This step is used when a slight increase of speed, without an alteration of cadence, is required; on the command Quick—March the usual pace will be resumed.
17. Stepping short.
| Step—Short. | On the word Short, the foot advancing will complete its pace, after which each soldier will shorten the pace by 9 inches until the command Quick—March is given, when the quick step will be resumed. |
18. Marking time.
| Mark—Time. | On the word Time, the foot then advancing will complete its pace, after which the time will be continued, without advancing, by raising each foot alternately about six inches, keeping the feet almost parallel with the ground, the knees raised to the front, the arms steady at the sides, and the body steady. On the word Forward, the pace at which the men were moving will be resumed. |
At the halt, the word of command will be Quick, Mark—Time.
19. Stepping back.
| —Paces, Step Back—March. | In stepping back, soldiers must be taught to take a quick pace of 30 inches straight to the rear, preserving their shoulders square to the front and their bodies erect. In halting, the foot in front will be brought back square with the other. |
The step back should not exceed four paces.
20. Changing step.