Base.—The element on which a formation or movement is regulated. The base may be a trooper, two, four, section, platoon, or larger unit. When the base is a single trooper in ranks, he may also be termed theguide.
Center.—The middle point or element of a command. If the number of elements considered be even, the right center element will be meant when the center element is referred to.
Column.—A formation in which the elements of a command are placed one behind the other. The elements here referred to may be troopers, twos, fours, sections, platoons, or larger units. When used in these regulations as aword of command, without qualifying words indicating the kind of column (asof twos,of platoons, etc.),columnsignifiesa column of fours. In all other cases the word is to be understood in its general sense unless the context indicates the contrary.
Deployment.—An evolution in which the command extends its front, as in forming line from column or in passing from close order to extended order.
Depth.—The space from front to rear of any formation, including the front and rear elements.
Directing leader.—The leader of a subordinate unit who temporarily conducts the march when the commander is not leading in person. A trooper in the rank of a platoon or smaller unit who similarly conducts the march is termeda directing guide.
Direction of march.—The direction in which the base of the command in question, whether actually in march or halted, is facing at the instant considered.
Disposition.—The distribution of the elements of a command, and the formations and duties assigned to each for the accomplishment of a common purpose.
Distance.—The space between men or bodies of troops measured in the direction of depth. Distance is measured—mounted, from the croup of the horse in front to the head of the horse in rear; dismounted, from the back of the trooper in front to the breast of the trooper in rear.
Dress.—The act of taking a correct alignment.
Drill.—The exercises and evolutions, taught on the drill ground and executed in accordance with definitely prescribed methods.
Echelon.—A body of troops is inechelonwith reference to another when it is more advanced or less advanced and unmasks or uncovers the other body, wholly or in part; units thus placed are calledechelons.
Element.—One of the component subdivisions of a command. As used in these regulations the termelementis a general one and may mean a single trooper, a set of twos, a four, section, platoon, or larger unit, according to the command and formation that are being considered. The expressionelements of the columnrefers to the several troopers, fours, platoons, or other units that are placed successively, one behind another, in any column formation.
Evolutions.—Movements by which a command changes its position or passes from one formation to another.
File closers.—Officers or noncommissioned officers placed out of ranks, whose duty it is to supervise the men in ranks and see that the orders of the commander are carried out. For convenience, this term is applied to any man posted as a file closer.
Flank.—The right or left of a command in line or column. In speaking of the enemy the term right flank or left flank is used to designate the flank that would be so designated by him.
Flank guard.—An element of a command disposed with a view to protecting a flank.
Foragers.—Mounted troopers distributed in line in extended order; also the formation in which the troopers are so distributed.
Formation.—The arrangement of the elements of a command in line, column, or echelon.
Gait.—One of the special movements of the horse, as the walk, the trot, or the gallop.
Gait of march.—The gait at which the base of the command in question is moving at the instant considered.
Horse length.—A term of measurement. For convenience in estimating space, a horse length is considered as 3 yards; by actual measure it is about 8 feet.
Interval.—The lateral space between the elements or fractions of a command. Interval is measured: Mounted, from the left knee of the man at the right of the open space to the right knee of the man at the left of the open space; dismounted, interval is measured on similar principles, but from elbow to elbow.
Line.—A formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other. When the elements are in column the formation is called a line of columns.
Maneuvers.—Operations against an outlined or actual force under a separate commander, who, within the limits of the assumed situation, is free to adopt any formations and make any movements he chooses.
Order.—An indication of the will of the commander in whatever form conveyed. An order may be given orally, by signal, or in any manner that is intelligible to those for whom it is intended. The expression,in order, has no reference to thisdefinition, but is used to indicate a special arrangement and condition of the elements of a command.
Order, close.—This includes formations in which the intervals and distances between elements are habitually based upon those required for forming the normal line formation of each unit of the formation.
Order, extended.—The formation in which the troopers, or the subdivisions, or both, are separated by intervals or distances greater than in close order.
