CHAPTER III
THE SOLDIER WITH ARMS
General

33. Instruction of Recruit. As soon as practicable, the recruit is taught the use, care and nomenclature of the rifle. When fair progress has been made in instruction without arms, he is taught the manual of arms. Instruction without arms and with arms should alternate.

34. Rules Governing Carrying of Rifles. Except where otherwise indicated, these rules will be applicable alike to the U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903, and to the U. S. rifle, caliber 30, Ml.

a. (1) The U. S. Rifle, caliber .30, M1903, is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or the magazine except when specifically ordered. When so loaded or when supposed to be loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, with the safety lock turned to the safe. At all other times it is carried unlocked with the trigger pulled. The cut-off is kept turned off except when cartridges are actually used.

(2) Whenever troops equipped with the U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903, are formed under arms, pieces are immediately inspected at the commands: 1. Inspection. 1. ARMS A similar inspection is made before dismissal. If cartridges are found in the chamber or magazine they are removed and placed in the belt.

b. (1) The U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml, is not carried with cartridges in either the chamber or the receiver except when specifically ordered. When so loaded or when supposed to be loaded, it is habitually carried locked; that is, with the safety in its rearmost position, inside the trigger guard.

(2) Whenever troops equipped with the U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml, are formed under arms, pieces are immediately inspected at the commands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. LOCK PIECES. At the command Lock pieces, each man in ranks closes the bolt, sets the safety of his piece in its rearmost position, and resumes Port arms. Rifles are again inspected at dismissal by the commands: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. UNLOCK PIECES. At the command Unlock pieces, each man in ranks closes the bolt, sets the safety of his piece in its foremost position, pulls the trigger, and resumes Port arms. If cartridges are found in the chamber or receiver, they are removed and placed in the belt. The procedure prescribed for these inspections is intended first, to insure that U. S. rifles, caliber .30, Ml, in the hands of troops are carried cocked and locked; second, to insure that hammers are released on unloaded pieces not in use to prevent damage from long continued compression of the hammer springs.

c. The bayonet is fixed only when so ordered.

d. Fall in is executed with the rifle at the Order arms.

e. (1) Before starting any movement for troops armed with rifles, the commands, 1. Right shoulder (sling). 2. ARMS. are given before the command for movement.

(2) Movements for short distances 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.

(3) Weapons such as the automatic rifle, light machine gun, light mortar, etc., which have no manual of arms are slung from the right shoulder at the command of execution, ARMS of 1. Right shoulder. 2. ARMS. They are kept slung until the command Rest or At ease. In long halts at attention, the men carrying such equipment may be directed to "unsling arms." (See par. 65 c.)

f. When the facings, alinements, open and close ranks, side step, back step, forming for shelter tents, extending and closing are executed from the order, the weapon is brought to the trail while in motion and the order resumed on halting. The position of Trail arms is taken at the command of execution in each case.

g. At the command Halt, men armed with the rifle remain at the position of right (left) shoulder arms until the command: 1. Order, 2. ARMS, is given.

h. In double time under arms, a disengaged hand is held as when without arms.

Manual of Arms for the Rifle

35 Rules Governing Execution of the Manual of Arms. Except where otherwise indicated, these rules will be applicable alike to the U. S. rifle, caliber 30, M1903, and to the U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml.

a. In all positions of the left hand at the balance, the thumb clasps the rifle; the sling is included in the grasp of the hand (Plate 3). In describing the manual of arms, the term "at the balance" refers to points on rifles as follows:

(1) U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903. The center of the rear sight leaf.

(2) U S rifle, caliber .30, Ml. A point just forward of the trigger housing.

b. In all positions of the rifle, diagonally across the body, the barrel is up, butt in front of the right hip, barrel crossing opposite the junction of the neck with the left shoulder. The rifle is grasped at the balance with the left hand, palm toward the body, wrist straight.

c. The cadence of the motions is that of quick time. 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. The instructor may require them to count aloud in cadence with the motions.

d. (1) The manual is not executed in marching except to pass from right shoulder to left shoulder or port arms and the reverse in marching at attention. These movements may be used to add interest to the drill or to prevent fatigue in Song marches at attention.

(2) The manual is taught at a halt and the movements for the purpose of instruction may be divided into motions and executed in detail. In this case, the command of execution determines the prompt execution of the first motion, and the commands TWO, THREE, FOUR, that of the other motions.

(3) To execute the movement 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."

e. (1) Any appropriate position of the manual of arms may be ordered from a previous position by giving the suitable commands.

(2) Under exceptional conditions of weather and fatigue, the rifle may be carried as directed.

