This section discusses the importance of proper commands. This cannot be underestimated. Invariably, PRT performance reflects the quality of its commands. Indifferent commands produce indifferent performance.
- When a command is given distinctly, concisely, with energy, and with proper regard to rhythm, the soldier’s performance will reflect it.
- See TC 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies, for detailed command voice, posture, and presence information.
ARMY PRT COMMAND TYPES
The two types of commands used in PRT are preparatory commands and commands of execution.
- Preparatory Commands: The preparatory command describes and specifies what is required.
- All preparatory commands are given with a rising voice inflection.
- Commands of Execution: The command of execution calls into action what has been prescribed.
Note: The interval between the two commands should be long enough to permit the soldier to understand the first one before the second one is given.
Preparatory Commands:
Definition:
- Preparatory commands specify what action is required and are generally intended to prepare the unit for the impending action.
Features:
- Given with a rising voice inflection.
- Describe and specify what is to be done.
- Serve as an alert for the soldiers to prepare for the following command of execution.
Examples:
- “Extend to the left,” in “Extend to the left, MARCH.”
- “Starting Position,” in “Starting Position, MOVE.”
- “Ready,” in “Ready, STRETCH.”
Commands of Execution:
Definition:
- Commands of execution signal the soldiers to carry out the action that was specified by the preparatory command.
Features:
- Brings into action what has been described in the preparatory command.
- Usually given more sharply and crisply to signal immediate action.
Examples:
- “MARCH,” in “Extend to the left, MARCH.”
- “MOVE,” in “Starting Position, MOVE.”
- “STRETCH,” in “Ready, STRETCH.”
COMMAND DELIVERY
When the PRT leader addresses the formation and is commanding movement or announcing the name of an exercise, he does so from a position of attention.
- Exceptions are exercises that change positions without returning to the position of attention.
- When exercises are performed, soldiers assume the proper starting position of each exercise with the command “Starting position, MOVE.”
- When conducting exercises, soldiers are commanded to return to the position of attention from the terminating position of the exercise before they are commanded to assume the starting position for the next exercise.
- PRT leaders use the command “Position of Attention, MOVE” to bring soldiers to the position of attention from an exercise terminating position.
Example of Exercise Conduct:
For example, this is how the PRT leader would conduct Exercise 4, the thigh stretch, in the New Army Recovery Drill.
- PRT Leader: “THE THIGH STRETCH.”
- Soldiers: “THE THIGH STRETCH.”
- PRT Leader: “Starting Position, MOVE.”
- All assume the starting position for the thigh stretch.
- PRT Leader: “Ready, STRETCH.”
- To change positions: “Starting Position, MOVE.”
- PRT Leader: “Change Position, Ready, STRETCH.”
- Upon termination: “Starting Position, MOVE.”
- PRT Leader: “Position of Attention, MOVE.”
EXTENDED RECTANGULAR FORMATION
The Army’s traditional formation for PRT activities is the extended rectangular formation.
It is best for platoon- to company-size formations because it is simple and easy to assume.
PT Formation Steps: Platoon Assembly
The PRT leader will position a platoon-size unit in a line formation so that the unit is centered and five paces away from the PRT platform after assuming the rectangular formation as below in the picture
The following army prt commands are typically given:
Extend to the left, MARCH
- Command: “Extend to the Left, March”
- Action: Soldiers in the right flank file stand fast with arms extended sideward at shoulder level. All other soldiers turn to the left and run forward at double time. After taking sufficient steps, all soldiers face the front with both arms extended sideward at shoulder level.
- Spacing: The distance between fingertips is about 12 inches, and the alignment is to the right.
Arms downward, MOVE
- Command: “Arms Downward, Move”
- Action: Arms are smartly lowered to the sides.
Left, FACE
- Command: “Left, Face”
Extend to the left, MARCH
- Command: “Extend to the Left, March”
- Action: Similar to Step 1, the right flank file soldiers stand fast with arms extended sideward. All other soldiers turn to the left and run forward at double time.
- Spacing: Same as Step 1, alignment is to the right.
Arms downward, MOVE
- Command: “Arms Downward, Move”
- Action: Same as Step 2.
Right, FACE
- Command: “Right, Face”
From front to rear, COUNT OFF
- Command: “From Front to Rear, Count-Off”
- Action: Soldiers in the first rank turn their heads to the right rear and count “one,” then turn their heads sharply to the front. Each subsequent squad repeats, calling out numbers such as “two,” “three,” “four,” etc.
Even number to the left, UNCOVER
- Command: “Even Numbers One Step to the Left, Uncover”
- Action: Each even-numbered soldier takes one step to the left, aligning squarely in the interval’s center, and bringing their feet together (See Extended Rectangular Formation PICTURE)
Bringing Formation Back to Normal
Assemble to the Right, MARCH
- Command: “Assemble to the Right, March”
- Action: This command returns the formation from an extended PT Formation to a regular formation.
By following these steps, PT leaders and soldiers can ensure a well-organized and effective PT session.