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

You are correct in your article about "at ease" except for one thing. What my fellow midshipmen and myself have always been taught is that one MUST move on a command of "at ease." Nothing specific, but you have to move somehow. Platoons will be docked points if somebody doesn't respond to the command.

MIDN 4/C Garrett O'Hara, USNR

Dr. Drill responds

Thanks for writing back and telling me this strange tale. Let's take another look at the reference from the manual, shall we?

2-2 b. Rests. There are four rests for halted troops. They are parade rest, at ease, rest, and fall out. All are executed from the position of
attention.

(2) At Ease. The command is AT EASE. It is executed in one count. At the command, keep your right foot in place. You may move about but must not talk. You may also be given this command when not in ranks. In this case, it means cease talking but continue whatever you were doing before the command.

So, I'm sorry Mid, but just because they say they'll dock you doesn't make it right. This is what Dr. Drill refers to as 'guerilla drill': stuff that ain't in the manual, but that gets incorrectly propogated. Some excellent examples in the CAP world include squaring corners during posting and the booty-shaking "Fall Out Dance".

If I was in your place, I'd politely ask for clarification on that point and have the manual in hand while I did so. I'd also keep in mind that what they're teaching you is not in the manual, so it's up to you not to propogate it in the future.

Good luck (you're going to need it),

Dr. Drill