36. Position of Order Arms. The butt of the rifle rests on the ground, barrel to the rear, toe of the butt on line with the toe of, and touching the right shoe, right hand holding the rifle between the thumb and fingers, left hand as in position of thesoldier without arms.

37. Being at Order Arms. 1. Trail, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, raise the rifle and incline the muzzle forward so that the barrel makes an angle of about 15° with the vertical, the right arm slightly bent.

38. Being at Trail Arms. 1. Order, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, lower the rifle with the right hand and resume the order.

39. Being at Order Arms to Sling Arms, and Being at Sling Arms to Unsling Arms.

a. Sling arms. This movement is not executed in cadence and applies to any rifle, automatic rifle, light machine gun, light mortar, etc. Loosen the sling, if not already loosened, and in the most convenient manner assume the position shown in Plate 6. This position is authorized for long parades, long reviews, and for occasions when the prolonged holding of the rifle becomes a hardship on the troops. When used in ceremonies the bayonet may be fixed.

b. 1. Unsling, 2. ARMS, 3. Adjust. 4. SLINGS. At the command Arms, pieces are unslung. At the command Slings, slings are adjusted to the drill position. This adjustment of the sling will be made before precise movements of the manual are to be executed.

40. Being at Order Arms. 1. Port, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, raise the rifle with the right hand and carry it diagonally across the front of the body until the right hand is in front of and slightly to the left of the chin (Plate 7, Fig. 1) so that the barrel is up, butt in front of the right hip, barrel crossing opposite the junction of the neck with the left shoulder. At the same time, grasp the rifle at the balance with the left hand, palm toward the body, wrist straight. (TWO) Carry the right hand to the small of the stock, grasping it, palm down, holding right forearm horizontal; left elbow resting against the body, the rifle in a vertical plane parallel to the front (Plate 7, Fig. 2).

41. Being at Order Arms. 1. Present, 2. ARMS. At the command 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.

42. Being at Present or Port Arms. 1. Order, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms. let go of the rifle with the right hand and regrasp the piece between the upper sling swivel and stacking swivel. (TWO) Let go of the rifle with the left hand, lower the piece to the right so that the butt is 3 inches from the ground, barrel to the rear, left hand with the fingers extended and joined steadying the rifle, forearm and wrist straight and inclining downward. (THREE) Complete the order by lowering the rifle gently to the ground with the right hand. Cut away the left hand smartly to the side. Allowing the rifle to drop to the ground forcibly injures the rifle and is prohibited.

43. Being at Order Arms. a. U. S.,rifle, caliber .30, M1903. 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, take the position of Port arms. Seize the bolt handle with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, turn the handle up, draw the bolt back, lower the head and eyes sufficiently to glance into the magazine. Having found the magazine empty, or having emptied it, raise the head and eyes to the front.

b. U. S. rifle caliber, .30, Ml. 1. Inspection. 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, take the position of Port arms. With the fingers of the left hand closed, place the left thumb on the operating rod handle and push it smartly to the rear until it is caught by the operating rod catch; at the same time lower the head and eyes sufficiently to glance into the receiver. Having found the receiver empty, or having emptied it, raise the head and eyes to the front, at the same time regrasp the piece with the left hand at the balance.

44. Being at Inspection Arms. a. U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903. 1. Order (Right shoulder. Port), 2. ARMS. At the preparatory command, push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume Port arms. At the command Arms, complete the movement ordered.

b. U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml. 1. Lock pieces, 2. Order (Right shoulder). 3. ARMS, or 1. Unlock pieces, 2. DISMISSED. At the command Lock (or Unlock) pieces, place the right side of the right hand against the operating rod handle with the fingers extended and joined and the thumb on the follower. (TWO) Force the operating rod handle slightly to the rear, depress the follower with the right thumb, and permit the bolt to ride forward about 1 inch over the follower. (THREE) Remove the thumb from the follower and release the operating rod handle. (FOUR) Lock the piece, or unlock the piece and pull the trigger as the case may be (par. 34 b (2)) and resume the position of Port arms. After the pieces have been locked or unlocked, as prescribed above. Order or Right shoulder arms is given or the unit is dismissed.

45. Being at Order Arms. 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, raise and carry the rifle diagonally across the body with the right hand as shown in Plate 10, at the same time grasp it at the balance with the left hand. (TWO) Regrasp it with the right hand on the butt, the heel between the first two fingers, thumb and fingers closed on the stock. (THREE) Without changing the grasp of the right hand, place the rifle on the right shoulder, barrel up and inclined at an angle of about 45° from the horizontal, trigger guard in the hollow of the shoulder, right elbow against the side, forearm horizontal, the rifle in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front; carry the left hand, thumb and fingers extended and joined, to the small of the stock, first joint of the forefinger touching the cocking piece (or, for the Ml rifle, touching the rear end of the receiver), wrist straight, and elbow down. (FOUR) Cut away the left hand smartly to the side.

