20.5 Drill & Formation

Air Force PFE Promotion Fitness Examination

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1 Introduction & Exam Overview

1.1 PFE Exam Facts & Format 1.2 The WAPS Scoring System 1.3 The Tested AFH 1 Chapters & Study Strategy

2 Professionalism (AFH 1, Chapter 1)

2.1 The USAF Professional & the Profession of Arms 2.2 The Air Force Core Values & Their Virtues 2.3 Ethical Standards & the Airman's Creed

3 Military Organization & Command (AFH 1, Chapter 5)

3.1 The United States Armed Forces 3.2 The Military Departments & Services 3.3 Military Command Structure & Combatant Commands 3.4 The Air Force Total Force 3.5 Air Force Organizational Structure

4 Enlisted Force Development I (AFH 1, Chapter 7A–7D)

4.1 Leadership Levels 4.2 The Enlisted Force Structure & Tiers 4.3 Duty Titles & Special Positions 4.4 Force Development & the Competency Framework

5 Enlisted Force Development II (AFH 1, Chapter 7E–7H)

5.1 Training Responsibilities & Upgrade Training 5.2 Professional Military Education 5.3 The Community College of the Air Force 5.4 Continuing Education & Voluntary Programs

6 Assessments & Recognition (AFH 1, Chapter 8)

6.1 The Airman Comprehensive Assessment 6.2 Performance Evaluations & the EPB 6.3 Reenlistments, Retention & Continuation 6.4 Awards & Decorations

7 Enlisted Promotions (AFH 1, Chapter 9)

7.1 Promotion Systems & Programs 7.2 Promotion Cycles & Eligibility 7.3 Preparation & Individual Responsibilities 7.4 Promotion Testing & Test Control 7.5 Evaluation Boards & Central Selection

8 Personnel Programs & Benefits (AFH 1, Chapter 11)

8.1 Benefits & Services 8.2 Leave & Authorized Absences 8.3 Military Associations & Civilian Programs

9 Finance, Manpower & Resources (AFH 1, Chapter 12)

9.1 Individual Finances & Allowances 9.2 Official Travel Expenses & Allowances 9.3 Manpower Management 9.4 Resource Management & Stewardship 9.5 Environmental Commitment

10 Developing Organizations (AFH 1, Chapter 13)

10.1 Strategic Thinking & Results Focus 10.2 Resources & Organizational Structure 10.3 Change Management & Problem Solving

11 Developing Others (AFH 1, Chapter 14)

11.1 Teamwork & Team Dynamics 11.2 Develops People: Mentoring, Coaching & Feedback 11.3 Service Mindset & Fostering Effective Relationships 11.4 Leadership: Styles, Power & Influence

12 Developing Self I (AFH 1, Chapter 15A–15C)

12.1 Accountability & Self-Management 12.2 Military Communication 12.3 Preparing to Communicate

13 Developing Self II (AFH 1, Chapter 15D–15F)

13.1 Written Communication 13.2 Spoken Communication 13.3 Electronic Messaging

14 Developing Ideas (AFH 1, Chapter 16)

14.1 What We Know: Priorities & Innovation 14.2 Cognitive Processes & Critical Thinking 14.3 Informed Decision-Making 14.4 What We Don't Know: Uncertainty & Assumptions

15 Emergency Management (AFH 1, Chapter 17)

15.1 Air Force Emergency Management, Disasters & Hazards 15.2 Preparedness, MOPP & Individual Protection 15.3 Crisis Response & Recovery 15.4 Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention 15.5 Risk Management

16 Security (AFH 1, Chapter 18)

16.1 Integrated Defense & Force Protection Conditions 16.2 Operations Security (OPSEC) 16.3 Information Protection & Classification 16.4 Information Access, Cybersecurity & Mobility 16.5 Antiterrorism