Pace.—Used with reference to gait, pace signifies the rate of speed of the gait. Used as a unit of measure, pace signifies a step of 30 inches.
Patrol.—A group detached from a command and operating with specific mission, usually related to security or information. The term is ordinarily applied to groups varying in size from two men to a platoon. They are frequently designated by special names connected with their principal mission or their composition; as,reconnoitering patrols,combat patrols,visiting patrols,officer's patrols.
Ployment.—An evolution in which the command diminishes its front, as in passing from line to column, or from extended order to close order.
Rally.—The rapid grouping behind the leader of the elements of a command, without reference to their previous situation or formation.
The object of the rally is to reestablish cohesion with a view to immediate action, or to form line in a new direction when the regular method of forming line would be slow or complicated. It is executed in the order of arrival of the elements of the command without regard to their normal order. The formation in which each unit is rallied is fixed in the drill instructions of that unit.
Rank.—Two or more troopers placed side by side.
Scouts.—Individual troopers detached from their commands and operating with a definite mission related to security or information.
Skirmishers.—Dismounted troopers in line in extended order; also the formation in which the troopers are so placed.
Successive formation.—A formation in which the elements take their places successively.
Tactical exercise.—An operation against an outlined or represented enemy whose movements are restricted with a view to illustrating some particular tactical principle.
34.[6]Thorough training in the school of the trooper is the basis of efficiency.
35.Short and frequent drills are preferable to long ones, which exhaust the attention of both instructor and recruit.
36.As the instruction progresses, the recruits will be grouped according to proficiency, in order that all may advance as rapidly as their abilities permit. Those who lack aptitude and quickness will be separated from the others and placed under experienced drillmasters.
37.The individual dismounted instruction of the recruit is habitually given by experienced noncommissioned officers, especially selected for that purpose. All such instruction is under the careful personal supervision of a commissioned officer, and in the corresponding mounted instruction it is desirable that the actual instructor be a commissioned officer when this is practicable. All lieutenants will be required to instruct recruits in person sufficiently to acquire skill in such work.
When recruits, upon their arrival at a station, are assigned to their respective troops for training, the captains prescribe and supervise the instruction.
38.The instructor will always maintain a military bearing and by a quiet, firm demeanor, set a proper example to his men. A calm and even temper is indispensable. Unnecessarily loud commands and prolonged explanations are to be avoided.
As the recruits become somewhat proficient in the school of the trooper, the officer superintending the instruction may call upon them in turn to drill the squad in his presence and to correct any errors that may be observed. This will increasetheir interest, hasten their instruction, and facilitate judgment upon their fitness for the duties of noncommissioned officers.
39.A carefully thought out program of instruction, prepared in advance and based upon the probable time and facilities for instruction that the case in question may present, is essential to economy of time and effort and to systematic, thorough instruction.
40.The preliminary individual instruction, dismounted and mounted, should be carried on during different drill hours of the same days. This preliminary phase should include, in addition to regular drill, instruction in: The elements of discipline; the names of the various parts of the arms and equipment; the proper care of arms, equipment, and clothing; elementary instructions as to the names of those parts of the horse that are frequently referred to at drill and stable duty; grooming; a few simple rules regarding the care of the horse; personal hygiene; and other related subjects.
41.As soon as the instruction shall have advanced so far as to include the few necessary preliminary drills, collective instructionin the school of the squadwill be taken up. This instruction may, like the individual instruction, properly be carried on during different hours of the same drill days, in both mounted and dismounted phases. The recruits meanwhile continue their progress in the individual instruction.
