After verifying alignment, the platoon commander marches to a position how many paces beyond the front rank?

The platoon commander marches to a position of three paces beyond the front rank after verifying alignment. This position allows the commander to maintain an adequate distance to effectively observe and control the formation during drills while ensuring a clear line of sight to the front rank. The distance is designed to facilitate movement and communication without interfering with the formation itself. This standard positioning is crucial for maintaining an organized and efficient drill, enabling the commander to give commands that can be easily seen and heard by all cadets in the platoon. It reflects the importance of proper spacing within military drill formations for both functionality and discipline.