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...and the kid says to the Sailor, "No sir, this isn't my hat."

Dr. Drill

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

Dear Dr. Drill,

There was an article posted on the website regarding a movement to the rear from a halt. Although there may not be a reference in Air Force Drill Manuals, there is one in the Navy/Marine Corps Drill Manual. It is under section 2210 and reads as follows:

2210. TO FACE TO THE REAR WHILE MARCHING. The purpose of this movement is to march the unit to the rear for a short distance.

1. The command is “To the Rear, MARCH.” It may be executed when halted or while marching at either quick time or double time. When marching the command of execution “MARCH” is given when the right foot strikes the deck. When marching to the rear, the only movement that can be given is “To the Rear, MARCH” in order to bring the individual or unit back to its’ original front.

2. To March to the Rear From a Halt

a. The command is “To the Rear, MARCH.”

b. On “MARCH,” step forward with the left foot.

c. Turn about to the right on the balls of both feet and immediately step out to the rear with the left foot. This is done without loss of cadence. When turning, the feet should be about 15 inches apart.

Perhaps this is where that poor cadet got his misguidance. So to rebut what you replied to, “Yes, it can be done.” You just have to quit the Air Force and come join the Marines if you want to march that way.

Terry Turner
Lieutenant Junior Grade
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Phoenix Division
Semper Eruditio
(Always Learning)

Dr. Drill responds:


Lieutenant Turner,

Thanks a bunch! I'm just going to let your excellent synopsis of the Sea Service's way of doing things stand as is. Believe it or not, the Doctor knew that, but simply answered the question that was asked without expanding (as he knows he should have, considering CadetStuff's audience!).

Take care!

Dr. Drill

Caution: Dr. Drill isn't always one hundred percent serious. Please activate your Joke Detectors. And don't call us when you find yourself explaining to a membership termination board why you used a staple gun to keep a cadet's hands at his sides during "To The Rear, March". All we're going to say on your behalf is "Duh!"

And if you find yourself on the bad end of a serious counseling because you decided to go toe-to-toe with your squadron commander over the position of the guide during a squadron-in-mass formation or something similarly trivial, well, we're just going to point, laugh and call you names!

Dr. Drill welcomes comments and corrections. Nothing herein is to be construed as official policy unless quoted from an up-to-date regulation or manual and Dr. Drill is not to be used as a blunt instrument to reshape the pointy heads of your superiors. Dr. Drill has made an extensive study of the drill and knows some people who know some things, but he's not the Final Authority on what happens at your unit. That Final Authority is? That's right, kids! Your UNIT COMMANDER.

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