46. Being at Right Shoulder Arms. 1. Port, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, press the butt down quickly and throw the rifle diagonally across the body, at the same time turning it to the left so as to bring the barrel up, the right hand retaining its grasp on the butt, the left grasping the rifle at the balance. (TWO) Change the right hand to the small of the stock.

47. Being at Right Shoulder Arms. 1. Order, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, press the butt down quickly and throw the rifle diagonally across the body, the right hand retaining the grasp on the butt, the left hand grasping the rifle at the balance. Then execute Order arms as described in paragraph 42.

48. Being at Port Arms. 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, change the right hand to the butt as described in paragraph 45. (TWO) (THREE) Execute the last two movements as in Right shoulder arms from Order arms.

49. Being at Order Arms. 1. Parade, 2. REST. At the command Rest, move the left foot smartly 12 inches to the left of the right foot, keeping the legs straight so that the weight of the body rests equally on both feet. At the same time incline the muzzle of the rifle to the front, the right arm extended, right hand grasping the rifle just below the upper band. Hold the left hand behind the body, resting in the small of the back, palm to the rear.

50. Being at Parade Rest. 1. Squad, 2. ATTENTION. At the command Attention, resume the position of Order arms.

51. Being at Right Shoulder Arms. 1. Left shoulder. 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, execute Port arms in two counts as described in paragraph 46. (THREE) Let go of the rifle with the left hand and with the right hand still grasping the small of the stock place it on the left shoulder, barrel up, trigger guard in the hollow of the shoulder, at the same time grasp the butt with the left hand, heel between the first and second fingers, thumb and fingers closed on the stock, left forearm horizontal, left elbow against the side, the rifle in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front. (FOUR) Drop the right hand quickly to the right side.

52. Being at Left Shoulder Arms. a. 1. Port, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, grasp the rifle with the right hand at the small of the stock. (TWO) Let go with the left hand and at the same time carry the piece with the right hand to the position of Port arms and then regrasp it with the left.

b. Left shoulder arms may be ordered directly from the Order, Right shoulder, or Present. At the command Arms, execute Port arms and continue in cadence to the position ordered.

53. Being at Left Shoulder Arms. 1. Right shoulder, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, execute Port arms as described in paragraph 52, and then Right shoulder arms as described in paragraph 48.

54. Being at Left Shoulder Arms. 1. Order, 2. ARMS. At the command Arms, execute Port arms as described in paragraph 52 and complete the movement of Order arms as described in paragraph 42.

55. Being at Order or Trail Arms. 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE. At the command Salute. carry the left hand smartly to the right side, palm of the hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, forearm and wrist straight, first joint of forefinger between the stacking swivel and the muzzle as the conformation of the man permits, and look toward the person saluted. (TWO) Cut away the left hand smartly to the side; turn the head and eyes to the front.

56. Being at Right Shoulder Arms. 1. Rifle, 2. SALUTE. At the command Salute, carry the left hand smartly to small of the stock, forearm horizontal, palm of the hand down, thumb and fingers extended and joined, first joint of the forefinger touching end of cocking piece (or, for the Ml rifle, touching the rear end of the receiver); look toward the person saluted. (TWO) Cut away the left hand smartly to the side; tarn the head and eyes to the front.

57. Being at Order Arms. 1. Fix, 2. BAYONETS. At the command Bayonets--

a. If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt, move the muzzle of the rife to the left front and grasp the rifle below the stacking swivel with the left band; grasp the bayonet with the right hand, back of the hand toward the body; pressing the spring with the forefinger, draw the bayonet from the scabbard and fix it on the barrel, glancing at the muzzle; resume, the order.

b. If the bayonet is carried on the haversack, draw and fix the bayonet in the most convenient manner.

c. These movements are not executed in cadence.

58. Being at Order Arms. 1. Unfix, 2. BAYONETS. At the command Bayonets--

a. If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the belt, take the position for fixing bayonets; grasp the handle of the bayonet with the right hand, pressing the spring, raise the bayonet until the handle is about 12 inches above the muzzle of the rifle; drop the point to the left, back of the hand toward the body and, glancing at the scabbard, return the bayonet, the blade passing between the left arm and the body; regrasp the rifle with the right hand and resume the order.

b. If the bayonet scabbard is carried on the haversack, take the bayonet from the rifle as described above and return it to the scabbard in the most convenient manner.

c. These movements are not executed in cadence.

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