30 Step Drill Sequence Study Guide

**1.** **Fall In** - **Command Type:** Combined command given at a halt. - **Cadence / Foot:** Given from the position of Attention. - **Execution:** The flight forms up in line formation. The guide positions themselves three paces in front of the Flight Commander. Cadets automatically establish 40-inch distance and normal interval (dress right dress) with the left arm extended parallel to the ground, head turned 45 degrees to the right (except the guide and base file), snapping cleanly back to Attention once dressed. - **Key Details:** Establishes initial alignment and accountability before the evaluation begins.

**2.** **Open Ranks, MARCH** - **Command Type:** Preparatory command and Command of execution given at a halt. - **Execution:** In a standard 3-element flight, the 1st element takes two 24-inch paces forward, the 2nd element takes one 24-inch pace forward, and the 3rd element stands fast. Immediately upon halting, all cadets automatically execute Dress Right, DRESS and look 45 degrees to the right to verify line alignment. - **Key Details:** Increases distance between elements to 64 inches to allow space for individual personnel inspection.

**3.** **Ready, FRONT** - **Command Type:** Supplementary command given at a halt. - **Execution:** Given by the Flight Commander after aligning each element from the right flank. Cadets smartly snap their heads and eyes to the front while dropping their left arms cleanly to their sides along the trouser seams, returning to Attention. - **Key Details:** Movement must be executed in unison; arms must not slap the legs.

**4.** **Close Ranks, MARCH** - **Command Type:** Preparatory command and Command of execution given at a halt. - **Execution:** The 1st element stands fast, the 2nd element takes one 24-inch pace forward, and the 3rd element takes two 24-inch paces forward, restoring standard 40-inch distance. - **Key Details:** Cadets do not raise arms or execute Dress Right Dress during or after this movement.

**5.** **Present, ARMS** - **Command Type:** 2-count stationary command given at a halt. - **Execution:** On "ARMS," cadets smartly raise the right hand along the shortest path to the right eyebrow (or brim of cover/glasses frame), upper arm horizontal, fingers extended and joined. The position is held until ordered otherwise. - **Key Details:** Evaluator checks for a straight wrist, flat palm, and proper 45-degree angle of the forearm.

**6.** **Order, ARMS** - **Command Type:** Stationary command from Present Arms. - **Execution:** On "ARMS," the flight lowers the right arm smoothly and crisply along the shortest route back to the position of Attention without slapping the thigh. - **Key Details:** Fists curl naturally with thumbs placed along the first joint of the index finger along the trouser seams.

**7.** **Parade, REST** - **Command Type:** Stationary rest movement given from Attention. - **Execution:** The left foot steps smartly 10 inches to the left (measured heel to heel). Hands move behind the lower back with the right hand flat inside the palm of the left hand, thumbs interlocked, fingers extended and joined. - **Key Details:** Cadets maintain complete silence and immobility with eyes caged forward.

**8.** **Flight, ATTENTION** - **Command Type:** Stationary command given from rest. - **Execution:** Bring the left heel smartly back to the right heel at a 45-degree angle. Hands return naturally to trouser seams, chest lifted, head and eyes fixed straight ahead. - **Key Details:** Heels must meet sharply without scraping the ground.

**9.** **Left, FACE** - **Command Type:** 2-count stationary facing movement. - **Execution:** Count 1: Pivot 90 degrees to the left on the heel of the left foot and the ball of the right foot. Count 2: Smartly bring the right foot alongside the left heel to recreate the 45-degree angle. - **Key Details:** Upper body remains strictly at Attention without swinging arms or curling thumbs out.

**10.** **About, FACE** - **Command Type:** 2-count stationary facing movement. - **Execution:** Count 1: Place the ball of the right foot half a shoe length behind and slightly to the left of the left heel. Count 2: Pivot 180 degrees to the right on the ball of the right foot and the heel of the left foot. - **Key Details:** Ensure balance is maintained without flailing arms or shifting the left foot from its pivot point.

**11.** **Forward, MARCH** - **Command Type:** Stepping off from a halt. - **Execution:** Step off smartly with the left foot, taking a full 24-inch step at a cadence of 100 to 120 steps per minute. Arms swing 6 inches to the front and 3 inches to the rear. - **Key Details:** Maintain coordinated arm swings and exact step intervals across all files.

**12.** **Right Flank, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** Cadets take one additional step with the left foot, pivot 90 degrees to the right on the ball of the left foot, and step off in the new direction with the right foot while maintaining marching cadence and arm swing. - **Key Details:** Dress shifts to the right; distance and interval change immediately upon pivoting.

