Military Standards
At Ease Practice Tips

Practice TipsAt Ease

Practical exercises and techniques to master the relaxed military stance with movement flexibility.

Essential Practice Areas

Focus on these key areas to improve your At Ease position

Daily Practice Routine

  • Practice transitioning from Parade Rest to At Ease
  • Work on maintaining military bearing while relaxed
  • Practice appropriate movement within the position
  • Focus on natural, comfortable positioning
  • Work on situational awareness while At Ease

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't become too casual or lose military bearing
  • Avoid excessive movement or fidgeting
  • Don't turn your back to superiors
  • Prevent slouching or poor posture
  • Don't engage in inappropriate conversations

Improvement Techniques

  • Practice finding comfortable yet professional stance
  • Work on maintaining alertness while relaxed
  • Learn appropriate times to use At Ease
  • Practice transitioning smoothly between positions
  • Focus on reading situational cues

Practice Exercises

Structured exercises to improve your At Ease position

Position Transitions

5-10 minutes

Practice moving between Attention, Parade Rest, and At Ease

Steps:

  1. 1
    Start in Position of Attention
  2. 2
    Move to Parade Rest on command
  3. 3
    Transition to At Ease smoothly
  4. 4
    Practice returning to previous positions
  5. 5
    Focus on maintaining bearing throughout

Comfort Training

10-15 minutes

Find your natural, comfortable At Ease position

Steps:

  1. 1
    Experiment with different foot positions
  2. 2
    Try various arm and hand placements
  3. 3
    Find what feels natural yet professional
  4. 4
    Practice maintaining the position
  5. 5
    Ensure you can hold it for extended periods

Movement Practice

5-10 minutes

Learn appropriate movement while At Ease

Steps:

  1. 1
    Practice subtle weight shifts
  2. 2
    Work on appropriate head movements
  3. 3
    Learn when movement is acceptable
  4. 4
    Practice staying within formation boundaries
  5. 5
    Focus on minimal, purposeful movements

Situational Awareness

10 minutes

Maintain awareness while in relaxed position

Steps:

  1. 1
    Practice listening to instructions while At Ease
  2. 2
    Work on observing surroundings appropriately
  3. 3
    Learn to respond quickly when needed
  4. 4
    Practice maintaining formation discipline
  5. 5
    Focus on staying engaged and alert

Quick Practice Tips

Simple reminders to keep in mind during practice

Mental Reminders

Keep these tips in mind during your practice sessions

Remember: relaxed doesn't mean unprofessional

Stay aware of your surroundings and leadership

Keep movements minimal and purposeful

Maintain good posture even while relaxed

Be ready to return to Attention quickly

Respect formation boundaries and spacing

Keep conversations appropriate and quiet

Stay engaged with the situation around you

Track Your Progress

Monitor your improvement with these milestones

Progress Milestones

Week 1

Master smooth transitions between all three positions

Week 2

Find comfortable At Ease stance while maintaining bearing

Week 3

Demonstrate appropriate movement and situational awareness

Week 4

Use At Ease effectively in various formation scenarios

Week 5+

Maintain professional bearing during extended At Ease periods

Start Practicing Today

Apply these tips and exercises to master At Ease