Drill
Flight Formations
1
Line Formation
The arrangement of units one behind the other with the guide and element leader to the extreme right flank
The guidon bearer is in front of the farthest right of the formation
Position of the flight commander: six paces away and centered on the flight
When you fall a flight in, they fall into line formation
Inverted Line Formation
The arrangement of units one behind the other with the guide and element leaders to the extreme left flank
The guidon bearer is in the front of the farthest left of the formation
Position of the flight commander: six paces away and centered on the flight
Column Formation
The arrangement of units side by side with guide and element leaders to the head
The guidon bearer is abreast and to the right of the first element leader at normal interval
Position of the flight commander: back third
Inverted Column Formation
The arrangement of units side by side with guide and element leaders to the rear
Position of the flight commander: back third of the inverted flight
** Knowing where the Guideon bearer is positioned is key to knowing what formation you are in.
Column Movements
2
Column Right:
Third element: immediate 90° turn
Second element: pivot 45°, take two steps, pivot 45°
First element: pivot 45°, take four steps, pivot 45°
go into half steps after completing your turns and catching up to the flight
Column Left:
First element: immediate 90° turn
Second element: pivot 45°, take two steps, pivot 45°
Third element: pivot 45°, take four steps, pivot 45°
go into half steps after completing your turns and catching up to the flight
Flight Drill Evaluations (FDEs)
3
Expectation: Cadets are to demonstrate their ability to be directive and take ownership of a flight in a time and space constrained environment.
What to expect:
You will be handed a card with 20 drill movements that must be executed within 5 minutes the second you say your first command.
The flight will be in 2 elements.
The drill pad will be in a squared size. The dimensions vary.
You will have 1 minute to review the drill card and position your flight anywhere within the drill pad. The timer does not start until you return back to your flight and give the first command.
You must report in and out.
Reporting In Statement
“Sir/Ma’am, ____ Flight is prepared/ready for the flight drill evaluation”
Reporting Out Statement
“Sir/Ma’am, ____ Flight has completed the flight drill evaluation”
Drill Movements
Left Face Column Left
Right Face Column Right
About Face Left Flank
Parade Rest Right Flank
Attention To the Rear
Present Arms Order Arms
Left Step Eyes Right
Right Step Mark Time
Forward March Flight Halt
Dress Right Dress Cover
Change Step Half Steps
** Use this information to plan how you want to perform your FDE. Having an idea beforehand helps a lot, but stay confident in your knowledge when things don’t go as planned!
Change of Command
4
The current flight commander will call for the cadet who will be the next flight commander to exit the flight and stand in front using the verbiage: "Cadet ______, front and center."
The cadet being called to take control will salute and report in using the verbiage: "Cadet ______, Cadet ______ reports as ordered."
The flight commander will salute and pass command to the cadet by saying, "Take control of the flight."
The original flight commander will take a step back on their right foot, salute, and say one of the following:
"Cadet ______, Cadet ______ requests permission to return to ranks" (if you have been in the flight)
"Cadet ______, Cadet ______ requests permission to fall into the flight" (if you have not already fallen into the flight)
The new flight commander will salute back and say, "Return to ranks" or "Fall into the flight" depending on the previous statement.
The original flight commander will use facing movements to quickly fall into the back of the flight.