You can submit your questions to Dr. Drill via e-mail to : DrDrill@CadetStuff.org.

Hey, y'all... thanks for remembering that Dr. Drill would be back with a special installment of Part Deux (that's French for Zwei) to the February edition. Unfortunately, those ham-handed editorial types got lazy and forgot there were only 28 days in February. So... we're coming to you in March.

Does everyone remember Cadet Artie Chokes question from last month? Here's a flashback:

[Excerpt from convincing forgery of cadet letter, with 10% real juice]

At the end of the formation, the first sergeant dismisses us by using those two famous words: "Dis, MISSED," at which point we all take one step back and do another about face in unison. We're all ready to collapse and DIE!

Three things I can't understand: 1. Why do we always end up getting dizzy? 2. Why does formation take so darned long? 3. Why does Captain Krunsh always show up the next week wearing a brace for his shoulder?

Sincerely,

C/CMSgt Arthur Chokes

[End excerpt, like you couldn't figure that out!]

Did everyone burn some brain cells to find a solution to Cadet Chokes' problem?

First of all, Artie, the first sergeant needs to review Commands and the Command Voice in the AFMAN 26-2203 (Chapter 2, by the way). You know... the part that describes how commands are given, and how that translates into the boldface and all-caps writing in the book. Commands like FALL OUT (the non-nuclear type, that is...), DISMISSED, FALL IN, etc are commands where the preparatory command and the command of execution are combined (2.1.1.3). That means they are given in one even tone and not broken into two parts. The book tells you that commands are given "at a uniformly high pitch and a louder volume that that of a normal command of execution." If you say, "Dis..... MISSED" or "Fall..... OUT" you're wrong. Check out these .WAV files for clarification. (Here comes the multi-media extravaganza you were all waiting for...)

OK, now that your first sergeant knows how to properly dismiss the unit, let's teach the unit members HOW to be dismissed. Dr. Drill has been all over the country, consulting with various units, giving keynote speeches (usually paying to do so, rather than getting paid), and here's what he has witnessed: units have all kinds of variations and myths about how FALL OUT and DISMISSED are supposed to be done. Fortunately for these units (and yours), Dr. Drill always carries at least a pocket-sized version of the AFMAN 36-2203 so he can dispel these myths and falsehoods whenever they occur. What do I mean?

Please open the book and show Dr. Drill where it says one is supposed to take a step backward prior to breaking ranks when executing either FALL OUT or DISMISSED.

I'm waiting... (Drumming fingers on desk, tapping foot, arms folded in an impatient manner...)

Couldn't find it, eh? That's because there is no such rule. To FALL OUT (3.3.1.4), "individuals may relax in a standing position or break ranks. They must remain in the immediate area, and no specific method of dispersal is required. [emphasis added] DISMISSED (5.11) indicates that the formation is concluded, and individuals may break ranks and leave (Of course that's covered in paragraph 4.7 of AFMAN36-2203. Take a gander.) No facing movements are required to break formations!

In Forrest Gump voice: "That's all I've got to say about that."

Of course, you may continue to execute formations "as you always have," but I would recommend buying stock in a medical supply company. You're going to need those crescent-shaped puke buckets for those dizzy cadets whom you keep making to face about, and a whole bunch of shoulder braces for your poor squadron commander (whom you've made salute TWICE during every return to ranks). I suggest crackin' the book. You'll have a bunch of happy cadets, and Captain Krunsh might let you eat his cereal again. Meanwhile, thanks for tuning in to Part Deux of the February installment of Dr. Drill (even though its MARCH!)!

Always trying to "Save, FACE",

Dr. Drill