Basic Movements
Squad Drill at the Halt without Arms:
Position of Attention
The position of attention is one of readiness for a word of command. Alertness and exactness in this position is important, and therefore personnel should not be kept at
attention longer than necessary.
The position of attention is the position adopted by all when addressing a superior. The position of attention is as follows
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heels together and in line;
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feet turned out to form an angle of 30 degrees;
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body balanced and weight distributed evenly on both feet;
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shoulders level, square to the front;
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arms hanging as straight as their natural bend will allow, with elbows and wrists touching the body;
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wrists straight, the back of the hands outwards;
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fingers aligned, touching the palm of the hand, thumbs placed on the side of the forefinger at the middle joint with the thumbs and back of the fingers touching the thighs lightly and the thumbs in line with the seam of the trousers; and
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head held erect, neck touching the back of the collar, eyes steady, looking their height and straight to the front.
Stand Easy
The position of stand easy is ordered when it is desirable to permit troops to relax. This command is only given when the squad is in the position of stand at ease. On the command STAND – EASY, squad members shall (Figure 4):
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close the hands and bring the arms to the position of attention;
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observe a standard pause; and
When standing easy, squad members may, with permission, move all but their feet and adjust clothing and equipment, but they shall not smoke or talk.
Stand at Ease from Attention
On the command STAND AT EASE BY NUMBERS, SQUAD – ONE, squad members bend the left knee.
On the command SQUAD – TWO, squad members shall:
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carry the left foot to the left, straightening it in double time, and place it smartly flat on the ground with the inside of the heels 25 cm apart;
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simultaneously, with a quick motion, bring the arms behind the back, stretched to their full extent, and place the back of the right hand in the palm of the left, with thumbs crossed right over left, the fingers together and extended; and
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balance the body with the weight evenly distributed on both feet.
On the command STAND AT – EASE, the two movements are combined.
