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

Respectfully
Cadet Sr. Airman Tracey Gilmore
Tahoe Truckee Comp. Sqdrn.

Dr. Drill responds

This is a tricky one. As always, let's look at our trusty D&C Manual.

4.15. Forming a Column of Twos From a Column of Fours and Reforming: 4.15.1. This is not a precise movement, but it is practiced in drill so, when necessary, the movement can be executed smoothly and without delay. These movements are executed only from a halt.

Emphasis mine. Whew! It doesn't have to be perfect! And by 'perfect' we mostly mean 'in step'. The commands still have to be executed correctly, but if the elements are out of step when they step off, that's not a crisis.

4.15.2. To form a column of twos when in a column of fours at a halt, the command is Column of Twos From the Right (Left), Forward, MARCH. On the preparatory command, the fourth (second) element leader turns his or her head 45 degrees to the right (left) and commands Forward; the second (fourth) element leader turns his or her head 45 degrees right (left) and commands STAND FAST. Each keeps his or her head to the right (left) until his or her element steps off. On the command MARCH, the designated elements step off immediately. As the last airmen in the designated lead elements pass and on the command Forward, MARCH (given by the second (fourth) element leader), the two remaining elements step off in step and incline in behind the two leading elements. The distance between elements is three paces (figure 4.10). When performing this movement from the left, the guide will immediately post in front of the second element on the preparatory command.

I'll break it down, step by step, sticking only with a Column of Twos From the Right (those extra 'left's and 'fourth's are confusing!).

Step 1: From a Halt (and in column formation, duh), the Flight Commander calls "Column of Twos From the Right, Forward".

Step 2a. Fourth element leader turns head 45 degrees to the right and commands the Fourth and Third elements "Forward".
2b. At the same time, Second element leader turns head 45 degrees to the right and commands the Second and First elements to "STAND FAST."
(These are known as 'Supplementary Commands'. See 2.1.2.)

Step 3. Flight Commander calls "MARCH".

Step 4a. Fourth element leader turns head immediately to the front and the Fourth and Third elements step off in a Forward, MARCH.
4b. Second element leader keeps his head 45 degrees to the right and waits for the last person in the lead elements to pass.

5. Last person passes Second element leader, and second element leader commands "Forward, MARCH".

6. Second and First elements step off and incline behind the Fourth and Third elements, leaving three paces of space (More or less. Remember: this is not a precision movement.).

7. The flight continues marching until commanded to Halt.

And getting back:

4.15.3. To form a column of fours when in a column of twos at a halt, the command is Column of Fours to the Left (Right), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the fourth (second) element leader turns his or her head 45 degrees to the left (right) and commands STAND FAST; the second (fourth) element leader turns his or her head 45 degrees to the left (right) and commands Column Half Left (Right). On the command MARCH, the element leaders return their heads to the front, the leading elements stand fast, and the remaining elements step off and execute a column half left (right) and incline to form to the left (right) of the leading elements (figure 4.11). As the trailing elements approach the head of the leading elements, the second (fourth) element leader turns his or her head 45 degrees to the left (right) and commands Elements, HALT so the leading individual of each element is approximately even with all others. Once the elements halt, each element leader returns his or her head to the front.

Breakin' it down, again only with Column of Fours to the Left. Remember, if you start from the right, you end to the left, and visa versa.

Step 1. From a Halt, Flight Commander calls "Column of Fours to the Left".

Step 2a. The fourth element leader turns his head 45 degrees to the left and commands "STAND FAST". 2b. At the same time, the second element leader turns his head 45 degrees to the left and commands "Column Half Left".

Step 3. Flight Commander commands "MARCH".

Step 4a. Fourth element leader turns head back to the front and the Fourth and Third elements do not move.
4b. The Second element leader turns head back the front and the Second and First elements perform a Column Half Left from a halt.

(Don't remember how to do a Column Half Left from a halt? 4.12.3. When column half right (left) is executed from a halt ... on the command of execution, the element leaders begin the movement by executing a face in marching to the indicated direction. Go to 3.18 for Face in Marching procedures. Basically, as you step off with the left foot, pivot the right foot 45 degrees so your left foot steps out diagonally to the left.)

Step 5. The Second and First elements incline to the right to create the proper interval between the Second element and Third element.

Step 6. The Second element leader gets close to the head of the Third element and will turn his head 45 degrees to the right and command "Elements, HALT" so the Second and First elements stop right next to the Third and Fourth elements. Thus looking like a normal flight again. Once halted the Second element leader turns his head back to the front.

Once you get it down starting From the Right, it will be easier to understand From the Left.

Now, since I've written a small novel I think it appropriate to conclude with:

The End.

And practice, practice, practice!

Dr. Drill