42.The progress inmountedcollective instruction must be carefully regulated in accordance with the recruit's confidence and skill in the management of his mount, and must progress no faster than the recruit's horsemanship justifies; but this restriction need not affect thedismountedcollective instruction, and the latter may properly be carried forward as rapidly as the state of the dismounted individual instruction will permit. By the time the recruit's instruction in equitation has progressed so as to prepare him for mounted drills at the faster gaits, he should have learned the mechanism of all the movements by executing them at a walk. His course of dismounted training should meanwhile have included not only the close-order movements of the squad but the mechanism of extended order, practice in the use of the saber, a little preparatory range practice with the rifle and pistol, and work in thenature of minor field exercises involving dismounted fire action. He should, during the same period, have learned the mechanism of passing from mounted action to dismounted action and should have acquired familiarity with all commands and signals used in the squad. The recruit will thus ordinarily be ready to enter with reasonable efficiency upon certain phases of the work in the platoon and troop before his individual mounted instruction is completed.
43.There are two kinds of commands:
Thepreparatorycommand, such asforward, indicates the movement that is to be executed.
The command ofexecution, such asMARCH,HALT, orARMS, causes the execution.
Preparatorycommands are distinguished byboldface type, those of execution byCAPITALS.
Thepreparatorycommand should be given at such an interval of time before the command ofexecutionas to admit of being properly understood; the command ofexecutionshould be given at the instant the movement is to commence.
The preparatory command is enunciated distinctly, with a rising inflection at the end, and in such manner that the command of execution may be more energetic.
On foot, the command of execution is firm in tone and brief.
In mounted movements the preparatory command is usually somewhat prolonged to insure its being heard, and the command of execution is always prolonged.
Commands will be given no louder than is necessary.
Laxness or indifference suggested in the manner of giving a command is certain to result in corresponding carelessness of execution.
44.To revoke a preparatory command, or being at the halt, to begin anew a movement improperly begun:AS YOU WERE. Any movement ceases and the former position is resumed.
45.To stay the execution of a movement when marching, for the correction of errors, the commands may be given: 1.In place, 2.HALT. All halt and stand fast. If executed dismounted, the position of the rifle is not changed. To resume the movement, the commands are: 1.Resume; or, 1.Resume, trot; or, 1.Resume, gallop. 2.MARCH. The movement is then completed as if it had not been interrupted.
46.Movements that may be executed toward either flank are explained as toward but one flank, it being necessary to substitute the word "left" for "right," and the reverse, to have the explanation of the corresponding movement toward the other flank. The commands are given for the execution of the movements toward either flank. The substitute word of the command is placed within parentheses.
47.Any movement may be executed either from the halt or when marching unless otherwise prescribed.
Any movement on foot not specially excepted may be executed in double time.
If at a halt, or if marching in quick time, the commanddouble timeprecedes the command of execution.
48.As instructors, officers and noncommissioned officers go wherever their presence is necessary.
49.Before beginning work, the instructor always assures himself that those under his charge are neatly dressed and in proper uniform. At mounted formations he will also require that horses be properly groomed and that equipments be in good condition and adjusted as prescribed.
50.The value of recruit drill as an exercise in teaching discipline must be kept constantly in view by the instructor. No phase of the instruction is of such great ultimate importance.
51.The object of this school is to develop the strength and agility of the trooper, to give him a military bearing, to fix in him the habit of sustained attention and instant obedience, to prepare him for instruction in mounted combat with the saber and pistol, and to train him in dismounted combat with the rifle.
In order to make rapid progress in those exercises which form the basis of instruction of the trooper, it is necessary that the lessons should, as far as practicable, be given individually.
52.Cautions to instructors.—The instructor explains briefly each movement, first executing it himself if practicable. He requires the recruits to take the proper positions unassistedand does not touch them for the purpose of correcting them, except when they are unable to correct themselves. He avoids keeping them too long at the same movement, although each should be understood before passing to another. He exacts by degrees the desired precision and uniformity. Recruits should be allowed to stand at ease frequently. During these pauses the instructor will not be idle, but opportunity will be taken to talk to the men, to encourage them to ask questions, and so to develop their confidence and common sense.
53.During the period devoted to preliminary instruction, without arms, the recruit will be prepared for subsequent instruction with arms by being taught the names of the principal parts of the different weapons and the proper methods of cleaning, disassembling, assembling, and operating the latter.
