Countermarching
Maintain ground
(a.k.a., Chorean) -
with more that one file
Command:
"All files, by the left hand, countermarch to maintain ground!"
File leader (man in red) moves in the direction indicated. Those behind
follow and turn on the same ground.
Although the animation has the distance between files at
Order, Colonel Barriffe recommends for
this and other countermarches: "The distance for Countermartch is six foot, or open order in
rank
and file."
But there may be occasion for files to be as close as Order. |
In an exigent situation to the rear of the
formation, the officer or sergeant should consider
having the soldiers simply face about, which is
quicker than any countermarch. Upon completion
of the face about, the Bringer-up becomes the
temporary
File
Leader.
Unfortunately, this recourse brings the most inexperienced and least
armored soldiers to face the oncoming enemy. If the commander
has the opportunity, a countermarch is preferred simply to present
his strongest aspect.