What does the term "cover" refer to in a military context?

In a military context, the term "cover" specifically refers to the distance between cadets in a column. This concept is crucial for maintaining proper formation and alignment during drills and parades. Cover ensures that individuals within the formation are spaced appropriately, allowing for both visual harmony and effective movement of the unit. When cadets are properly covered, they are positioned directly behind one another in a straight line, keeping the formation neat and organized.

Understanding cover is essential for ensuring that all personnel can maneuver effectively as a unit, which is vital during inspections and when executing commands. In contrast, the other terms address different aspects of formation and alignment, such as distance from the front, separation between ranks, or the positioning of arms during saluting, but they do not define the specific measurement of space that "cover" entails.