Posted on Dec 3, 2015
"Attention to Orders!"... have we been doing this wrong?
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Years ago when Sergeant Major Joe Gainey was the III Corps CSM at Fort Hood, he told us at a ceremony that "Attention to Orders" does not mean stand if you are not standing and come to the position of attention. It means to pay attention to the orders. In my following commands, I always made sure I called a formation to attention before having someone "publish the orders." Unfortunately, most people in the Army still pop to attention when "Attention to Orders" is called, and those familiar with the proper meaning are left to also come to attention so they don't risk looking like they don't care or are disrespectful. Since CSM Gainey would go on to become the first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the CSA, I imagine he knew what he was talking about. What are your units doing in their ranks when "Attention to Orders" is called?
31A: Military Police
Army
Drill and Ceremony
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 23
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This is what is referred to as a "combined command" meaning it is a preparatory command and the command of execution combined. Since there is not now or has ever been a regulation governing D&C, the guidance set forth in the TC/FM is just that...guidance. There are many examples of "created commands". The command "Center Face" and "Ready Step" are frequently used as needed with no real guidance on their absolute use. Bottom line is; if the Commander says that everyone will come to the position of attention upon the command "Attention to Orders" then that is a lawful order. How many times have we all almost killed ourselves to get to the position of attention for the made up combined command "On Your Feet"? Same thing. technically the CSM was correct. there is no written command "Attention to Orders", but does there need to be? I think not.
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CPT (Join to see)
This is unfortunately not true. It's written, word for word, in the D&C TC:
G-6. “Attention to Orders” is the statement given prior to the formal presentation of an award or recognition during a ceremony, in both a formal and informal setting. When the adjutant announces “Attention to Orders” everyone present at the ceremony silence all conversations and focus on the presentation of the award. If the commander requires military members present at the ceremony to be at the position of Attention, then execution command ATTENTION is given prior to the presentation of the award."
G-6. “Attention to Orders” is the statement given prior to the formal presentation of an award or recognition during a ceremony, in both a formal and informal setting. When the adjutant announces “Attention to Orders” everyone present at the ceremony silence all conversations and focus on the presentation of the award. If the commander requires military members present at the ceremony to be at the position of Attention, then execution command ATTENTION is given prior to the presentation of the award."
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1SG Stephen Burgess
CPT (Join to see) - Not sure if you misunderstood what I wrote or if you just wanted to disagree, but what I wrote is 100% fact. You might want to focus on the difference in a regulation and a TC/FM.
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SFC Paul Horn
1SG Stephen Burgess - your reply here shows a lot of what is wrong with the Army and leadership. When the Army releases a TC which states that "maintaining
consistency throughout the Army, the procedures prescribed herein should be followed as closely as possible." And now includes appendix G which clarifies what attention to orders means, you go ahead and makes something up out of thin air then try to justify it by being dismissive and saying your made up opinion was fact. Sad.
consistency throughout the Army, the procedures prescribed herein should be followed as closely as possible." And now includes appendix G which clarifies what attention to orders means, you go ahead and makes something up out of thin air then try to justify it by being dismissive and saying your made up opinion was fact. Sad.
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"Attention to Orders"
Is not D&C command, it is a directive.
If the commander of troops wants those in attendance to be at attention (commonly that is already done) then the D&C command Attention should be given.
I don't think you will find "Attention to Orders" described and required moments prescribed for its use as it is not a command,
Is not D&C command, it is a directive.
If the commander of troops wants those in attendance to be at attention (commonly that is already done) then the D&C command Attention should be given.
I don't think you will find "Attention to Orders" described and required moments prescribed for its use as it is not a command,
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Na, I am perfectly correct these days. When my wife issues the "Attention to orders", I just reply, What?
All jokes aside, you're right 1LT. "Pay attention to the orders I'm about to read", says the Adj in so many words.
All jokes aside, you're right 1LT. "Pay attention to the orders I'm about to read", says the Adj in so many words.
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1LT William Clardy
Be careful, SGM Mikel Dawson. Homefront 6 is not to be trifled with, or your pillow can be deployed for an indefinite tour on the couch in the basement!
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