**13.** **Left Flank, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Left foot. - **Execution:** Take one additional step with the right foot, pivot 90 degrees to the left on the ball of the right foot, and step off in the new direction with the left foot. - **Key Details:** Returns the flight to its original direction of march.

**14.** **Column Right, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** The base (right) element pivots 90 degrees to the right and takes half steps (12 inches). Outer elements execute two 45-degree pivots along an arc using 24-inch paces until aligned abreast with the pivot element. - **Key Details:** All elements continue half-stepping until the next command is given.

**15.** **Forward, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Left foot. - **Execution:** Resumes standard 24-inch steps for all elements simultaneously, transitioning cleanly out of half-step. - **Key Details:** Step size expands immediately upon the execution step without surging.

**16.** **To the Rear, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** Cadets step forward 14 inches with the left foot, pivot 180 degrees to the right on the balls of both feet, and immediately step off with the left foot in the opposite direction. - **Key Details:** Keep arm swing natural without locking arms to the body during the pivot.

**17.** **To the Rear, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** Take one 14-inch pace with the left foot, pivot 180 degrees to the right on the balls of both feet, and step off on the left foot, returning the unit to its initial line of travel. - **Key Details:** Cadence must remain steady at 100 to 120 beats per minute through the turn.

**18.** **Column Right, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** Executes a second 90-degree wheel turn to maneuver the flight along the boundary of the drill area. Base element half-steps; outer elements arc. - **Key Details:** Essential for keeping the flight centered within regulation boundaries.

**19.** **Forward, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Left foot. - **Execution:** Terminates the half-step and steps off with standard 24-inch paces. - **Key Details:** Cadets must maintain correct cover and alignment behind their element leaders.

**20.** **Eyes, RIGHT** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** Base (right) file keeps head and eyes straight forward to guide the flight. All other cadets sharply snap heads 45 degrees to the right. The Flight Commander turns head right and renders a crisp hand salute. - **Key Details:** Arm swing continues uninterrupted for all cadets during the movement.

**21.** **Ready, FRONT** - **Foot Called On:** Left foot. - **Execution:** All cadets smartly snap heads and eyes front; the Flight Commander lowers their salute simultaneously while maintaining cadence. - **Key Details:** Executed crisply on the strike of the left heel.

**22.** **Column Right, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** Executes the third 90-degree column turn to begin guiding the unit toward the evaluator. - **Key Details:** Base element pivots and takes 12-inch steps while outer elements maintain arcs.

**23.** **Forward, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Left foot. - **Execution:** Restores 24-inch standard progression across all files upon element realignment. - **Key Details:** Flight Commander ensures proper alignment before calling forward.

**24.** **Change Step, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** Cadets take one additional step with the left foot. In one beat, the ball of the right foot is brought alongside the heel of the left foot, and cadets immediately step off again with the left foot. - **Key Details:** Used to sync cadets back onto proper cadence without losing forward momentum.

**25.** **Column Right, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Right foot. - **Execution:** The fourth and final 90-degree turn, positioning the flight directly in front of the inspection evaluator. - **Key Details:** Crucial for precise final alignment on the drill pad.

**26.** **Forward, MARCH** - **Foot Called On:** Left foot. - **Execution:** Resumes standard 24-inch paces, driving the flight toward the designated halting marker. - **Key Details:** Alignment and arm swing must remain uniform across all elements.

**27.** **Flight, HALT** - **Foot Called On:** Left foot (or either foot). - **Execution:** Cadets take one additional 24-inch pace with the right foot, then bring the left foot smartly alongside the right foot at a 45-degree angle, halting at Attention. - **Key Details:** Arm swing stops instantly as heels meet, maintaining strict military posture.

**28.** **Left, FACE** - **Command Type:** 2-count stationary facing movement. - **Execution:** Pivot 90 degrees to the left on the left heel and right ball, then smartly bring the right foot alongside the left heel. - **Key Details:** Transitions the flight from a column formation into a line formation facing the evaluator.

**29.** **Right Step, MARCH** - **Command Type:** Given at a halt. - **Execution:** Cadets move the right foot 12 inches to the right, followed cleanly by the left foot, repeating at a cadence of 100 steps per minute without heel clicking or swaying. - **Key Details:** Upper body remains erect with arms pinned firmly to trouser seams.

**30.** **Flight, HALT** - **Cadence / Timing:** Preparatory command and execution are given as the heels come together. - **Execution:** Cadets take one final 12-inch lateral step with the right foot, bring the left foot beside the right, and freeze at Attention. - **Key Details:** Marks the conclusion of the 30-command drill sequence.