There are four positions of rest for halted troops. They are parade rest, at ease, rest, and fall out. The purpose of rest is to give troops a rest from the position of attention. Parade rest, at ease, and rest, are one-count movements. Fall out is not a precision movement and has no counts. All are executed from the position of attention. The commands are “Parade, REST;” “AT EASE;” “REST;” and “FALL OUT.”

1. Parade Rest. On the preparatory command “Parade,” shift the weight of your body to the right leg without noticeable movement. On the command of execution “REST,” and for the count of one, move the left foot twelve inches (measured from the inside of each heel) smartly to the left. The heels remain on line and the body weight rests equally on both legs. At the same time the left foot is moved, clasp the hands behind the back. The left hand is placed just below the belt and

the right hand is placed inside the left. The thumb of the right hand lightly grasps the thumb of the left. All fingers are extended and joined with the palms to the rear. The elbows will be in line with the body. Silence and immobility are required. The only command you may receive while at parade rest is “ATTENTION.”

2. At Ease. The command is “AT EASE.” It is executed in one count. At the command, keep your right foot in place. You may move about, but must not talk. You may also be given this command when not in ranks. In this case, it means cease talking, but continue whatever you were doing before the command. When in ranks, the only command you may receive while at ease is “ATTENTION.”

3. Rest. The command is “REST.” It is executed in one count. At the command, you may move and talk; however, you must keep your right foot in place. The only command you may receive while at rest is “ATTENTION.”