Eyes Right! is a standard military drill command used in armed forces and ceremonial units worldwide. It is a collective gesture of respect and salute performed by a body of personnel, either while stationary or while marching.
Execution
The command is delivered in two parts: the preparatory command "Eyes" and the executive command "Right!" Upon the executive command, all personnel in the formation—except those on the extreme right flank—turn their heads and eyes smartly to the right at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The shoulders remain parallel to the front. The individuals on the extreme right file (the "markers") do not turn their heads; they continue to look straight ahead to maintain the direction and alignment of the formation.
When the command is given while marching, the preparatory command "Eyes" is typically given as the right foot strikes the ground, and the executive command "Right!" is given the next time the right foot strikes the ground.
Return to Attention
The command to return to the forward position is "Ready, FRONT." On the command "FRONT," all personnel snap their heads and eyes back to the front simultaneously.
Purpose and Usage
The "Eyes Right" maneuver is most frequently employed during a "march past" (also called a pass in review), where troops march past a reviewing stand containing a high-ranking officer, dignitary, or reviewing official. The salute is maintained until the rear of the formation has passed the reviewing point, at which time "Ready, FRONT" is given.
The command serves as a collective salute, demonstrating military discipline, alertness, and respect for authority. It is rooted in military tradition as a way for a formation to acknowledge a superior officer or symbolic monument while maintaining cohesion.
Variations
- Eyes Left! — The corresponding command used when the reviewing officer or object of respect is positioned to the left of the marching column.
- Eyes Right (at the halt) — When the formation is stationary, all personnel (except the right file) turn their heads and eyes to the right at a 45-degree angle.
- Eyes Right (marching) — When the formation is marching, personnel turn their heads to the right while continuing to march in step, aligning themselves on the right file.
Specific Procedures
In most military traditions:
- The unit commander typically salutes (hand salute or sword salute) simultaneously with the command.
- The right-hand file does not turn its head, as these personnel serve as the reference point for alignment.
- The head is turned smartly and held steady until the command to return to the front.
The exact timing, angle of head turn, and specific procedures may vary slightly between different branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) and between different countries, but the fundamental purpose and execution remain consistent across military drill traditions.