Physical Training.
54.The physical training of the soldier must receive due attention. Its direct results are to increase the soldier's strength, agility, and endurance, and it has indirect results of far-reaching value in connection with discipline and morale. It should begin with his first instruction as a recruit and be continued throughout his entire enlistment. The methods prescribed in the authorized Manual of Physical Training will be followed with a view to making the soldier's development thorough and well balanced, and to prevent the instruction from becoming unnecessarily tedious and monotonous.
55.In the earlier phases of the recruit instruction, and under temporary conditions that do not favor the carrying out of a more comprehensive scheme of training, special attention will be given to thesetting-up exercises. Running, jumping, and swimming are phases of training of special importance to the soldier.
Individual Instruction Without Arms.
56.For this instruction a few recruits, usually not exceeding 3 or 4, are placed (as a squad) in single rank, facing to the front.
57.To teach the recruits how to form in ranks the instructor will first place them in single rank, arranged according to height, the tallest man on the right, with intervals of about 4 inches between men, and will explain that the object of these intervals is to give freedom of movement in marching and in the use of the rifle in ranks. He will then direct each man singly to place the palm of the left hand on the hip, fingers pointing downward, and draw attention to the fact that the indicated interval of about 4 inches may be verified by each man so placing himself that his right arm, when hanging naturally at his side, touches the elbow of the man on his right. When this is understood, he will cause the recruits to fall out and successively to place themselves as before, each man verifying his interval by causing his right arm to touch the left elbow of the man on his right, the latter's hand being on his hip, as already explained. He will then explain that at the commandFALL INthe men will, beginning with the right trooper, successively and quickly take their places in rank, each man placing the left hand at the hip as above and dropping his hand to his side as soon as the man on his left has the proper interval.
58.The recruits having had sufficient instruction to understand how to form by command, the instructor commands:FALL IN.
The men assemble as prescribed in par. 57, each taking the position ofattentionas described below.
As soon as the recruits have had sufficient preliminary instruction they will habitually be formed as regularly prescribed for a squad.
POSITION OF THE TROOPER, OR ATTENTION (DISMOUNTED).
59.Heels on the same line and as near each other as the conformation of the man permits.
Feet turned out equally and forming an angle of about 45°.
Knees straight without stiffness.
Hips level and drawn back slightly; body erect and resting equally on hips; chest lifted and arched; shoulders square and falling equally.
Arms and hands hanging naturally, thumb along the seam of the breeches.
Head erect and squarely to the front, chin drawn in so that the axis of the head and neck is vertical; eyes to the front.
Weight of the body resting equally upon the heels and balls of the feet.
THE RESTS.
60.Being at a halt, the commands are:FALL OUT;REST;AT EASE; and 1.Parade, 2.REST.
At the commandfall out, the men may leave the ranks, but are required to remain in the immediate vicinity. They resume their former places, at attention, at the commandfall in.
At the commandrest, each man keeps one foot in place, but is not required to preserve silence or immobility.
At the commandat ease, each man keeps one foot in place and is required to preserve silence, but not immobility.
1.Parade, 2.REST. Carry the right foot 6 inches straight to the rear, left knee slightly bent; clasp the hands, without constraint, in front of the center of the body, fingers joined, left hand uppermost, left thumb clasped by the thumb and forefinger of the right hand; preserve silence and steadiness of position.
61.Being in march, at the command: 1.Route order, 2.MARCH; or 1.At ease, 2.MARCH, the men keep their places in ranks, but are not required to keep the step; atroute order, they are not required to preserve silence. If halted fromroute order, the men stand atrest; if halted fromat ease, they remain at ease.
Marching atroute orderorat ease, rifles are carried at will, the muzzles elevated.
62.To resume the attention: 1.Squad, 2.ATTENTION.
If at a halt, the men take the position of the trooper, dismounted (par. 59). If marching, the cadenced step in quick time is resumed, and rifles, if carried, are brought to the right shoulder.
63.To dismiss the squad:DISMISSED.
