Ever feel like you are just "marking time" until EndEx is called? That is kinda where I'm at right now. No forward progress, just stepping in place. Marking time.
For the non military marking time is a command used in drill movements. There is no movement in any direction yet you are still stepping to a cadence. I don't know that it serves any real purpose in drill except to get all personnel in step. When NCOs go to their prospective schools to learn how to be better NCOs commanding a unit in drill is always part of the training program. Cards with various drill movements are given for final evaluations and the NCO must demonstrate his/her ability to maneuver the unit through the drill movements. Mark time is all most always one of the commands. Just about the only reason I can think of for this is getting the command of execution for the next movement called on the correct foot. If its done wrong the rhythm is thrown off and it can be very plain to see the error. Calling the next command of execution all boils down to timing really.
EndEx is a slang term that signifies end of an exercise/tour of duty. Infantry usually love to hear the EndEx call because it means going home. Taking a break for at least a little while from the stress and strain to rest and recuperate. I think there were only a few times I didn't like it and those were when the mission wasn't completed. That is almost never a good time to hear because it means something went wrong. I remember one night we were only half way through an exercise when the call came. We were all bewildered because it was a recall to base for a role call. Standing there in the middle of the night wonder what the hell was going on seemed to fuel a nervous energy. It was only after we got there did we find out one of our helos crashed and we needed to confirm those that were aboard and those not. So, not all EndExs are good. I also heard it referred to a service member's death. EndEx soldier/marine/airman/seaman. Your time is done. Thank you for your service.
Perhaps my candence is off. I don't know. I just know I'm not ready for EndEx yet but can't seem to get back in step.
