Basic Marching - Getting Started

4-6. THE 30-INCH STEP To march with a 30-inch step from the Halt, the command is Forward, MARCH. 

a. On the preparatory command Forward, shift the weight of the body to the right foot without noticeable movement. On the command of execution MARCH, step forward 30 inches with the left foot and continue marching with 30-inch steps, keeping the head and eyes fixed to the front. The arms swing in a natural motion, without exaggeration and without bending at the elbows, approximately 9 inches straight to the front and 6 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams. Keep the fingers curled as in the Position of Attention so that the fingers just clear the trousers.  

b. To Halt while marching, the command Squad (Platoon), HALT is given. The preparatory command Squad (Platoon) is given as either foot strikes the marching surface as long as the command of execution HALT is given the next time that same foot strikes the marching surface. The Halt is executed in two counts. After HALT is commanded, execute the additional step required after the command of execution and then bring the trail foot alongside the lead foot, assuming the Position of Attention and terminating the movement.  

4-4. HAND SALUTE

The Hand Salute is a one-count movement. The command is Present, ARMS. The Hand Salute may be executed while marching. When marching, only the Soldier in charge of the 
formation salutes and acknowledges salutes. When double-timing, an individual Soldier must come to Quick Time before saluting. 

a. When wearing headgear with a visor (with or without glasses), on the command of execution ARMS, raise the right hand sharply, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm 
facing down, and place the tip of the right forefinger on the rim of the visor slightly to the right of the right eye. The outer edge of the hand is barely canted downward so that neither 
the back of the hand nor the palm is clearly visible from the front. The hand and wrist are straight, the elbow inclined slightly forward, and the upper arm horizontal. 

b. When wearing headgear without a visor (or uncovered) and not wearing glasses, execute the Hand Salute in the same manner as previously described, except touch the tip of 
the right forefinger to the forehead near and slightly to the right of the right eyebrow.

c. When wearing headgear without a visor (or uncovered) and wearing glasses, execute the Hand Salute in the same manner as previously described, except touch the tip of the right forefinger to that point on the glasses where the temple piece of the frame meets the right edge of the right brow. 

d. Order Arms from the Hand Salute is a one-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, return the hand sharply to the side, resuming the Position of Attention. 

e. When reporting or rendering courtesy to an individual, turn the head and eyes toward the person addressed and simultaneously salute. In this situation, the actions are executed without command. The Salute is initiated by the subordinate at the appropriate time (six paces) and terminated upon acknowledgment. 

The Mountain Climber

EXERCISE 3: MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Purpose: This exercise develops the ability to quickly move the legs to power out of the front leaning rest
position (Figure 9-4).

Starting Position: Front leaning rest position with the left foot below the chest and between the arms.
Cadence: MODERATE
Count:

1. Push upward with the feet and quickly change the positions of the legs.
2. Return to the starting position.
3. Repeat the movements in count 1.
4. Return to the starting position.

Figure 9-4. Mountain climber

Check Points:

• The hands are directly below the shoulders with the fingers spread (middle fingers pointing straight
• ahead) with the elbows straight, not locked.
• To prevent the trunk from sagging, contract and hold the abdominals throughout the exercise. Do not
• raise the hips and buttocks when moving throughout the exercise.
• Align the head with the spine and direct the eyes to a point about two feet in front of the body.
• Throughout the exercise, remain on the balls of the feet.
• Move the legs straight forward and backward, not at angles.

Precaution: N/A