17 Standards of Conduct (AFH 1, Chapter 19)

17.1 A Way of Life: Oaths, Standards & Off-Duty Conduct 17.2 The Law of War 17.3 The Code of Conduct

18 Enforcing Military Standards (AFH 1, Chapter 20)

18.1 The Air Force Inspection System 18.2 Individual Accountability & Corrective Action 18.3 Appropriate Working Relationships & Fraternization 18.4 Addressing Misconduct & Prohibited Behavior

19 Fitness & Readiness (AFH 1, Chapter 22)

19.1 USAF Fitness & Comprehensive Airman Fitness 19.2 The Official Fitness Assessment 19.3 Nutrition & Performance 19.4 Substance Use, Abuse & Treatment Programs 19.5 Readiness State of Mind & Resilience

20 Military Customs & Courtesies (AFH 1, Chapter 24)

20.1 Honored Traditions: Saluting, Titles & Reporting 20.2 Respect for the Flag 20.3 Respect for Individuals 20.4 Ceremonies & Events 20.5 Drill & Formation 20.6 Preserving Our Heritage

21 SJT Format & Competencies

21.1 SJT Format & Mechanics 21.2 Airman Leadership Qualities (ALQs) 21.3 Foundational Competencies & Behaviors

22 SJT Reasoning, Scenarios & Traps

22.1 SJT Reasoning Strategies 22.2 Sample SJT Scenarios 22.3 SJT Traps & Best Practices

20.5 Drill & Formation

Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI

The flight formation is the most practical drill group and is composed of at least two, but no more than four, elements.

Drill standards include the 24-inch step and a cadence of 100 to 120 steps per minute.

A drill command usually has two parts: the preparatory command and the command of execution.

The four positions of rest are parade rest, at ease, rest, and fall out.

At parade rest the heels are 12 inches apart measured from the inside of the heels, with the right hand placed in the palm of the left.

Last updated: August 2026

Why Drill Matters

"Ceremonies involving drill and formations honor distinguished persons, recognize special events, and demonstrate the proficiency and training state of Airmen." AFH 1 connects the drill field to the ceremony floor: "The precision marching, promptness in responding to commands, and teamwork developed on the drill field are key to the professional appearance and performance of the formation during ceremonies."

"Whether giving or following commands, good military bearing is essential to all involved."

The flight formation is "the most practical drill group and is composed of at least two, but no more than four, elements." The reference for detail is DAFPAM 34-1203, Drill and Ceremonies .

Two to four elements is the range to memorize — and it connects back to Chapter 5, where flights typically break into three or four evenly distributed elements.

Drill Standards

"Standards, such as the 24-inch step, cadence of 100 to 120 steps per minute, distance, and interval, were established to ensure movements are executed with order and precision."

Standard Value
Step length 24 inches
Cadence 100 to 120 steps per minute

24 inches and 100–120 steps per minute are the two numeric drill facts the PFE draws on.

The Four Types of Commands

"A drill command is an oral order that usually has two parts: the preparatory command and the command of execution."

Part Function

Preparatory command Precedes the command of execution. "It explains what the movement will be and what elements or parts of the formation will be executing the movement"

Command of execution "Explains what movement will be carried out"

AFH 1's worked example: in "Flight, HALT," the word "Flight" is the preparatory command designating the unit, and "HALT" is the command of execution to be performed.

Note the convention in AFH 1's text: the command of execution is printed in capital letters — Flight, ATTENTION ; Parade, REST ; Open Ranks, MARCH . That typographic cue identifies which half is which in any command the exam presents.

Command type Definition and examples

Supplementary Given when one unit of the element must execute a movement different from another unit, or the same movement at a different time. Examples: "CONTINUE THE MARCH" and "STAND FAST"

Informational "Has no preparatory command or command of execution and is not supplementary." Used to direct others to give commands. Examples: "PREPARE FOR INSPECTION" and "DISMISS THE SQUADRON"

Mass "Help develop confidence, self-reliance, assertiveness, and enthusiasm by making the individual recall, give, and execute proper commands." Usually confined to simple movements with short preparatory commands and commands of execution carried out simultaneously by all elements . Each person gives commands in unison as if responsible for the entire element

The discriminator between supplementary and informational is whether the command has the two-part structure at all: supplementary commands direct a different movement or timing for part of the formation; informational commands direct others to give commands and have no preparatory/execution structure.

