What is the first command to get a unit from a normal line formation into an extended rectangular formation?

• A. Extend to the left, march
• B. Arms downward, move
• C. Left face
• D. From front to rear, count off

Answer: (A)

When changing from a normal line to an extended rectangular formation, the first move is to widen the front to create more files across the line. The command to extend to the left, march tells everyone to shift outward to the left, starting the process of stretching the formation horizontally so it can later take on depth and form a rectangle. This step sets up the structure needed for building the rectangular shape because you’re increasing the number of files in the front, which is the foundation of that formation.

The other options don’t initiate this transformation. Moving arms downward is a general movement, not a formation change. Turning left changes the direction the unit is facing, not the formation layout. Counting off from front to rear is used for assigning positions or creating a column, not the first step to create an extended rectangular arrangement.