Unit
Columns
Alignment
Formation types
Cadence
100

This is the smallest drill unit that has a designated leader and is normally composed of 8 to 12 Airmen.


What is an element?


100

This describes a formation where individuals are arranged side by side.

What is a rank?

100

This term describes side-to-side alignment used to straighten a formation.

What is dress?

100

In this formation, the guide and element leaders are positioned on the extreme right flank.

What is in-line?


100

This is the measured distance from heel to heel of a marching Airman.


What is a step?


200

This unit is formed by combining multiple elements and is commanded as a single body.

What is a flight?


200

This describes a formation where individuals are arranged one behind another.

What is a file?

200

This term describes front-to-rear alignment with the individual directly in front.

What is cover?

200

In this formation, the guide and element leaders are positioned at the front of the unit.


What is in-column?


200

This term refers to a 24-inch step used during quick time marching.


What is a pace?

300

This term applies to any portion of a formation, regardless of size.


What is a unit?

300

This term refers to the leading unit of a column formation.


What is the head?

300

This spacing term is normally an arm’s length between individuals in the same rank.

What is interval?

300

This formation places the guide and element leaders on the extreme left flank.

What is inverted in-line?

300

This term refers to the uniform rhythm and number of steps per minute while marching.


What is cadence?


400

This is the element used to regulate or align movements when executing drill.

What is the base?


400

This refers to the extreme right or left side of a formation, always based on the Airman’s perspective.

What is a flank?

400

This spacing term is measured as 40 inches from chest to back between individuals.

What is distance?


400

This formation places the guide and element leaders to the rear of the unit.


What is inverted in-column

400

This marching rate involves 100–120 steps per minute while remaining in place.


What is mark time?

500

This term describes how multiple units are arranged together on the drill pad.

What is a formation?

500

This term measures the space a formation occupies from flank to flank.

What is the front?

500

This term describes the total front-to-rear space a formation occupies, including individual depth.


What is depth?

500

This term refers to the Airman responsible for regulating direction and cadence during marching.

Who is the guide

500

This marching rate uses 30-inch steps at 180 steps per minute.

What is double time?