4.13. Forming a Single File or Multiple Files. These are not precise movements, but they are practiced in drill so, when necessary, the movements can be executed smoothly and without delay. These movements are executed only from the halt.

4.13.1. Column of Files. To form a single file when in a column of two or more elements, the command is Column of Files From the Right (Left), Forward, MARCH. On the preparatory command, the guide takes a position in front of the file that will move first. The element leader of the right (left) element turns his or her head 45 degrees to the right (left) and commands Forward. At the same time, the remaining element leaders turn their heads 45 degrees to the right (left) and command STAND FAST. Their heads are kept to the right (left) until they step off. On the command MARCH, the extreme right (left) element steps off. The element leader of each remaining element commands Forward, MARCH as the last airman in each element passes, ensuring the leaders element is in step with the preceding element. All elements then incline to the right (left), following the leading elements in successive order (figure 4.8).

Figure 4.8. Forming a File From a Column of Twos

4.13.2. Column of Files, Column Right (Left). In conjunction with forming single files, column movements may be executed at the same time. The command is Column of Files From the Right (Left), Column Right (Left), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the guide executing a face in marching takes a position in front of the file that will move first. The element leader of the right (left) element commands Column Right (Left). The remaining element leaders command STAND FAST. On the command MARCH, the element leader and guide execute a face in marching to the right (left), and the element leader continues marching in the new direction with 24-inch steps. The guide marches to a position ahead of the element leader, then pivots 45 degrees to a position 40 inches in front of the element leader. The remaining individuals in the base file march forward on the command of execution, pivot in approximately the same location as their element leader, and maintain a 40-inch distance. The element leaders of the remaining elements command Column Right (Left), MARCH, at which time all airmen perform the movement in the same manner as the base element. The element leaders follow the leading elements in successive order. The commands Column of Files From the Left, Column Right, MARCH and Column of Files From the Right, Column Left, MARCH are not given.

4.13.3. Column of Twos (Fours) From a Single File (Multiple Elements). To form a column of two or more files when in a single file of more than one element, the command is Column of Twos (Fours) to the Left (Right), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the leading element leader turns his or her head 45 degrees to the right (left) and commands STAND FAST. At the same time, the remaining element leaders turn their heads 45 degrees to the right (left) and command Column Half Left (Right). On the command MARCH, the leading element stands fast, and the element leader returns his or her head back to the front. The remaining element leaders turn their heads back to the front and step off, executing a column left (right) simultaneously, and incline and form to the left (right) of the leading element. The remaining members of each element march to the approximate pivot point established by the element leaders and perform the movement in the same manner as the element leaders. Each element is halted by its element leader turning his or her head 45 degrees to the left (right) and commanding the element to halt so his or her element is abreast of, and even with, the leading element (figure 4.9).