You can use the -Dln argument to specify an alternate byte alignment for SYNCHRONIZED data itemsFor example, the RM COBOL compatibility switch (-Cr) implies two byte alignment (which is consistent with legacy RM COBOL). Some variables in your program may require a larger alignment. To apply the directive, in the source code immediately before the variable or set of variables (which may be contained in a COPY file), add the directive in the indicator area. For example, to specify four byte alignment add:
>>IMP(ACU-CBLFLAGS=-Dl4)
Immediately after the last variable that requires special alignment, set the alignment back to the original value:
>>IMP(ACU-CBLFLAGS=-Dl2)
See Data Storage Options for more information on the -Dl option.