Marine Corps Formations

During my time in the Marine Corps, I have noticed that Marines have lacked in the understanding of close order drill and formations. We conduct these formations by utilizing close order drill to ensure Marines are always ready for any event. Due to Marines continually questioning, why do we have formations for accountability, for promotions, and uniform inspections. Formations have and always will be a part of the Marine Corps traditions. We as small unit leaders utilize the conduct of formations to hold our Marines accountable. If we don’t hold our Marines accountable, how can we expect them to hold those below them accountable. Having accountability of Marines ensures we can give a proper report to our commanding officer, providing …show more content…
Units use formations during uniform inspections to not only have accountability as always, but to allow for proper distance between squads. Marines will conduct “Open Ranks, March” when conducting uniform inspections, what this does is allows the squads to open the formation by 2, 4 and 6 paces allowing the inspector room to inspect. During the inspection, Marines will be reviewed in any uniform that was passed either by section or in a formation on a previous day. The inspection allows the small unit leader to hold the Marine accountable for their uniform, ensuring they are serviceable, form fitting, properly marked and have a clean professional appearance. Once, the inspectors are competed with all squads the Marines will “Close Ranks” by taking 1,3 and 5 paces forward. The Marines will then “Fall Out” and receive final word for the day, whether it be go back to work or for those who had discrepancies to fix their uniforms and continue with plan of the day. The importance of uniform inspections holds Marines accountable not only to be in their appointed place of duty, but to ensure they maintain their uniforms in a clean and professional