"Dress Right, Dress" is a fundamental command used in military, parade, and marching band formations to achieve precise alignment of individuals within ranks and files. It ensures that personnel are correctly spaced and aligned laterally (side-by-side) and in depth (front-to-rear).
Understanding the Command
The command "Dress Right, Dress" (often followed by "Ready, FRONT") is given when a formation is halted. Its primary purpose is to create straight lines and maintain proper interval (distance between individuals side-by-side) and distance (distance between ranks front-to-rear).
Proper execution is vital for maintaining order, discipline, and a sharp appearance in formations.
How to Perform 'Dress Right, Dress'
Upon hearing the command "Dress Right, Dress":
- Turn Head: Simultaneously turn your head sharply to the right.
- Extend Arm: Raise your left arm horizontally to the side, fingers extended and joined, palm down. Touch the fingertips of your left hand lightly to the shoulder of the person to your right. If you are on the right flank (the far right of the formation), you will not extend your arm as there is no one to your right.
- Align Body: Shuffle your feet sideways as needed to align yourself visually with the person to your right and the people in front of and behind you in your file. You should be able to see the chest of the second person to your right without straining. You are "covering down" on the person in front of you, meaning you should be directly behind them.
- Hold Position: Remain in this position until the command "Ready, FRONT" is given.
Upon the command "Ready, FRONT":
- Snap your head back to the front.
- Snap your left arm back down to your side (if extended).
- Assume the position of attention.
Roles in the Formation Alignment
Within a formation executing "Dress Right, Dress," certain individuals play specific roles that influence the alignment of others. As highlighted in the reference:
"Right Look. Right Since the second and third element leaders. And the guide have no one to align themselves with laterally."
This statement is key. It indicates that individuals like the guide (often on the right flank and the reference point for the entire formation's alignment) and potentially the second and third element leaders (who might be on the right flank of their respective elements or at key points in the formation) do not need to align laterally with anyone to their right. They are effectively the end points or the established line to which others align.
- The Guide: Typically positioned at the right flank of the lead element, the guide establishes the initial line. Others align to the right of the formation, using the guide (or the person on the right flank) as the base point.
- Element Leaders: Depending on the formation size and structure, element leaders may position themselves at key points (like the right flank of their element) to help maintain alignment throughout the formation.
- All Others: Align themselves based on the person immediately to their right and the person directly in front of them, using the established line (set by the guide or right-most individual/element leader) as the reference.
This demonstrates that while most personnel align relative to the person to their right, specific individuals like the guide and certain element leaders are the points to which others align, as they don't have anyone further right to adjust to.
Achieving Perfect Alignment
- Visual Checks: Look to your right to ensure your eyes align with the line of eyes in your rank. Look forward to ensure you are "covering down" on the person in front of you.
- Arm as Gauge: The extended left arm helps maintain the correct interval (spacing) between individuals in the rank. Your fingertips should lightly touch the shoulder of the person to your right, indicating proper spacing.
- Small Adjustments: Use small, controlled shuffling movements of the feet to make adjustments. Avoid large steps or movements that disrupt the formation.
Successfully executing "Dress Right, Dress" results in a formation where all individuals are perfectly aligned laterally and in depth, creating a visually precise and uniform appearance.
