Marching is a formal type of walking that involves maintaining a regular beat and heel rhythm. This article will explain how to line up efficiently and correctly.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Individual Marching Technique
Step 1. Identify the specific marching rules you must follow
The Army, Navy, Air Force, U. S. Marine Corps, marching bands, color guards and student marching teams all have slightly different rules for marching, marching, and ceremonies. There are basics that apply to all forms of marching.
Step 2. Mars begins by standing in a ready position
In this position, your feet are close together at the heels and spread apart at an angle of about 45 degrees. You should have an upright posture, and your eyes should be looking forward. Your hands should be resting at your sides with your palms slightly bent, not clenched into fists (like you're holding a roll of change or a grocery bag).
Step 3. Wait for the prep and execution signals to start lining up
In the general command “Forward, go”, “Forward” is a preparatory signal, to prepare you for the “Go” execution command. When the execution signal is called, start marching together!
Step 4. Start with your left foot
If your pants are on your feet properly, you'll be able to hear the heel taps of everyone lining up, which will help you keep the beat.
Step 5. Move your arms naturally as you walk
Keep your fingers curled into your palms, but allow your arms to swing back and forth naturally. Don't let your arms hang by your sides, or swing violently back and forth.
- For Army drills, your hands should move 22.9cm forward and 15.2cm back with each step.
- For the Navy, Marines and Air Force, your hands should move 15.2 cm forward and 7.6 cm back with each step.
Step 6. Maintain military attitude, posture and professionalism
Your movements should have slack and precision. Keep your chin straight and look proud. Keep your eyes forward. Don't look left or right.
Step 7. Use your peripheral vision to stay in tune with the people in front of you and to your right
Keep the same distance (usually an arm's length) throughout the march.
Step 8. Line up until the signal stops
Stop marching by taking one step with your left foot after the execution signal is mentioned, and then bringing your right foot back to form a ready position.
Part 2 of 2: Responding to Signals While Marching
Step 1. Understand how to respond to administrative cues before and after marching
You should hear at the beginning or end of a line, or before getting in and out of formation.
- "Get in line": Get into line with another troop and jump into a ready position.
- "Out of line": Leaving formation.
- "Ready for action": Get into a ready position: stand straight, look ahead, and don't move.
- "Break": Relax a little. You are allowed to make slight movements and speak quietly, as long as your right foot remains firmly on the ground.
Step 2. Start walking or stop when receiving the right signal
Pay particular attention to listening for cues - when you listen to one of these cues, you better start walking (or stop) - because everyone else does!
- "Forward, ROAD": Start walking! Start with your left foot and take a 76cm (Army and Marine Corps) or 60cm (Air Force) step at a rate of 120 steps per minute.
- "Troops/Platoons/Unit/Groups, STOP” or in Air Force, “Wings/Groups/Teams/Airmen, STOP”: Stop the line of sight. The troop leader will call “STOP” on either the right or left foot, so as soon as hearing on the prep cue, be prepared not to bump into the person in front of you.
Step 3. Understand the cues to be given while marching
You will sometimes be ordered to line up or walk with variations.
- "Change step, PATH": move to match the time or "get move" with the formation you are in.
- "Take a leisurely walk or Rest, Grass": Walk as usual: don't have to equalize steps. This cue is used when the unit wants to avoid the characteristic rhythmic line sound.
- "Spread, GRAK": Spread the distance between you and the person next to you at the same rate as marching.
- "Close, GRAK": Reduce the distance between you and the person next to you.
- "Walk in place, GRAK": Start walking in place. Keep the same pace as you walk: just raise and lower your knees and don't step.
- "Half step, WALK": Begin walking in half steps (38 or 30 cm, depending on normal stride length). Sometimes you also need to raise your leg in one motion averaging the ground.
- "Two steps, WALK": Begin walking twice at a "Forward Walk" rhythm - about 100 to 180 steps per minute. Everyone around you will try to keep pace, so try to keep up with them.
Step 4. Turn at the same time as everyone else when you hear the 'turn', 'step' or 'turn' signal
The formations can change direction very quickly when everyone rotates at the same time.
- "Turn right forward, WALK": Together with the others in your formation, turn right 90 degrees and continue walking.
- "One step (called when the right foot falls to the ground) to the right, WALK": When the execution signal is called, start taking a step to the right. Do the opposite for the left step.
- "Turn right, WALK": Turn body 180 degrees backwards while walking.
Step 5. Turn as a group at some point when you hear the 'column' signal
Formations can make changes as a group in the form of columns, such as when they pass through trees or objects on the ground that are in the way. For this type of turn, if you are in the front row, you must turn immediately, and the person behind you will turn when you reach the same point.
- "Right column (mentioned when right foot hits the ground), ROAD": The columns form in groups turning right, with each member turning as they pass a certain point.
- "Right half column (mentioned when right foot hits the ground), WALK": Column formations turn 45 degrees to the right in a group.
- "Half left column, ROAD": Column formations turn 45 degrees left in a group, at certain points while walking.
Tips
- Practice to perfect your skills, whenever you can. Lining up may feel awkward at first and you may have a hard time keeping up with other people, especially if you've never played on a sports team.
- When you train, stretch the muscles before and after the workout. Many marching movements and exercises require you to stand still or move stiffly for long periods of time. Stretch your legs in particular to avoid cramping.
- Always remember the heel beat and the rhythm of the row. Keeping the same rhythm will help you not to fall behind others.
- Marching and practice are usually practiced in places where people take themselves seriously, so be serious. Don't chat with other people when you're not “resting”, maintain a military demeanor and act in a manner consistent with your organization's standards.
Warning
- Codes and standards may vary depending on the country and organization. Be sure to check for certain variations.
- Do not lock your knees while standing in the ready position. This will compromise your balance and if you have to stand for long periods of time, you may pass out. Loosen your knees slightly but keep them straight to maintain military posture.
