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The position of attention is a fundamental stance in military training used to establish discipline,

Writer's picture: Kirk CarlsonKirk Carlson

The position of attention is a fundamental stance in military training used to establish discipline, order, and respect. It is an essential part of basic training used in ceremonies, parades, and formal occasions.

The position of attention is a formal standing position in which the body is held upright, the feet are together, and the arms are straight down at the sides, with palms facing the thighs. The head and eyes are forward, and the chin is parallel to the ground. The back is straight, and the shoulders are back.

When given the command "attention," the soldier should respond by standing straight, bringing their heels together, and keeping their arms straight and parallel to the body. The soldier should then fix their gaze straight ahead, with their chin parallel to the ground, and hold this position until given the following command.

The position of rest is a less formal stance than the position of attention. When given the command "at ease," the soldier may relax their work, keeping their feet in place but moving one foot out to shoulder-width. Soldier may also impact their hands behind their back or to their side, but they should keep their head and eyes forward.

Facing commands are used to change the direction in which the soldier is facing. When given the order "right face," the soldier should pivot 90 degrees to their right, taking small steps and pivoting on their left foot. To execute a left face, the soldier should pivot on their right foot, taking small steps and turning 90 degrees to the left.

The proper way to salute varies depending on the situation. The basic salute involves raising the right hand in a sharp motion, with fingers extended and joined, and placing the fingertips at the forehead, just above the right eyebrow. The hand should be held in this position for a moment before lowering it to the side.

When saluting a higher-ranking officer, the soldier should hold the salute until the officer has returned the gesture. If the officer is not wearing a hat or headgear, the soldier should still salute but aim for the center of the officer's forehead.

To execute marching movements, various commands are given. "Forward march" is the most basic command, and the soldier should begin by lifting the left foot and taking a step forward, followed by the right foot. The arms should swing in a natural rhythm, with the left arm swinging forward with the left foot, and the right arm with the right foot.

The halt command is used to bring the marching soldier to a stop. When given the command "halt," the soldier should stop immediately, bringing their left foot alongside the right foot and standing at attention. The arms should be straight and parallel to the body, with the palms facing inward.

In conclusion, the position of attention is a fundamental aspect of military training that is used to establish discipline, order, and respect. Responding to positions of rest, facing commands, and saluting correctly, as well as executing marching movements and responding to halt commands, are essential skills for soldiers to master. Proper execution of these commands can help to create a unified and efficient military unit.

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