Does this sound familiar?

The flight sergeant has to go indoors to help a new Cadet get his gear from supply. He calls Cadet Staff Sergeant Smith front and center. Smith reports and the flight sergeant tells him to take charge and conduct drill practice. The flight seargeant leaves.

C/SSgt Smith turns to face the flight and says, "Flight, BY MY COMMAND, ATTENTION".

What the heck is "BY MY COMMAND"?

Cadets often use the phrase BY MY COMMAND when assuming command of a drill unit. The goal is to make sure that the Cadets know who is giving the drill commands and who they should listen to for commands.

But, there is no such phrase as BY MY COMMAND in the drill manual. The phrase  seems to be confusion with the training tool Mass Commands, where the command AT MY COMMAND is used to end the use of mass commands by the flight.

It is assumed that the unit understands who's command they are under and when that command is transferred. There is no requirement that this phrase be used.

What's The Right Way?

Simple enough: after taking charge from the flight sergeant C/SSgt Smith turns to his flight and says, "Flight, ATTENTION."