. 15-inch Steps

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