What is the difference between a parade rest and attention position?

• A. Parade rest is a formal standing position with feet together and heels apart.
• B. Attention is a formal standing position with feet together and heels apart; parade rest is a more relaxed stance with hands clasped behind the back.
• C. Attention and parade rest are identical in posture.
• D. Parade rest involves hands on hips.

Answer: (B)

The difference here is how the body communicates readiness versus relaxation through posture and hand position. In the attention stance, you stand upright with your body straight and your feet placed in a formal, rigid setup. The posture sends a clear signal that you are fully prepared to respond to commands immediately.

Parade rest relaxes that formality. The stance is more comfortable and stable, with the feet placed apart in a balanced position and the hands placed behind the back, typically clasped or linked. This shows you are waiting but still under discipline and ready to move when instructed.

So, attention is the formal, ready posture with minimal, natural hand placement at the sides, while parade rest is a relaxed waiting posture with hands interlocked behind the back.