DD,

I've always been curious about the etymology of the military forms of
these various commands, which tend to replace syllable-initial
consonants with /h/ but leave syllable-final consonants relatively
untouched.  

Herb

At 08:55 PM 1/13/2008, STAHLKE, HERBERT F wrote:
>DD,
>Or could "Attention!" be elliptical for "Stand at attention!" as "At
>ease!" is for "Stand at ease!"?  The latter is still used, I believe.
>Herb

DD: As a command, it is used alone. The command for the second is "At 
ease!" {Pronounced something like Huheez."} Of course the longer and 
non-standard would be understood. Remember, "An officer's wish is a 
command." Consider the order, "Rest!" It certainly is would not be 
given as, "Stand at rest." Of course military language is not high
standard. 

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