What is Normal Interval?

• A. The lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by the Soldier on the right holding his left arm shoulder high, fingers and thumb extended and joined, with the tip of his middle finger touching the right shoulder of the Soldier to his left.
• B. The lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by raising both arms shoulder high with the fingers extended and joined so that fingertips touch the fingertips of the Soldier to the right and left.
• C. The lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by the Soldier on the right placing the heel of his left hand on his hip, with elbow extended.
• D. The lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by counting steps between Soldiers.

Answer: (A)

Normal interval is the standard spacing between Soldiers in a formation, kept consistent by a fixed, repeatable measure. The method uses a reference from the Soldier on the right: he extends his left arm shoulder-high, with fingers and thumb together, and the tip of his middle finger touches the right shoulder of the Soldier to his left. This creates a uniform gap that all Soldiers can mirror, regardless of size or stride. The other described methods would either rely on different body parts, require touching on both sides, or depend on steps, which can vary between individuals and disrupt uniform spacing. So using the outstretched arm with the fingertip touching the next Soldier’s shoulder is the correct way to determine Normal Interval.