Drill Positions
Fall In

On the command "FALL IN," individuals form a flight in line formation — "falling into formation by forming a 'long' line from shoulder to shoulder." Each Airman automatically establishes their dress, cover, interval, and distance , executes an automatic ready front , and remains at the position of attention.

Four things established automatically: dress, cover, interval, and distance.

Attention

On "Flight, ATTENTION," members come to attention by:

Bringing the heels together smartly and on line , with feet turned out equally to form a 45-degree angle
Keeping the legs straight without stiffening or locking the knees
Body erect with hips level, chest lifted, back arched, and shoulders square and even
Arms hanging straight down alongside the body without stiffness , wrists straight with the forearms

Thumbs, resting along the first joint of the forefinger, placed along the seams of the trousers or sides of the skirt

Hands cupped (but not clenched as a fist) with palms facing the leg

Head held straight to the front , chin drawn slightly so the axis of the head and neck is vertical , eyes to the front with the line of sight parallel to the ground

Weight resting equally on the heels and balls of both feet
Silence and immobility are required

The 45-degree foot angle and hands cupped, not clenched are the two details most often tested.

Open Ranks

"Open Ranks, MARCH" is only given to a formation when in line at normal intervals.

Rank Movement on "MARCH"
Fourth rank Stands fast and automatically executes dress right dress
Third rank Takes one pace
Second rank Takes two paces
First rank Takes three paces forward
The flight commander then aligns the flight and commands "Ready, FRONT."

Open ranks is a command given for inspecting the flight. After inspecting, the inspector marches off to the right flank (element leaders) , the commander calls the flight to attention , and then commands "Close Ranks, MARCH."

Rank Movement on close ranks
First rank Stands fast
Second rank Takes one pace forward and halts at attention
Third rank Takes two paces forward
Fourth rank Takes three paces forward

The mirror structure is the key: on open ranks the front rank moves farthest and the rear stands fast; on close ranks the front stands fast and the rear moves farthest. Reversing them is the standard distractor.

The Four Positions of Rest

"There are four positions of rest: parade rest, at ease, rest, and fall out." Two procedural rules bracket them:

"The commander and members of the formation must be at the position of attention before going to any of the rest positions"

"To resume the position of attention from any of the rests (except fall out, for which the commander uses the command 'FALL IN'), the command is 'Flight, ATTENTION'"

Position Command What it permits What it requires

Parade Rest "Parade, REST" Nothing — remain silent and immobile Raise the left foot from the hip just enough to clear the ground and move smartly to the left so the heels are 12 inches apart, measured from the inside of the heels. Legs straight but not stiff , heels on line . Arms fully extended to the back of the body , hands uncupped with fingers straightened, pointing toward the ground , palms outward , with the right hand in the palm of the left, right thumb over the left to form an "X." Head and eyes straight ahead

At Ease "AT EASE" May relax in a standing position Must keep the right foot in place. Position in the formation will not change. Silence is maintained

Rest "REST" Moderate speech is permitted The same requirements as at ease apply — right foot in place

Fall Out "FALL OUT" May relax in a standing position or break ranks. Moderate speech is permitted Must remain in the immediate area. No specific method of dispersal is required

How to Keep the Four Straight

The positions form a clean ladder of increasing freedom:

Parade rest — silent, immobile, feet fixed at 12 inches
At ease — may relax, right foot in place , silence maintained
Rest — same as at ease, but moderate speech permitted
Fall out — may break ranks , speech permitted, remain in the immediate area

The only difference between "at ease" and "rest" is speech. That single distinction is the most tested point in Section 24E, and the right foot stays planted for both.

The 12-inch heel spacing at parade rest and the "X" formed by right hand over left are the two physical details most likely to be asked about directly.