Ten-hut

Ten-hut is a military term that means, "Come to attention!" It was shortened from "a-ten-hut" and came into use because it is easier to say at full shout than "attention."

This command does not officially exist as a US Military command phrase. Use of "A-ten-hut" or "Ten-hut" may result in a "dressing down" from an Officer or NCO. Some units are not as strict with its use.

The correct order to come to the "position of attention" is;

The Preparatory command: (ie. squad, platoon, company etc.) followed be the Execution command: "Atten-tion"

There are two parts to any command phrase. The preparatory command and the execution command or "command of execution". For instance, in the command "At Ease" the preparatory command is "At", followed by a period of silence (the length is up to the descretion of the order giver) and then the command of execution "Ease".

If one were to come to the position of "At Ease" before the command of execution were issued, one would be said to "anticipate the command". Such an action is actually a failure to follow orders.