What does it mean to hold a position of "rest" in military formations?

Holding a position of "rest" in military formations specifically refers to standing at ease. This position allows soldiers to relax their stance while still maintaining a level of awareness and readiness to respond to commands if required. When in this position, service members are not fully at attention but are prepared to transition back to attention swiftly if necessary. This balance between readiness and relaxation is essential for maintaining discipline and ensuring that personnel can quickly respond to orders while conserving energy during long formations or periods of waiting.