EYES RIGHT OR LEFT.
64.1.Eyes, 2.RIGHT, 3.FRONT.
At the commandright, turn the head to the right oblique, eyes fixed on the line of eyes of the man in, or supposed to be in, the same rank. At the commandfront, turn the head and eyes to the front.
FACINGS.
Fig. 1, par. 67.
Fig. 1, par. 67.
65.To the flank: 1.Right, 2.FACE.
Raise slightly the left heel and right toe; face to the right, turning on the right heel, assisted by a slight pressure on the ball of the left foot; place the left foot by the side of the right. Left face is executed on the left heel in the corresponding manner.
66.To the rear: 1.About, 2.FACE.
Carry the toe of the right foot about a half foot length to the rear and slightly to the left of the left heel without changing the position of the left foot; face to the rear, turning to the right on the left heel and right toe; place the right heel by the side of the left.
67.1.Hand, 2.SALUTE.
Raise the right hand smartly till the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headdress above the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left, forearm inclined at about 45°, hand and wrist straight; at the same time look toward the person saluted.
(TWO), Drop the arm smartly by the side. The salute for officers is the same (Fig.1).
STEPS AND MARCHES.
68.All steps and marchings executed from a halt, except right step, begin with the left foot.
69.The length of the full step inquick timeis 30 inches, measured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at the rate of 120 steps per minute.
The length of the full step indouble timeis 36 inches; the cadence is at the rate of 180 steps per minute.
The instructor, when necessary, indicates the cadence of the step by callingone,two,three,four, orleft,right, the instant the left and right foot, respectively, should be planted.
70.All steps and marchings and movements involving march are executed in quick time unless the squad be marching in double time, or double time be added to the command; in the latter case double time is added to the preparatory command.
Example: 1.Forward, double time, 2.MARCH.
71.It should be explained to the recruits that in collective drills and exercises one of the troopers, termed theguide, habitually has to follow a leader or direct himself upon some designated objective, the other troopers regulating their march so as, in line, to march abreast of the guide, maintaining their approximate intervals. The necessity, in this connection, for learning to march steadily in a given direction without wavering from side to side should further be pointed out. Each recruit should then be practiced individually in marching upon a designated objective, selecting for that purpose two points of direction on the straight line that passes through the trooper and the objective and keeping constantly in the prolongation of that line. When the objective is sufficiently distinct it should be taken as one of the points of direction and another point in line with the trooper and the objective, and either nearer or more distant than the latter be selected as a second point to fix the direction of march.
QUICK TIME AND DOUBLE TIME.
72.Being at a halt, to march forward in quick time: 1.Forward, 2.MARCH.
At the commandforward, shift the weight of the body to the right leg, left knee straight.
At the commandmarch, move the left foot smartly straight forward 30 inches from the right, sole near the ground, and plant it without shock; next, in like manner, advance the right foot and plant it as above; continue the march. The arms swing naturally.
73.Being at a halt, or in march in quick time, to march forward in double time: 1.Forward,double time, 2.MARCH.
If at a halt, at the first command shift the weight, of the body to the right leg. At the command march, raise the forearms, fingers closed, to a horizontal position along the waist line, take up an easy run with the step and cadence of double time, allowing a natural swinging motion to the arms.
If marching in quick time, at the commandMARCH, given as either foot strikes the ground, take one step in quick time and then step off in double time.
74.To resume the quick time: 1.Quick time, 2.MARCH.
At the commandmarch, given as either foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the other foot in double time; resume the quick time, dropping the hands by the sides.
TO MARK TIME.
75.Being in march: 1.Mark time, 2.MARCH.
At the commandmarch, given as either foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the other foot; bring up the foot in rear and continue the cadence by alternately raising each foot about 2 inches and planting it on line with the other.
Being at a halt, at the command march, raise and plant the feet as described above.
THE HALF STEP.
76.1.Half step, 2.MARCH.
Take steps of 15 inches in quick time, 18 inches in double time.
