Editing Marching (section)

== Techniques ==
Marching techniques vary across military steps, countries, branches of military, and context. For rhythmic marching, individuals must maintain their ''dress'', ''cover'', ''interval'', and ''distance'' (DCID):
* ''dress'' — alignment with the person to the side;
* ''cover'' — alignment with the person in front;
* ''interval'' — space between the person(s) to the side;
* ''distance'' — space between the person in front. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

For mechanical efficiency, opposite arms usually swing with each leg while marching. British and Commonwealth armed forces keep their arms straight and swing the hand as high as the shoulder while forward and in theory to the level of the belt when backward.  US Marines swing the arm six inches to the front and three inches to the rear while<ref>MARINE CORPS ORDER P5060.20</ref> US Army Soldiers swing the arm nine inches to the front and six inches to the rear. Some European armies bend the arm during the swing.  Many believe these differing practices help maintain rhythm for long route marches. US troops usually march long distances at "route step" which does not require them to maintain a specific pace or length of step. Some South American and Eastern European countries march on parade with the stiff leg earlier famous as the "[[goose step]]" of German troops. German and Scandinavian military bands and units swing with only the right arm, 90 degrees straight out. Some troops (like the Royal Swedish Lifeguard) swing with their left arm. This is because they carry their rifle in their right arm. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
The [[Royal Marines]] refer to a long distance march carrying full kit as a [[yomp]]. The most famous yomp of recent times was during the 1982 [[Falklands War]]. {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}