Hey, y’all… thanks for remembering that Dr. Drill would be back with
a special installment of Part Deux (that’s French for Zwei) to the
February edition. Unfortunately, those ham-handed editorial types got
lazy and forgot there were only 28 days in February. So... we're
coming to you in March.
Does everyone remember Cadet Artie Chokes question from last
month? Here’s a flashback:
[Excerpt from convincing forgery of cadet letter, with 10% real
juice]
At the end of the formation, the first sergeant dismisses us by using
those two famous words: “Dis, MISSED,” at which point we all take one
step back and do another about face in unison. We’re all ready to
collapse and DIE!
Three things I can’t understand: 1. Why do we always end up getting
dizzy? 2. Why does formation take so darned long? 3. Why does Captain
Krunsh always show up the next week wearing a brace for his shoulder?
Sincerely,
C/CMSgt Arthur Chokes
[End excerpt, like you couldn’t figure that out!]
Did everyone burn some brain cells to find a solution to Cadet
Chokes’ problem?
First of all, Artie, the first sergeant needs to review Commands and
the Command Voice in the AFMAN 26-2203 (Chapter 2, by the way). You
know… the part that describes how commands are given, and how that
translates into the boldface and all-caps writing in the book. Commands
like FALL OUT (the non-nuclear type, that is…), DISMISSED, FALL IN, etc
are commands where the preparatory command and the command of execution
are combined (2.1.1.3).
That means they are given in one even tone and not broken into two
parts. The book tells you that commands are given “at a uniformly high
pitch and a louder volume that that of a normal command of execution.”
If you say, “Dis….. MISSED” or “Fall….. OUT” you’re wrong. Check out
these .WAV files for clarification. (Here comes the multi-media
extravaganza you were all waiting for…)
OK, now that your first sergeant knows how to properly dismiss the
unit, let’s teach the unit members HOW to be dismissed. Dr. Drill has
been all over the country, consulting with various units, giving keynote
speeches (usually paying to do so, rather than getting paid), and here’s
what he has witnessed: units have all kinds of variations and myths
about how FALL OUT and DISMISSED are supposed to be done. Fortunately
for these units (and yours), Dr. Drill always carries at least a
pocket-sized version of the AFMAN 36-2203 so he can dispel these myths
and falsehoods whenever they occur. What do I mean?
Please open the book and show Dr. Drill where it says one is supposed
to take a step backward prior to breaking ranks when executing either
FALL OUT or DISMISSED.
I’m waiting… (Drumming fingers on desk, tapping foot, arms folded in
an impatient manner…)
Couldn’t find it, eh? That’s because there is no such rule. To FALL
OUT (3.3.1.4),
"individuals may relax in a standing position or break
ranks. They must remain in the immediate area, and no specific
method of dispersal is required. [emphasis added] DISMISSED (5.11) indicates that the
formation is concluded, and individuals may break ranks and leave (Of
course that's covered in paragraph
4.7 of AFMAN36-2203. Take a gander.) No
facing movements are required to break formations!
In Forrest Gump voice: “That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”
Of course, you may continue to execute formations “as you always
have,” but I would recommend buying stock in a medical supply company.
You’re going to need those crescent-shaped puke buckets for those dizzy
cadets whom you keep making to face about, and a whole bunch of shoulder
braces for your poor squadron commander (whom you’ve made salute TWICE
during every return to ranks). I suggest crackin’ the book. You’ll have
a bunch of happy cadets, and Captain Krunsh might let you eat his cereal
again. Meanwhile, thanks for tuning in to Part Deux of the February
installment of Dr. Drill (even though its MARCH!)!
Always trying to “Save, FACE”,
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!"
Dr. Drill welcomes comments and
corrections. Nothing herein is to be construed as the policy of Civil Air Patrol
unless quoted from an up-to-date Civil Air Patrol regulation. Even then, it may not
be the policy of Civil Air Patrol. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CHAIN OF COMMAND AND REVIEW THE AFMAN 36-2203! |