77. Forward,half step,halt, andmark timemay be executed one from the other in quick or double time.
To resume the full step from half step or mark time: 1.Forward, 2.MARCH.
SIDE STEP.
78.Being at a halt or mark time: 1.Right (left) step, 2.MARCH.
Carry and plant the right foot 15 inches to the right; bring the left foot beside it and continue the movement in the cadence of quick time.
The side step is used for short distances only and is not executed in double time.
If at order arms, the side step is executedat trailwithout other command.
BACK STEP.
79.Being at a halt or mark time: 1.Backward, 2.MARCH.
Take steps of 15 inches straight to the rear.
The back step is used for short distances only and is not executed in double time.
If at order arms, the back step is executedat trailwithout other command.
TO HALT.
80.To stop the march in quick or double time: 1.Squad, 2.HALT.
At the commandhalt, given as either foot strikes the ground, plant the other foot as in marching; raise and place the rear foot by the side of the other. If in double time, drop the hands by the sides.
TO MARCH BY THE FLANK.
81.Being in march: 1.By the right (left) flank, 2.MARCH.
At the command march, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot, then face to the right in marching, and step off in the new direction with the right foot.
This movement is not executed bysignalexcept inforagers.
TO MARCH TO THE REAR.
82.Being in march: 1.To the rear, 2.MARCH.
At the commandmarch, given as the right foot strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot, turn to the right-about on the balls of both feet, and immediately step off with the left foot.
If marching in double time, turn to the right-about, taking four steps in place, keeping the cadence, and then step off with the left foot.
This movement is not executed bysignalexcept inforagers.
CHANGE STEP.
83.Being in march: 1.Change step, 2.MARCH.
At the commandmarch, given as the right, foot, strikes the ground, advance and plant the left foot, plant the toe of the right foot near the heel of the left, and step off with the left foot.
The change on the right foot is similarly executed, the commandMARCHbeing given as the left foot strikes the ground.
TO COUNT FOURS.
84.Being in line, at the command,COUNT FOURS, all the troopers in the rank except the right trooper executeeyes rightand, beginning on the right, count successively1,2,3,4. Each turns his head and eyes to the front as he counts.
Fours may be counted at the halt or marching, mounted or dismounted, in line or in column of twos or troopers. In counting fours in column of twos or troopers the elements count off successively from front to rear in the column and from right to left in each two.Eyes rightis not executed when counting fours from column of twos or troopers.
TO TAKE INTERVALS AND DISTANCES.
85.Being in line at a halt: 1.Take intervals, to the right (left), 2.MARCH, 3.Squad, 4.HALT.
At the commandmarch, all face to the right and the leading trooper steps off; the other men step off in succession, each following the preceding trooper at four paces.
At the commandhalt, given when all have their intervals, all halt and face to the front.
86.Being at intervals, to assemble the squad: 1.Assemble to the right (left), 2.MARCH.The trooper on the right stands fast. The other troopers face to the right, close by the shortest line and face to the front.
87.Being in line at a halt and fours having been counted: 1.Take distance, 2.MARCH, 3.Squad, 4.HALT.
At the commandmarch, No. 1 moves straight to the front; Nos. 2, 3, and 4 in the order named, move straight to the front, each stepping off so as to follow the preceding man at 4 paces. The command halt is given when all have their distances.
If there be more than one No. 1, all the Nos. 1 move forward together, guiding on the right trooper. The same principle applies to the other numbers.
88.The normal interval and distance of 4 paces indicated, respectively, in pars. 34 and 36, may be increased or diminished by adding to the corresponding preparatory command the indication of the interval or distance desired; thus: 1.Take interval to the right at 1 pace, 2.MARCH, etc.; 1.Take distance, at 2 paces, 2.MARCH, etc.
89.Being at distances, to assemble the squad: 1.Assemble, 2.MARCH.
No. 1 of the front rank stands fast; the other numbers move forward to their proper places in line.
MANUAL OF THE RIFLE.
