CHAPTER 7

MANUAL OF ARMS

In describing the manual of arms the terms "At the balance" in this text refers to the actual center of gravity of the model 1903 rifle and the center of the groove on the hand guard of the model 1917 rifle.

The following rules govern the carrying of the piece.

First. The piece is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or the magazine except when specifically ordered. When so loaded or supposed to be loaded it is habitually carried locked-that is, with the safety lock turned to safe. At all other times it is carried unlocked with the trigger pulled.

Second. Whenever troops are formed under arms, pieces are immediately inspected at the commands: 1. Inspection; 2. ARMS; 3. Order (Right shoulder, port); 4. ARMS.

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A similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal.

If cartridges are found in chamber or magazine they are removed and placed in the belt.

Third. The cut-off is kept turned "off" except when cartridges are actually used.

Fourth. The bayonet is not fixed except for bayonet training, on guard, at ceremonies, or for combat.

Fifth. Fall in is executed with the piece at order arms. Fall out, rest and at ease are executed as without arms. On resuming attention, the position of order arms is taken. (See figs. 6 a-b for positions of stand at ease.)

Sixth. If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the piece is brought to the right shoulder at the command MARCH, the three motions corresponding with the first three steps. Movements may be executed at the trail by prefacing the preparatory command with the words

at trail, as 1. At trail, forward; 2. MARCH. The trail is taken at the command MARCH.

When facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval or distance, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the piece to the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting.

Seventh. The piece is brought to the order on halting. The execution of the order begins when the halt is completed.

Eighth. A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms.

The following rules govern the execution of the manual of arms:

First. In all positions of the left hand at the balance (center of gravity, bayonet unfixed) when the thumb clasps the piece, the sling is inclined in the grasp of the hand.

Second. In all positions of the piece "diagonally across the body,” left arm and hand are the same as in port arms.

Third. In resuming the order from any position in the manual, the next to the last motion stops with the butt of the piece about 3 inches from the ground, barrel to the rear, the left hand above and near the right, to steady the piece, fingers extended and joined, palm of hand to the rear, straight and inclining downward, all fingers of the right hand grasping the piece. To complete the order, lower the piece gently to the ground with the right hand, drop the left quickly to the side, and take the position of order arms. (See figs. 7 a-d for coming to order.)

Allowing the piece to drop through the right hand to the ground or other similar abuse to the rifle to produce effect in executing the manual is prohibited. Fourth. The cadence of the motion is that of quick time.

Fifth. The manual is taught at a halt, and the movements for the purpose of instruction are divided into motions and executed in detail; in this case the command of execution starts the first motion, and the commands two, three, four that of the other motions.

To execute the movements in detail, the instructor first cautions By the numbers; all movements divided into motions are then executed as above explained until he cautions Without the numbers, or commands movement other than those in the manual of arms.

Sixth. Whenever circumstances require, the regular positions of the manual of arms and the firing may be ordered without regard to the previous position of the piece.