The tone of the command should always be animated, distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the number of men for whom it is intended.
Instructors should cultivate a proper command, as its value as a tributary to the success of any military drill cannot be overestimated.
After an exercise has been described, its various movements or parts should be performed at executive words, which indicate not only the movement that is desired but the manner of the execution. Thus: 1. Trunk forward, 2. Bend, 3. Recover (or Raise), here the word bend is drawn to indicate moderately slow execution; the recovery being a little faster, the word recover should be spoken to indicate it.
The word Recover should always be used to bring the men back to the original position.
If it is desired to continue an exercise, the command Exercise should be used and the cadence or rhythm should be indicated by words or numerals. If numerals are used, they should equal the number of movements composing the exercise. Thus an exercise of two movements will be repeated at one, two; one of four movements will require four counts, etc.
The numeral or word preceding the command Halt should always be given with a rising inflection in order to prepare the men for the command Halt.
Thus: 1. Thrust arms forward, 2. Exercise one, two, one, two, one, Halt.
If any movement of any exercise is to be performed with more energy than the others, the word or numeral corresponding to that movement should be emphasized.
First Lesson.—A. Disciplinary Exercises. 1. Attention; 2. At Ease; 3. Rest; 4. Facings.
B. Starting Positions. (m.p.t., pp. 25 to 29.)