90.When the recruit has made fair progress in the instruction without arms, including that required by par. 53, he is taught the manual of arms. Instruction without arms and that with arms alternate.
91.The following rules govern the carrying of the rifle:
First.The rifle 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 thesafety lockturned to the "safe." At all other times it is carried unlocked, with the trigger pulled.
Second.Whenever troops are formed under arms, rifles are immediately inspected at the commands: 1.Inspection, 2.ARMS; 3.Order (right shoulder, port), 4.ARMS.
A. similar inspection is made immediately before dismissal.
If cartridges are found in the 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. Fall inis executed with the rifle at the order arms.Fall out,rest, andat easeare executed as without arms. On resumingattentionthe position of order arms is taken.
Fifth.If at the order, unless otherwise prescribed, the rifle is brought to the right shoulder at the commandmarch, the three motions corresponding with the first three steps. Movements may be executed atthe trailby prefacing the preparatory command with the wordsat trail, as, 1.At trail,forward, 2.MARCH; the trail is taken at the commandmarch.
When the facings, alignments, open and close ranks, taking interval, and assemblings are executed from the order, raise the rifle to the trail while in motion and resume the order on halting.
Sixth.The rifle is brought to the order on halting. The execution of the order begins when the halt is completed.
Seventh.A disengaged hand in double time is held as when without arms.
Fig. 2, par. 92.
Fig. 2, par. 92.
92.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) the thumb clasps the rifle; the sling is included in the grasp of the hand. (Figs.6,12.)
Second.In all positions of the rifle "diagonally across the body" the position of the rifle, left arm, and hand are the same as in port arms. (Fig.6.)
Third.In resuming the order from any position in the manual, the motion next to the last concludes with the butt of the rifle about 3 inches from the ground, barrel to the rear, the left hand above and near the right, steadying the rifle,fingers extended and joined, forearm and wrist straight and inclining downward, all fingers of the right hand grasping the rifle. To complete the order, lower the rifle gently to the ground with the right hand, drop the left quickly by the side, and take the position of order arms. (Fig.2.)
Allowing the rifle to drop through the right hand to the ground, or other similar abuse of the arm to produce effect in executing the manual, is prohibited.
Fourth.The cadence of the motions is that of quick time; the recruits are first required to give their whole attention to the details of the motions, the cadence being gradually acquired as they become accustomed to handling their rifles.
Fifth.The manual is taught at a halt and the movements are for the purpose of instruction, divided into motions and executed in detail; in this case the command ofexecutiondetermines the prompt execution of 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 movement divided into motions are then executed as above explained until he cautions:Without the numbers; or commands movements other than those in the manual of arms.
Sixth.Whenever circumstances require, the regular positions of the manual of arms and the firings may be ordered without regard to the previous position of the rifle.
Under exceptional conditions of weather or fatigue the rifle may be carried in any manner directed.
Fig. 3, par. 93.
Fig. 3, par. 93.
Fig. 4, par. 93.
Fig. 4, par. 93.
93. Position of order arms, standing: The butt rests evenly on the ground, barrel to the rear, toe of the butt on a line with toe of, and touching, the right shoe, arms and hands hanging naturally, right hand holding the rifle between the thumb and fingers.
94. Being at order arms: 1.Present, 2.ARMS.
With the right hand carry the rifle in front of the center of the body, barrel to the rear and vertical, grasp it with the left hand at the balance, forearm horizontal and resting against the body. (TWO) Grasp the small of the stock with the right hand. (Fig.5.)
95. Being at order arms: 1.Port, 2.ARMS.
With the right hand raise and throw the rifle diagonally across the body, grasp it smartly with both hands; the right, palm down, at the small of the stock; the left, palm up, at the balance; barrel up, sloping to the left and crossing opposite the junction of the neck with the left shoulder; right forearm horizontal; left forearm resting against the body; the rifle in a vertical plane parallel to the front. (Fig.6.)
96. Being at present arms: 1.Port, 2.ARMS.