Section 1 EO M108.01 – ADOPT THE POSITIONS OF ATTENTION, STAND AT EASE AND STAND EASY

The cadet shall adopt the position of attention, by ensuring:

1.heels are together and in line;

2.feet are turned out to form an angle of 30 degrees;

3.body is balanced and weight distributed evenly on both feet,

4.shoulders are level, square to the front,

5.arms are hanging as straight as the natural bend will allow, with elbows and wrists touching the body,

6.wrists are straight, the back of the hands outwards, fingers aligned, touching the palm of the hand, thumbs placed on the side of the forefinger at the middle joint with the thumbs and back of the fingers touching the thighs lightly and the thumbs in line with the seam of the trousers,

7.head is held erect, neck touching the back of the collar, eyes steady, looking their height and straight to the front, and

8.no part of the body is strained.

Note. From The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial (p. 2-3), by Director of History and Heritage 3-2, 2006, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.

Figure 1  Position of Attention

Note. From The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial (p. 2-3), by Director of History and Heritage 3-2, 2006, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.

Figure 2  Fists at Position of Attention

Practice the movements with: • the instructor calling the time; • the squad calling the time; and • the squad judging the time. Emphasize any movements with which the cadets had difficulty during the TP.

Constant checking and correcting of all faults is essential. Faults shall be corrected immediately after they occur. Common faults include: • back arched or hips too far forward, • shoulders and body tense, • leaning to the front or rear, • thumbs not along the seams of the trousers, and, • feet placed at an improper angle.

The position of standing at ease is an intermediate position between attention and standing easy. It allows no relaxation, but can be maintained without strain for a longer time than the position of attention.

On the command STAND AT EASE BY NUMBERS, SQUAD—ONE, the cadet shall bend the left knee.

Note. From The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial (p. 2-4), by Director of History and Heritage 3-2, 2005, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.

Figure 3  First Part of the Movement – Stand at Ease

Constant checking and correcting of all faults is essential. Faults shall be corrected immediately after they occur. Common faults include: • arms not held straight and firmly to the sides, • moving wrong foot, • lifting the foot instead of bending the knee, and • lower leg and foot hanging at an unnatural angle.

On the command SQUAD—TWO, the cadet shall:

1.ensure heels are together and in line;

2.carry the left foot to the left, straightening it in double time, and place it smartly flat on the ground with the inside of the heels 25 cm apart;

3.simultaneously, with a quick motion, bring the arms behind the back, stretched to their full extent, and place the back of the right hand in the palm of the left, with thumbs crossed right over left, the fingers together and extended; and

4.balance the body with the weight evenly distributed on both feet.

Note. From The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial (p. 2-4), by Director of History and Heritage 3-2, 2006, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.

Figure 4  Position of Stand at Ease

Practice the movements with: • the instructor calling the time; • the squad calling the time; and • the squad judging the time. Emphasize any movements with which the cadets had difficulty during the TP.

Constant checking and correcting of all faults is essential. Faults shall be corrected immediately after they occur. Common faults include: • foot carried over an improper distance, • right hand not placed fully into palm of the left hand, • thumbs hooked together, and • straining the arms in an attempt to lock the elbows

On the command ATTENTION BY NUMBERS, SQUAD—ONE, bend the left knee and shift the balance to the right foot.

On the command SQUAD—TWO, the cadet shall:

1.straighten the left leg in double time, place the foot on the ground, toe touching first, followed by the heel, and with heels aligned; and

2.simultaneously, with a quick motion, bring the arms and hands to the position of attention.

On the command ATTEN—TION, combine the two movements. The timing is “ONE.”

Constant checking and correcting of all faults is essential. Faults shall be corrected immediately after they occur. Common faults are the same as standing at attention and stand at ease.

The position of stand easy is ordered when the squad may relax. This command is only given when the squad is in the position of stand at ease.

On the command STAND—EASY, the cadet shall close the hands and bring the arms to the position of attention and relax.

Note. From The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial (p. 2-5), by Director of History and Heritage 3-2, 2006, Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.

Figure 5  Position of Stand Easy

When standing easy, with permission, cadets may adjust clothing and equipment, but shall not move feet or talk.

Constant checking and correcting of all faults is essential. Faults shall be corrected immediately after they occur. Common faults include moving or fidgeting and talking without permission.

On the cautionary command SQUAD, the cadet shall assume the position of stand at ease.

This TP is best taught as a group practice to ensure adherence to timings and togetherness of the squad.

Constant checking and correcting of all faults is essential. Faults shall be corrected immediately after they occur. Common faults include not paying attention.