Counter Column (Platoon Drill

Front 1

STEP 1

Back 1

The next movements which I will name, explain, and have demonstrated and which you will conduct practical work on is Counter column.

Front 2

STEP 2

Back 2

This movement is used when space is limited and the platoon leader wants to march the unit in the opposite direction (reverse), with the squad leaders at the head of their squads

Front 3

STEP 3

Back 3

The command for this movement is Counter column, March and HALT.

Front 4

STEP 4

Back 4

Counter column, March is a two part command, Counter column is the preparatory command and March is the command of execution. HALT is also a two part command when preceded by a preparatory command, such as Platoon, or Demonstrator. I will use Demonstrator as the preparatory command, and HALT is the command of execution.

Front 5

STEP 5

Back 5

When given this command sounds as follows: Counter Column, MARCH. Demonstrator, HALT

Front 6

STEP 6

Back 6

Demonstrator, POST. I will use the STEP BY STEP method of instruction.

Front 7

STEP 7

Back 7

On the command of execution MARCH of Counter Column, MARCH the first squad marches forward three steps, executes a column right, marches across the front of the platoon, and executes another column right just beyond the fourth squad. The second squad steps forward one step, executes a column right, marches forward, and executes another column right between the third and fourth squads. The third squad executes two short column lefts from the halt and marches between the remainder of the third squad and the second squad. The fourth squad marches forward two steps, executes a column left, marches across the front of the platoon, and executes another column left between the first and second squads

Front 8

STEP 8

Back 8

As the third squad leader marches past the last man in the third squad, he and his squad begin to march at the half step. After marching past the last man in each file, all other squads incline to the right and left as necessary, obtain normal interval on the third squad, and begin to march at a half step. When all squads are abreast of each other, they begin marching with a 30 inch step without command. Counter Column, MARCH

Front 9

STEP 9

Back 9

NOTE: During the movement, the platoon leader marches alongside the first squad, and the platoon sergeant marches one step to the rear and centered between second and third squads.

Front 10

STEP 10

Back 10

To further illustrate the movement I will give a series of steps. Ready, STEP. Ready, STEP…..(continue until the entire platoon has executed the movement).

Front 11

STEP 11

Back 11

To terminate the movement, the command is HALT. The halt is executed in two counts basically the same as the halt from the 30 inch step. For instructional purposes only, on the command of execution STEP of Ready, STEP, bring the trail foot alongside the lead foot and assume the position of attention. Ready, STEP. RE- FORM

Front 12

STEP 12

Back 12

When marching, the preparatory command Counter Column is given as the left foot strikes the marching surface and the command of execution MARCH is given the next time the left foot strikes the marching surface

Front 13

STEP 13

Back 13

On the command of execution MARCH of Counter Column, MARCH, the platoon executes the movement basically the same as from the halt, except that the squad takes one additional step to ensure that the pivot foot is in the correct position to execute the movement

Front 14

STEP 14

Back 14

NOTE: When the platoon leader and platoon sergeant are marching at their posts as a part of a larger formation, the platoon leader takes three steps forward and executes a column right, marches across the front of the platoon, executes another column right (just beyond fourth squad), marches to his post in the most direct manner, takes up the half step, and then steps off with a 30 inch step when the squad leaders come on line. The platoon sergeant inclines to the right, follows the third squad until the movement is completed, and then resumes his post

Front 15

STEP 15

Back 15

At normal cadence these movements will look as follows: FALL IN. Right, FACE. Counter Column, MARCH. Counter Column, MARCH. Demonstrators, HALT

Front 16

STEP 16

Back 16

QUESTIONS?????