How far do the men on the left and right of the stackmen step in the Oblique to place the rifles?

In the context of the marine corps' practices during the Oblique movement, the men positioned on the left and right of the stackmen step out 18 inches to properly place the rifles. This distance is critical for maintaining uniformity and precision in military formations and movements. The prescribed stepping distance ensures that weapons are placed at an appropriate distance apart, allowing for both a clear arrangement and adequate access for all personnel involved.

Following this specific distance fosters discipline and conformity to drill standards, which are crucial to the ethos of military operations. Each member's role in the drill is designed to be performed with exactness, and stepping the correct distance promotes synchronization among the squad.